May 25, 2011
05/26/11 Summer fun kicks off with a blast of steam as a historic locomotive returns to northwest Indiana for a series of excursions at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. The round-trip steam adventures will take passengers on a scenic journey between North Judson and LaCrosse, Indiana.
Recognized as a national historic landmark, Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive no. 765 was rebuilt and is operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. No. 765 is the largest operating steam locomotive east of the Mississippi River. The locomotive has been instrumental in bringing to life the dramatic history and culture of the country’s railroad industry.
The 765 will operate Memorial Day weekend on May 28th, 29th, and 30th; pull the Mint Festival Flyer during Father’s Day weekend on June 18th and 19th; and haul the Independence Limited on July 2nd. Tickets for the 2 hour, 20 mile round-trip journey can be purchased at the depot in North Judson or online at hoosiervalley.org.
Thousands of people are expected to ride through the Indiana countryside behind 765 with a variety of seating accommodations available. Passengers will even have the rare opportunity to enjoy “The Steam Experience” in an open-air sightseeing car where they can take in the sights, smells and sounds of the big steam locomotive.
Situated near the former junction of four major rail lines, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience railroading like it was in its heyday. Established in 1988, HVRM is open every Saturday throughout the year, with diesel-powered train rides May through October using a variety of vintage railcars and cabooses.
For more information: www.hoosiervalley.org – call 574-896-3950 or www.fortwaynerailroad.org – call 260-493-0765