Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | French Lick Scenic Railway – Indiana Railway Museum |
| Website | https://frenchlickscenicrailway.org/ |
| Train ride | Diesel powered passenger train pulling heritage equipment through the Indiana countryside. |
| Location | 8594 W. State Road 56, Box 150 French Lick, IN 47432 |
| Length of trip | 18 mile round trip, 1 hour 45 minute |
| Cost of single ticket | $22.00 |
| Special Trains | Dinosaur Adventure Train Summer Splash Bash Dinner Trains Polar Express train ride |
History/information
The French Lick Scenic Railway is a tourist attraction that has been a popular destination for train enthusiasts for decades. The railway is located in the town of French Lick, Indiana, and is operated by the Indiana Railway Museum. The railway is located in the heart of southern Indiana, just a few miles from the border with Kentucky, making it a convenient destination for tourists from throughout the region.
The history of the Indiana Railway Museum dates back to the early 1960s, when a group of local train enthusiasts formed the Indiana Railway Museum Association. The group began restoring a steam locomotive that had been abandoned by a local logging company, and eventually acquired several more locomotives and rail cars. The group opened a museum in the town of North Judson, Indiana, which became a popular destination for train enthusiasts from throughout the region.
In the early 1990s, the Indiana Railway Museum acquired a section of track between French Lick and Jasper, Indiana. The group began operating passenger trains on the line, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of southern Indiana from the comfort of a vintage rail car. The French Lick Scenic Railway was born.
The rail line that the French Lick Scenic Railway operates on was originally built in the late 1800s by the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. The line was eventually acquired by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and was used for passenger and freight service for several decades. The line was eventually abandoned in the 1980s, but was saved from demolition by the Indiana Railway Museum.
Today, the French Lick Scenic Railway offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the thrill of riding on a vintage train. The train departs from the French Lick depot and travels through the scenic Hoosier National Forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The train makes several stops along the way, including at the historic town of Jasper, Indiana.
In addition to the French Lick Scenic Railway, the town of French Lick offers a variety of other attractions for visitors. The town is home to several historic hotels and resorts, including the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the nearby Hoosier National Forest.
The French Lick Scenic Railway operates a variety of vintage train equipment, including steam and diesel locomotives, passenger coaches, and caboose cars. The railway also offers special events throughout the year, including holiday train rides, murder mystery dinners, and other themed events.
Notable roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 97 | 2-6-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | Ex-Mobile & Gulf |
| 208 | 2-6-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | Ex-Angelina and Neches River Railroad |
| 4 | RS-1 | ALCO | Ex-Duluth Shore and Atlantic |
| 6 | 80 Ton | GE | Ex-US Navy |
| 78 | S-2 | ALCO | Ex-Mobile & Gulf |
| 101 | S-4 | ALCO | Ex-Anglers Winslow and Western Railway |
| 1813 | GP16 | EMD | Ex Seaboard Air Line |
Getting There
The closest Amtrak station to the French Lick Scenic Railway is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, approximately 100 miles north of French Lick. Visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service from the station to the railway museum.
The closest commercial airport to the French Lick Scenic Railway is the Louisville International Airport, located approximately 75 miles south of French Lick. Visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service from the airport to the railway museum.
For visitors driving to the French Lick Scenic Railway, the museum is located just off of State Road 56, approximately 60 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky, and 100 miles south of Indianapolis, Indiana. Parking is available at the museum.
