French Lick Scenic Railway

Imagine a journey back in time, when the click-clack of wheels and the blast of a locomotive whistle were your primary travel companions. The French Lick Scenic Railway is a unique living museum in Indiana, USA, offering tourists more than just a look at exhibits—it's a full-fledged vintage train ride through the hills and forests of the Hoosier National Forest.

The route begins at the historic depot in the town of French Lick and stretches 25 miles toward Jasper. The crown jewel of this line is the Burton Tunnel—a magnificent piece of early 20th-century engineering. Passengers can enjoy views of limestone cliffs and lakes, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of classic American travel from the last century.

This tourist attraction is managed by the Indiana Railway Museum and is recognized as one of the most popular in the region. It is an ideal spot for a family outing where history comes alive in every car, and picturesque landscapes unfold one after another, providing unforgettable memories and great photo opportunities.

To check the current schedule or book tickets for themed excursions, we recommend contacting the administration in advance. The railway staff is always ready to assist tourists with planning their visit and answer any organizational questions.

The main reason travelers visit is, of course, the excursion train ride. For nearly two hours, you will watch Southern Indiana's landscapes transform as you pass through dense forests and deep rock cuts. A particularly thrilling moment is when the train enters the dark Burton Tunnel, where you can see the marks of the manual labor performed by workers over a century ago.

Beyond the classic routes, the railway offers themed programs that are in high demand. In winter, they launch the famous "The Polar Express," turning the trip into a Christmas fairy tale, while autumn brings special fall foliage tours to admire the golden leaves of the national forest.

Back at the depot, it's worth stopping by the gift shop, which sells unique railway-themed souvenirs. Visitors also have the chance to get a close look at mighty diesel locomotives and take commemorative photos against the backdrop of vintage passenger cars. It's a place where you can simply relax, escape the hustle and bustle, and feel the steady rhythm of life from a century ago.

The easiest way to reach the historic depot, located at 8594 IN-56 in the heart of town, is by car. The main route follows Highway IN-56, which leads directly to the center of the tourist area. Free parking is available for visitors right next to the station building.

If you are traveling from major cities in the region, such as Indianapolis, the drive will take about two hours (approximately 180 km). From Bloomington or Evansville, it is most convenient to take I-64 or IN-37, then transition to IN-56. The nearest major airports are in Louisville (a 1.5-hour drive) and Evansville (1 hour).

Since public transportation in this part of the state is limited, a taxi or rental car will be the most comfortable options. The railway depot is within walking distance of the famous French Lick Resort, making it very convenient for resort guests to visit.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the development of tourism in the region. In the late 19th century, the Monon and Southern railways brought thousands of guests to French Lick to relax at the mineral springs. It was thanks to the trains that local hotels were able to operate year-round, receiving up to nine trains daily during peak years.

One of the main technical highlights of the route is the Burton Tunnel, built in 1907. At approximately 2,200 feet (670 meters) long, it is the second-longest railway tunnel in Indiana. If you look closely while passing through, you can spot small irregularities in the walls at the center of the tunnel—this is the meeting point where workers digging from both ends finally joined up.

The Indiana Railway Museum, which operates the route today, was founded in 1961. After moving between several locations, it finally settled in French Lick in 1978. Today, the organization carefully preserves the spirit of a bygone era, using historic diesel locomotives and restored passenger cars from the mid-20th century for its excursions.

To fully experience this attraction, visitors are recommended to set aside about 2.5–3 hours. The scenic railway excursion itself lasts between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the chosen route and weather conditions.

In addition, you should allow at least 30–60 minutes to explore the historic 1907 depot, visit the gift shop, and examine the displayed locomotives. At the depot, you can see unique pieces of machinery, such as Engine No. 1813, built back in 1952.

The organizers strongly advise arriving at the station 30 minutes before the train departs to pick up your tickets and board comfortably. If you plan to attend a special holiday event, such as "The Polar Express," it is best to dedicate the entire afternoon to your visit.

Please note that the hours listed below refer to the depot's office and ticket counter. The excursion train schedule varies by season and specific events, so be sure to check the departure times on the official website before your visit.

• Monday: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
• Tuesday: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
• Wednesday: 13:00 – 16:00
• Thursday: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
• Friday: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed (office is closed; excursions may run on a special schedule)

After your vintage train journey, it’s worth taking some time to explore the town itself, famous for its architecture and hospitality. A stroll around the depot area will lead you to cozy lunch spots and help you learn more about Indiana's sporting and cultural history.

The railway is surrounded by many interesting locations, from history museums to iconic sites associated with legendary figures.