Museum Admission

Tour the Mad River & NKP Museum and explore its detailed displays, exhibits, and vintage railroad equipment. Museum admission includes entry into the limited access display area of the museum. Museum admission is not required or included with a ticket purchase of the Caboose Rides, Berkshire Dinner, Berkshire Breakfast, Night Photo Session, or Hostler experience. Admission is $8.00 with any event or train ride ticket or $10.00 if purchased separately at the Museum.

Caboose Rides

These 20-minute train rides will let passengers experience the sights and sounds of Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 up close and personal from aboard a unique vantage point: inside a genuine Nickel Plate Road caboose! Bring the family and ride along like railroad crews did in the 1950s. Trains depart every 30 minutes. Tickets range from $12.00 – $25.00.

Berkshire Breakfast

Held in the newly constructed Mary Cooper Restoration building, this buffet-style breakfast will feature Nickel Plate Road no. 765 under steam and no. 757 on display inside the building. Diesel-powered caboose rides will be held for attendees. Tickets are $65.00.

Berkshire Dinner Buffet

Catered by Bone Boy’s BBQ & Catering and held in the newly constructed Mary Cooper Restoration building, this buffet-style dinner will feature Nickel Plate Road no. 765 under steam and no. 757 on display inside the building. Diesel-powered caboose rides will be held for attendees. Tickets are $75.00.

Hostler Experience – SOLD OUT

Join the ranks of a mainline steam locomotive crew and help prepare the 765 for the day’s run. You’ll learn how to awaken the 765’s firebox, service the locomotive’s appliances and running gear, and enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the 765 and its cab for an 8-hour experience. All participants must be able-bodied and wear steel-toed shoes. Tickets are $284.00 per person. Space is limited.

Cab Rides – SOLD OUT

Climb aboard the cab of steam locomotive no. 765 during for a 20-minute ride with the fireman and engineer. Tickets are $50.00. Space is limited. All participants must be able-bodied and wear close-toed shoes.

Night Photo Session – SOLD OUT

For amateur and professional photographers alike, enjoy an extended opportunity to photograph no. 765, no. 757, and other historic railroad equipment, actors, vintage automobiles, and props in action under professionally lit scenes throughout the museum grounds in set-ups uniquely created for this event. Lighting provided by Chris Lantz Photography. Tickets are $175.00 per person. Space is limited.

Please note: Due to the historical nature of the equipment used for this event, cabooses and locomotive are not handicap accessible. Ticket holders for the caboose cupola and cab rides must be in adequate physical condition to climb ladders and must wear closed-toe shoes (no slip ons, crocs, or flip-flops). Neither Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum or the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc are responsible for lost or damaged items or injuries before, during, and after the event. Please review all terms, conditions, and safety-related items at fortwaynerailroad.org/faq/ prior to booking.