Skip to main content

Thanks for supporting railroad preservation!

Indiana Rail Museums Partner for New York Central Steam Locomotive Project

By News



Collaboration sees Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society acquire 
New York Central Steam Locomotive no. 3001

ELKHART, IND. –  A partnership between the City of Elkhart, Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, and the National New York Central Railroad Museum will create a new strategic plan for the Museum’s redevelopment and dispatch a noteworthy 1940s steam locomotive on a path toward restoration. For details and or to donate, visit americanloco.org.

In addition to acquiring New York Central steam locomotive No. 3001 from the Museum’s collection, the Fort Wayne Railroad has undertaken a study with local officials to develop guidance that will improve its outdoor railroad displays and position the institution as an anchor for neighborhood redevelopment.

“We have been the stewards of the Mohawk for many years,” said Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson. “Although we have had no shortage of pride and admiration for this historic machine, we lacked the expertise to be able to preserve it in the way it deserves. We are thrilled to be able to announce this partnership and a new life for the Mohawk.”

Following an assessment of the National New York Central Museum’s collection, a de-accession plan for select rolling stock will be published, allowing qualified parties to solicit their interest. Public input opportunities for the National New York Central Museum’s master plan will be held in 2025.

“We treat this collaboration and the acquisition of the 3001 with great excitement and seriousness,” stated Kelly Lynch, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “The locomotive’s future has been uncertain for decades, but with consistent and demonstrated donor support, we believe it can become a major attraction as part of an authentic and immersive experience that will welcome thousands of people from around the world.”

Pending successful fundraising efforts, No. 3001 will be the only operating New York Central steam locomotive in the world. It will run over former New York Central trackage, pulling former New York Central passenger cars, between restored New York Central stations as part of the Indiana Rail Experience. Several railroads and preservation partners have been identified as suitable venues for the locomotive and train.

Fort Wayne has issued a $100,000 challenge grant to kick off the $4.3 million restoration of the 84-year-old machine, with the first goal to raise $500,000 by May 3rd, 2025. As a compliment to mailed or online donations, donor pledges can be made at americanloco.org for periodic drives for the restoration effort to meet its milestones. If fully funded, the multi-year effort would see significant repairs made to its boiler, firebox, running gear, and appliances. Donations can also be addressed to Re: 3001 PO BOX 11017, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46855.

“Rather than manage an unknowable ebb and flow of contributions, we encourage backers to join our pledge list,” Lynch explained. “We are planning pledge drives at the outset to meet our first critical fundraising milestones and to measure the feasibility of fundraising for such a massive project. The effort will not be able to move forward without broad and consistent donor support, which we believe we can forecast from the pledges. As much as this effort may be driven by emotion and history, it has to be driven by data and logic, too.”

In addition to the restoration shop and volunteers of the Fort Wayne Railroad, strategic partners for the effort include Norfolk Southern, FMW Solutions, Gramling Locomotive Works, Pluta Rail Options and Services, Horizon Rail, and the New York Central Historical and Technical Society. The initial acquisition effort was initiated by a mechanical inspection performed by FMW Solutions and sponsored by former Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman.

Since 1972, the Fort Wayne Railroad has worked to restore and transform historic railroad equipment into operating attractions, including most notably Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765. For over 40 years, its dedicated volunteers have exhibited vintage rail attractions throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

In association with the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience in 2022 and now routinely operates tourist trains between Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With growing attendance numbers and an economic impact of over 3 million dollars, the 100-mile-long route was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023.

In the first half of the 20th Century, the New York Central Railroad was a celebrated way for millions of Americans to travel. During this time, the railroad carried citizens, workers, and vacationers from every walk of life aboard its great steel fleet of famous trains. For many, the Central’s name trains – such as the 20th Century Limited, Empire State Express, Mercury, and others – symbolized the effusive hope of the Art Deco era, and embodied a dedication to public good and service. This will be the first time since 1957 that one of its most recognizable icons has a clear path toward an operational restoration.

Fort Wayne Railroad appoints Kelly Lynch as first Executive Director

By Uncategorized

Executive Director appointed to lead new era of operations, restorations, development

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, an award-winning rail preservation non-profit organization in Northeast Indiana, has named Kelly Lynch as its first-ever Executive Director.

