When it comes to ways to enjoy the great outdoors, there’s surely no shortage of methods. You can go camping or hiking; you can tube one of our amazing rivers, or tour any of our splendid state parks (of which there are 24). You can rent an all-terrain vehicle and tour the backroads and roads less traveled. The potential is almost limitless; if you can dream it, you can probably find a way to do it in the great outdoors of the Hoosier State. Today, for example, we’ll take a look at an amazing train ride that serves one purpose: to introduce you to – and get you acquainted with – the exquisite natural beauty of the hills of southern Indiana. These scenic train rides in Indiana are one of a kind, and better still, they’re great for kids – so bring the whole family along and discover the beauty of our state.

It’s called the French Lick Scenic Railway, and it’s been a thing in some way or another since 1961.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook It all began in Westport, though in 1978 the operation was moved to French Lick. It was formerly known as the Indiana Railway Museum, but nowadays it goes by its current moniker.

It’s not a museum in the most traditional sense; instead, it’s a rolling train ride experience that allows you to experience what it was like when rail travel was the primary form of transportation.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook Of course, it takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes the Hoosier State has to offer; no matter what time of year it may be, you’re in for a splendid treat.

The excursion takes guests on an adventurous look at our state’s intriguing natural world.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook You’ll find yourself whisking past interesting geological features, past a log cabin built in the 1850s, and through the second-longest railroad tunnel in all of Indiana.

The scenic train rides are wonderful, and once you’ve experienced one of those and fallen in love with Indiana’s backcountry, you might want to expand your horizons and try out a more thrilling adventure, like a Wild West Hold-Up.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook Though if you’re only in this for the low-key, scenic cruise, we get it. No judgment here. After all, we don’t blame you; the scenic route is easily one of the most beautiful in the state.

The scenic excursions are 18 miles round-trip and run 1 hour and 45 minutes.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook The railroad also offers excursions like the aforementioned Wild West Hold-Up, Dinosaur Adventure Train, and even the Polar Express during the holiday season! The scenic excursions, however, go all year round.

We suggest taking a scenic ride once for each season of the year; seeing the landscape change is truly an enchanting experience, and each season brings with it different photogenic qualities.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook

For more information, including how to plan your trip and where to purchase and pick up your tickets, make sure to visit the official French Lick Scenic railway website. Do you know of any other scenic train rides in Indiana? Tell us about them in the comments! We love learning about your favorite places around the Hoosier State.

French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook

It all began in Westport, though in 1978 the operation was moved to French Lick. It was formerly known as the Indiana Railway Museum, but nowadays it goes by its current moniker.

Of course, it takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes the Hoosier State has to offer; no matter what time of year it may be, you’re in for a splendid treat.

You’ll find yourself whisking past interesting geological features, past a log cabin built in the 1850s, and through the second-longest railroad tunnel in all of Indiana.

Though if you’re only in this for the low-key, scenic cruise, we get it. No judgment here. After all, we don’t blame you; the scenic route is easily one of the most beautiful in the state.

The railroad also offers excursions like the aforementioned Wild West Hold-Up, Dinosaur Adventure Train, and even the Polar Express during the holiday season! The scenic excursions, however, go all year round.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 8594 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432, USA