Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. French Lick Scenic Railway.
Created & Hosted by Mojo Media Miami International
The Indiana Railway Museum is a tourist railway and museum located in French Lick,
Indiana. The Museum was founded in 1961 in the town of Westport, Indiana where
the railroad operated a tourist excursion, utilizing one small locomotive, three passenger
cars, and about twenty volunteers. Ridership was estimated at about 500 passengers in
1962. The museum and railway remained in Westport until a move was necessitated in
1971. The organization relocated to Greensburg, Indiana where it operated until 1976
when it again, it changed locations. The Museum was relocated to French Lick in 1978 after
an agreement with the Southern Railway Company. They deeded the Museum a total of sixteen
miles of track stretching from West Baden, Indiana, approximately one mile north of French
Lick, to a small village named Dubois, to the south.
The Indiana Railway Museum currently operates as The French Lick Scenic Railway
operating passenger trains over twenty-five miles of this track from French Lick to Jasper.
The driving force behind the Railway is to provide guests with an experience harking back
to a time when rail travel was the primary means of long distnace travel.
The railroad has continued to grow and currently boasts a roster of over 65 pieces of rolling
stock and locomotives, 9 full-time staff, 350 members, and 60 volunteers. In 2016, the railroad
had a ridership of over 82,000 passengers
The History of the Indiana Railway Museum
Does my child need a car seat?
It is not necessary to bring car seats for children.
Are there bathrooms on the train?
Yes there are limited bathrooms located on the train,
as well as at the halfway point in Gradman Station.
What is there to do at Gradman Station?
The train is at Gradman Station for only about 10 minutes in order to provide an opportunity to use the restrooms, stretch
your legs and give the crew time to prepare the train for
its return trip to French Lick.
How long is the trip?
The trip is 18 miles round trip with a short 10 minute stop
at Gradman Station. It takes approximately 1 3/4 hours (slightly longer on robbery weekends)
Are the trips steam or diesel powered?
Currently all trips are powered by diesel locomotives.
When are the robbery weekends?
For more information see our Special Events page.
Does the train have heating and air conditioning?
The train does have heat during the cooler months. Some cars do have air conditioning - it is on a first-come first serve basis. Air conditioned cars may NOT be available on all trips.
What credit cards does the Railroad accept?
The Railroad currently accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. The Railroad does not have a debit card feature offering cash back. ATMs are located only a short distance from the Railroad.
Does the Railroad accept personal checks?
The Railroad does not accept personal checks for fares or for purchases in the museum store. Group reservations made in advance may be paid using a personal check. For further questions call 1-800-74-TRAIN.
How do I get to the Railroad? Please visit our Home Page
and click on the interactive map to get turn-by-turn directions from your location.
Are the robberies suitable for young children?
The robberies are comparable to watching an old western movie on television. There are loud noises from black powder pistols, a staged gun battle, and horses. See out Special Events page for info.
What time zone does the Railroad follow?
The Railroad is on Eastern Time all year round. The Railroad does observe Daylight Savings Time. Please visit our Home Page for the local time and weather!
Are there discounts available?
Yes. Please see our Take A Ride page for information.
Are food and drink available on the train?
Yes. Drinks and snacks (i.e. cookies, candy bars, crackers, etc...) are available on the train. Beer, wine & soft drinks are available on the train. Sales on the train are cash only.
How soon before departure time should I arrive?
It is recommended that you arrive at least 20-30 minutes before departure. On holiday or robbery weekends, you may want to arrive 45 minutes before departure if you have not purchased tickets in advance.
Can I make reservations?
Yes. Please select your date from the calendar on the Home Page to purchase your advance tickets. Please be aware that all ticket sales are final and they may not be exchanged. Confirm your travel plans with all members of your group prior to booking.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes the Railroad does have a Gift Shop featuring a variety of items.
Are there opportunities to volunteer?
Yes. Please see the Member & Volunteer page.
Can I become a member of the French Lick Scenic Railway?
Yes. Please see our Member & Volunteers page.
Does the Railroad run trains from French Lick to Jasper? Service between Jasper and French Lick is offered on a scheduled basis. Please visit www.spiritofjasper.com for more information.
Can I smoke onboard the train?
No. Smoking is not permitted on the train, however during the stop at Gradman Station, smoking is permitted outside of the train.
Is there a picnic area near the Railroad?
Yes. The Railroad has several picnic tables that are available for use by our visitors. Most of these are under cover. Use of these tables is on a first come - first served basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