Lynch’s appointment marks a new era of growth and community engagement for the non-profit, as its Indiana Rail Experience, a new rail tourism program connecting Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, was named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023. He has served as a dedicated board member for the past 20 years, and steps into the role with a wealth of experience in non-profit administration, marketing, fundraising, and railroad operations.

Under his leadership, the organization created the Indiana Rail Experience and has successfully raised over $2 million for the program since 2022, ensuring the continued preservation and celebration of Indiana’s rich railroad heritage.

“After 52 years as an all-volunteer organization, we have come a long way from restoring and operating a historic steam locomotive that was once displayed in Lawton Park,” stated Wayne York, founding member of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “With our growing tourist railroad operation and the restoration of the Pleasant Lake depot and several vintage passenger cars, we also have a few projects and surprises in the works to keep preserving and making railroad history in our region. Kelly is a second-generation volunteer and his special combination of skills and expertise make him a natural choice to shepherd these efforts.”

Lynch has two decades of experience in both the railroad and rail preservation industries and has worked in operations and administrative roles for dozens of railroads, non-profits, museums, and institutions dedicated to historic transportation preservation. He maintains relationships with various rail operations as a consultant for FMW Solutions and has recently served as a movie train advisor for television and film, including A Man Called Otto (2021) and Sinners (2025). Lynch also serves on the Locomotive Task Force Committee for the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

As a volunteer, Lynch oversaw the creation of the first steam-powered passenger excursions in downtown Chicago in over 45 years, spearheaded the collaboration between the Fort Wayne Railroad and Progress Rail for the restoration of a historic diesel locomotive, and negotiated the acquisition of over ten passenger cars for the organization’s fleet of historic rolling stock and the purchase of the Pleasant Lake depot. Between 2011 and 2016, he championed efforts to include the railroad attractions in riverfront development efforts in downtown Fort Wayne, setting the stage for the now flourishing Indiana Rail Experience.

Lynch is an award-winning filmmaker who holds a certification from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the New York Film Academy. Outside of his contributions to the rail preservation community, Lynch has previously served as the Video Creative Director at Sweetwater, and as a board member for Dekalb County Visitors Bureau and Angola Main Street. He is the son of former Fort Wayne Railroad volunteer Dan Lynch, a crew member from the 1970s restoration of Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765. For an in-depth interview on his rail preservation career, click here.

“It is one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the organization that has shaped so much of it,” expressed Lynch. “I deeply appreciate the extraordinary community behind the Fort Wayne Railroad for their support as we work to celebrate and save our rich railroad history and provide outstanding experiences while we do it. I want to especially thank the board of directors and the Indiana Northeastern Railroad Company for their trust in this great new adventure.”

Ridership on the Indiana Rail Experience has grown over 114% in three years and the Fort Wayne Railroad’s next offerings include the Fall Colors Steam Special on October 19th and 20th, the diesel-powered Autumn Limited trips on October 25th, 26th, and 27th, and the Indiana Christmas Trains in December. For tickets and information, visit indianarails.org.

Historic Pullman Car Makes Tracks for Indiana Railroad Attraction

By Events, Excursions, News

NORTHEAST INDIANA – Kitchi Gammi Club, a one-of-a-kind 1923 Pullman railroad passenger car, will travel on a multi-day journey between New York City, Chicago, and Grand Rapids, Michigan to join the Indiana Rail Experience for special occasions this October and December. Tickets to ride aboard this vintage Pullman car during its special Amtrak charter voyage and seasonal excursions will be available at indianarails.org.

“Pullman cars were renowned for plush interiors, lounges, sleeping compartments, and onboard services. Kitchi Gammi Club represents one of the best examples from this era of early 20th-century rail travel. We’re elated to add it to our fall color and Christmas trains this year,” explained Kelly Lynch, Executive Director for the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.

Named the Kitchi Gammi Club, the prestigious passenger car once operated in first-class passenger train service for the Nickel Plate Road. It routinely traveled as a part of its named passenger trains until 1953, when it was converted into an official company business car until it was later deemed surplus after serving in wreck train service. Between 1988 and 2019, the car was meticulously overhauled and restored under private ownership and operated by Virginia Rail Investment Corporation and its owners Chuck Akers and Chuck Jensen. It has seen continuous service ever since, most recently traveling to Miami for the National Railway Historical Society Convention. Accompanying the Kitchi Gammi Club will be the Pullman car Pacific Island, a 1950s-era sleeper-lounge car operated by Adios Rail.

