Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Whitewater Valley Railroad |
| Website | https://www.whitewatervalleyrr.org/ |
| Train ride | Diesel powered train of heritage cars on ex-New York Central line, through scenic Indiana. |
| Location | 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331 |
| Length of trip | 16 miles |
| Cost of single ticket | $25.00 |
| Special Trains | Wild West Special Civil War Special Easter Bunny Train 4th of July Train Santa Trains Polar Express |
Information/History
The Whitewater Valley Railroad is a heritage tourist railroad that operates on a historic railroad line in southeastern Indiana, United States. The railroad offers scenic train rides through the scenic Whitewater River Valley, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich railroad history.
History
The Whitewater Valley Railroad line was originally part of the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Junction Railroad, which was completed in 1868. In 1895, the line was purchased by the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway (better known as the Big Four), which operated the line until the mid-1900s. In 1963, the line was abandoned by the New York Central Railroad, and the tracks were removed shortly thereafter.
In the late 1960s, a group of local railway enthusiasts formed the Whitewater Valley Railroad Association, with the goal of preserving and restoring the historic line. The group obtained a lease on the line from the State of Indiana in 1972, and began restoring the track and equipment. The first train ride on the newly restored line took place on October 16, 1974.
Train Ride
Today, the Whitewater Valley Railroad offers a variety of train rides throughout the year. The most popular ride is the 16-mile round trip from Connersville to Metamora, which takes visitors through the scenic Whitewater River Valley and past historic landmarks such as the restored Metamora Grist Mill. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 2-hour layover in Metamora.
The locomotive used on the train ride is a historic diesel locomotive, typically a General Motors EMD GP7 or GP9. The passenger cars are also historic, with many dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. The train includes a combination of open-air and enclosed cars, providing visitors with a range of seating options.
Nearby Attractions
The Whitewater Valley Railroad is located in a region of Indiana that offers a variety of other attractions for visitors. In addition to the historic Metamora Grist Mill, visitors can explore the nearby Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, which includes a restored 19th-century canal town. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and fishing in nearby Whitewater Memorial State Park.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 532 | SD10 | EMD 1975 | Ex-Milwaukee Road |
| 9339 | S-1 | Alco | Ex-Procter & Gamble |
| 25 | LS-750 | Lima | Ex-Cincinnati Union Terminal |
| 1 | 65-Ton Switcher | GE | Ex-USN |
Getting There
Nearest Amtrak Station
The nearest Amtrak station to the Whitewater Valley Railroad is in Connersville, Indiana, which is also the starting point for the train ride. The Connersville station is located at 1012 Eastern Ave, and is approximately 2 miles from the railroad. The Amtrak Cardinal line stops at the Connersville station, with daily service to Chicago, Indianapolis, and New York City.
Nearest Commercial Airport
The nearest commercial airport to the Whitewater Valley Railroad is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located approximately 75 miles southeast of the railroad. Visitors can rent a car at the airport and drive to the railroad, which is located just off of US-52. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Driving Directions
For visitors driving to the Whitewater Valley Railroad, the address is 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331. The railroad is located just off of US-52, and is easily accessible from both Indianapolis and Cincinnati. From Indianapolis, take I-74 east to exit 132, then follow signs for US-52. From Cincinnati, take I-74 west to exit 169, then follow signs for US-52.