 

Kitchi Gammi Club commonly operated behind both steam and diesel locomotives of the Nickel Plate, just like the Fort Wayne Railroad’s 1940s-era steam locomotive no. 765 and 1950s-era diesel locomotive no. 358, the latter of which was just recently restored. The car’s arrival is timed to coincide with the organization’s hosting of the annual convention of the Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society in October.

“You haven’t been able to climb aboard a Nickel Plate Pullman and ride behind a Nickel Plate steam or diesel locomotive in Northeast Indiana regularly since the 1950s,” added Lynch.

Plans call for Kitchi Gammi Club to depart on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited from New York Penn Station on September 6th and arrive in Chicago on September 7th, with a brief stop planned en route in Waterloo, Indiana. The car will then move onto Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 8th and be shipped to Northeast Indiana via freight trains.

10 individual overnight tickets, 6 double-bedroom overnight tickets, and a limited number of one-way tickets are available for the Amtrak portion of the trip. All overnight tickets include dinner and breakfast and access to both cars. Tickets for a berth section aboard the Kitchi Gammi are $950. Tickets for a private, overnight double bedroom for two passengers aboard Pacific Island are $2,500. One-way individual tickets between Waterloo and Chicago and Chicago and Grand Rapids are $325 and $355, respectively. Passengers will be responsible for their return travel, lodging, and accommodations. For more details on the Amtrak charter, click here.

Kitchi Gammi Club and Pacific Island will be available on the previously sold-out Fall Colors Steam Special operating between Pleasant Lake and Hillsdale, Michigan on October 19th and 20th, and aboard the diesel-powered Autumn Limited on October 25th, 26th, and 27th. In addition, both cars will join the Indiana Christmas Train dates throughout December.

Amtrak Charter Trip Disclaimer: This charter will operate as part of the Lake Shore Limited on the general railroad system and at the discretion of Amtrak and its host railroads, and is therefore subject to freight traffic and other disruptions that are not the responsibility of the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. All schedules, timetables, event amenities, and offerings may be altered at any time due to railroad logistics, late departures, mechanical substitutions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Every effort will be made to operate trains as advertised but as these are special, one-time events, we cannot guarantee times and assume no consequential liability for inconvenience or expense caused by delays or cancellations. Do not book other transportation or make time-sensitive reservations. Passengers are responsible for their own return transportation and lodging and are advised to purchase trip insurance. Due to the historic nature of this equipment, these cars are not ADA-accessible.

New first-class, open-window cars join Indiana Rail Experience

By News

NORTHEAST INDIANA – The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has introduced two newly created passenger cars to the Indiana Rail Experience. Converted from two former Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus cars, the additions combine parlor-style seating with generously sized open windows and four large Dutch viewing doors for a unique combination of first-class amenities and vintage railroad charm. Tickets to ride in these cars during special events this year, including the Tri-State Scenic in June and the Wine & Chocolate Train in July, are on sale now at indianarailexperience.org.

“Many of our guests want to experience the thrill of riding behind a historic steam locomotive up close and personal, and these cars combine Jazz Era and Art Deco furnishings and decor, comfortable seating, and plentiful opportunities to see, hear, and enjoy the train and passing countryside,” explained Kelly Lynch, Executive Director for the Fort Wayne Railroad. “Many traditional open-window cars are over 100 years old and can be prohibitively expensive to acquire and maintain, so we decided to create our own to maintain the iconic adventure of riding behind a vintage steam locomotive in a way that preserves the sensory experience.”

The cars collectively add nearly 70 seats to each train, and feature table and lounge-style seating, a small bar, water closet, and one car retains its original elephant carriage, which will be available on select occasions for private groups. With its open-air capabilities and casual refinements, the cars will also offer cigar-smoking luxuries during designated events.

The cars carry a silver paint scheme similar to their original circus train appearance and a red stripe signifying that they were once part of the Ringling Ringing Bros. “Red Unit Circus Train,” a one-mile-long, traveling road show that supported the itinerant performances. The circus train ended in 2017, concluding a 145-year-old tradition.

CONNECTION TO LOCAL HISTORY

For many years, the circus’ arrival by train was an annual ceremony in many towns. In Fort Wayne, the Ringling Ringing Bros. Circus Train was delivered by the Nickel Plate Road and then unloaded at 4th Street, where Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 would eventually be placed on display in 1963. From there, the elephants paraded up Clinton Street where the circus performed at Centlivre Park, which was named for the nearby brewery that once produced Nickel Plate Beer. Recognizing these connections, the first-class table car has been named Centlivre Park. The second car, as of yet unnamed, will be listed as Car 5735. Sponsorship opportunities and naming rights are available.

Originally built as baggage cars No. 5735 and No. 5762 for Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The cars were adapted by the circus in the 1990s, operated No. 60019 and No. 63009, and used until 2017. The cars were acquired by Norfolk Southern in 2017, later sold to the Everett Railroad, and then purchased by the Fort Wayne Railroad in late 2023 where they have been undergoing restoration since last winter with support from a local donor.

ABOUT THE FORT WAYNE RAILROAD

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences through its celebration of the Golden Age of Railroading – a special era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity between the 1930s and 1950s. The Fort Wayne Railroad has operated historic steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road no. 765 extensively in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and its events routinely welcome visitors from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. In 2023, its rail tourism program the Indiana Rail Experience was named Indiana’s Best New Experience by Visit Indiana and since 2022, its events have had an economic impact of over 3 million dollars on Northeast Indiana. The Fort Wayne Railroad’s operations are made possible entirely through volunteers and funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.

Indiana Rail Experience Announces 2024 Season

By Events, News

Indiana’s Best New Experience expands to include new Picnic Trains, Bike Train, World War II event on Labor Day Weekend, and additional Christmas Trains

NORTHEAST INDIANA – After being named Indiana’s Best New Experience in 2023, the Indiana Rail Experience has returned to the region with an extended calendar of events that will delight visitors with new offerings and popular favorites on Memorial Day through Christmas. The Indiana Rail Experience offers the opportunity to travel aboard vintage passenger trains operated with historic steam and diesel locomotives from the 1940s and 50s on a private railroad line that links Western Ohio, Northeast Indiana, and Southeast Michigan. Tickets are on sale now at indianarailexperience.org.

In addition to its popular train rides, including the Indiana Ice Cream Train, Wine & Whiskey Train, Wine & Chocolate Train, Cigar Train, Fall Color Train, Railroad Camp, and Christmas Train, the Indiana Rail Experience is introducing the Picnic Train, Bike Train, and hosting its second World War II themed event, Rolling Victory, on Labor Day Weekend. In addition, organizers are once again hosting the Tails & Ales Train, a special train ride that welcomes dogs and their owners and supports local humane shelters.

Group bookings, charters, and private tours are also available, and the fall color Autumn Limited trips on Friday, October 25th have been set aside exclusively for large tour groups and private businesses to reserve tickets. For more information on these offerings, click here.

AN ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR THE REGION

“The Indiana Rail Experience has proven to be transformational not just for our organization, but for the communities we serve,” stated Kelly Lynch, Executive Director for the Fort Wayne Railroad. “In 2023, we welcomed over 15,000 passengers who according to the tourism bureau brought an estimated $2.5 million in economic impact on the region. The ability to celebrate our authentic history and have a meaningful impact on Northeast Indiana has long been our goal, and we’re thrilled to grow our third season to include more events, attractions, and opportunities to welcome more people to discover what our state has to offer. None of this would be possible without our donors or volunteers, who all work to make these attractions come to life.”

INVESTING IN A NEW ATTRACTION

Last year, the Fort Wayne Railroad announced the acquisition of the historic Pleasant Lake railroad depot and has successfully raised over $120,000 to invest in the restoration of the historic structure, and the acquisition of seven historic New York Central railroad passenger cars to double train capacity in the ensuing years. Thanks to ongoing fundraising and donor support, the station’s restoration and the fleet of cars are presently ongoing. The first phase of depot restoration will occur this summer and the first restored New York Central car is planned to enter service this fall.

In addition, the Fort Wayne Railroad will be adding two newly renovated first-class open-air passenger cars to the fleet. These cars, which were once part of the famous traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus train, will feature both dining car tables and lounge-style seating and open windows for passengers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the passing countryside and increase train capacity by an additional 70 seats.

Earlier this year, the organization was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation to establish the Pleasant Lake Campus, which is imagined as a hub of amenities and facilities to further support the tourism program. Development of the campus will begin later in 2024.

ABOUT

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences through its celebration of the Golden Age of Railroading – a special era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity between the 1930s and 1950s. The Fort Wayne Railroad has operated historic steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road no. 765 extensively in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and its events routinely welcome visitors from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. Its operations are made possible entirely through volunteers and funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.

Named Indiana’s “Best New Experience” by state tourism officials, the Indiana Rail Experience offers a variety of train trips and events including hour-long rides, themed event trains, and all-day excursions aboard our historic passenger trains from the 1940s and 50s! Click here to join our mailing list to get notified as ticket sales roll out for each event in 2024!

2024 PUBLIC EVENTS CALENDAR

All trips are roundtrips. Dates, venues, prices, and trip details are subject to change.

APRIL 27 TATUAJE CIGAR TRAIN
Diesel-powered cigar train. Departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana for Hillsdale, Michigan. Tickets include a variety of amenities and cigars.

MAY 24th, 25th, 26th ICE CREAM TRAINS
Steam-powered train rides departing Angola. Tickets start at $15.00.

MAY 25thWINE & WHISKEY TRAIN
Steam-powered train ride departing Angola for passengers 21-and-over. Tickets start at $75.00.

JUNE 1st & 2nd ICE CREAM TRAINS
Diesel-powered train rides departing Angola. Tickets start at $15.00.

JUNE 8th – BIKE TRAIN | HISTORY CYCLES BACK
Diesel-powered train ride from Pleasant Lake, Indiana to Angola, Indiana, and a bike ride return for a gathering at the historic Pleasant Lake depot. Tickets are $40.00.

JUNE 8th – PICNIC TRAIN
Diesel-powered train rides during the evening and afternoon for families and adults. Tickets start at $9.00 for coach passengers and first-class tables for $75.00.

JUNE 15th & 16th – TRI-STATE SCENIC EXCURSION
All-day, roundtrip steam excursion between Edon, Ohio, and Hillsdale, Michigan on Father’s Day. Tickets start at $99.00.

JUNE 17th – THROTTLE TIME
Step into the cab of a historic steam or diesel locomotive and become an engineer or fireman for a 45-minute session while you operate the locomotive over the railroad. Ticket sales begin May 1st.

JULY 6th & 7th – WINE & CHOCOLATE TRAIN
Diesel-powered train rides departing Angola for passengers 21-and-over. Tickets start at $75.00.

JULY 13th & 14th – ICE CREAM TRAINS
Diesel-powered train rides departing Angola, Indiana. Tickets start at $15.00.

AUGUST 1st & 2nd – INDIANA RAIL CAMP
Immersive, three-day railroad skills and educational camp for young adults to develop their passions and skills and for scouts to earn their Railroad Merit Badge. Camp admission and registration are $150.00.

AUGUST 9th & 10th – PLEASANT LAKE DAYS
Static displays and tours of the restoration of the Pleasant Lake depot.

AUGUST 11th – PICNIC TRAIN
Diesel-powered train rides during the late morning and early afternoon for families and adults with a meet with Little River Railroad in Hillsdale, Michigan.  Tickets start at $9.00 for coach passengers and first-class tables for $75.00.

AUGUST 23rd, 24th & 25th – ASHLEY – HUDSON DAYS
Diesel-powered train rides and during the Ashley-Hudson Days festival.

AUGUST 30th – SEPTEMBER 1st – ROLLING VICTORY / WWII EVENT
A three-day living history event celebrating American military, railroad, and home front history featuring vintage train rides, World War II reenactors, battles, a 1940s Dinner and Dance, classic automobiles, and an immersive and educational experience for all ages in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Ticket sales begin in May.

SEPTEMBER 2nd – THROTTLE TIME
Step into the cab of a historic steam or diesel locomotive and become an engineer or fireman for a 45-minute session while you operate the locomotive over the railroad. Ticket sales begin May 1st.

OCTOBER 5th – TAILS & ALES TRAIN
Climb aboard this pet-friendly train for a Saturday afternoon cruise that will benefit local animal care centers. Registration is $45.00. Ticket sales begin May 1st.

OCTOBER 12th – ROCKY PATEL CIGAR TRAIN
Diesel-powered cigar train. Departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana for Hillsdale, Michigan. Tickets start at $199.00 and include a variety of amenities and cigars.

OCTOBER 19th & 20th – FALL COLORS STEAM SPECIAL
All-day steam-powered fall color excursions in Indiana and Michigan departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Tickets start at $119.00. Ticket sales begin July 10th.

OCTOBER 25th, 26th & 27th – AUTUMN LIMITED
2.5 hour, diesel-powered train rides departing Pleasant Lake, Indiana for Reading, Michigan. Tickets start at $35.00. Ticket sales begin July 10th.

NOVEMBER 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th –
CHRISTMAS CABOOSE RIDES
Traditional diesel-powered Christmas train rides and group charters aboard Santa’s caboose in New Haven, Indiana. Tickets start at $9.00.

DECEMBER 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd
INDIANA CHRISTMAS TRAIN
– Diesel-powered holiday excursions and events departing Pleasant Lake. Tickets start at $35.00

$50,000 Matching Grant Kicks off Restoration of New York Central fleet

By Uncategorized

A famous 1940s-era passenger train is destined for restoration as part of a growing rail tourism attraction in the Midwest

NEW HAVEN, INDIANA – Following the acquisition of seven vintage New York Central Railroad passenger cars to support its railroad tourism program, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has announced a $50,000 grant will match all donations of $250.00 or more through the end of the year. Built in 1941, each car will require upwards of $160,000 or more in mechanical and electrical upgrades and general repair work, with the goal to place one car in service in the region next year. For more details or to donate, visit greatsteelfleet.org.

“These cars once belonged to one of the country’s largest railroads and operated on one of its most famous trains. Each restored car will become a time machine that welcomes more visitors to our region, allowing us to preserve and showcase more of the country’s incredible industrial heritage,” explained Kelly Lynch, Vice President of the Fort Wayne Railroad. “With this generous matching grant, only 200 donors of $250.00 or more are needed to help us raise $100,000.”

The Fort Wayne Railroad inaugurated the Indiana Rail Experience program in 2022, and in 2023 the train rides and excursions were named Indiana’s Best New Experience by Visit Indiana. In its second year, the living history events – which include fall color trains, Christmas trains, a railroad camp for young adults, and wine, whiskey, and cigar trains – have hosted over 12,000 riders. Since 2022, events have continuously sold out.

Constructed for use on the Empire State Express, a flagship first-class passenger train of the New York Central, the cars will operate over former New York Central trackage in Indiana and Michigan. The fleet was purchased from the Rochester & Genesee Railroad Museum in 2022 and the cars arrived in Indiana in late summer.

Since 2022, the organization has raised over 1 million dollars to support a variety of rail preservation and tourism projects, including the Riding Mountain Park, a historic dome observation lounge car, and the New York Central depot in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Fundraising for these projects continues.

In addition to contributions, the Fort Wayne Railroad welcomes new members and volunteers to assist on-site. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org/volunteer.

FORT WAYNE RAILROAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

For over 50 years, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society has created unique and memorable experiences through its celebration of the Golden Age of Railroading – a special era of American transportation, innovation, and connectivity between the 1930s and 1950s. The Fort Wayne Railroad has operated historic steam locomotive Nickel Plate Road no. 765 extensively in public exhibition and passenger train excursion service and its events routinely welcome visitors from all 50 states and half a dozen countries. Its operations are made possible entirely through volunteers and funded by ticket sales, memberships, donations, grants, and sponsorships. For more information, visit fortwaynerailroad.org.

THE NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD SYSTEM

Spanning more than 10,000 miles across 13 states and two Canadian provinces, the New York Central was one of the largest railroad systems in the east, connecting New York with Boston, Chicago, Montreal, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Today, many of its routes are now operated by Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation, with Amtrak operating a number of passenger trains like the Lake Shore Limited and the Wolverine over former New York Central tracks. An earlier iteration of the Empire State Express was first operated in the late 1890s and famous for breaking a land speed record of 112.5 miles an hour on May 10th, 1893 with steam locomotive no. 999, which is now on display at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. For more information, visit nycshs.org.