Nickel Plate Express

02/08/2025

Psssttt.....two tickets just became available for the February 13 Golden Girls Galentine Express. Snag them now before they are gone!

Book here -> https://nickelplateexpress.com/golden-girls-galentine-express/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIUtrJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaTlEvZbd6-b20E3djeGUfZjAUkTKcRYYIZCtQ3JF1Bg5pIeZut3LhC24g_aem_JDmuaTlJS81f-Lr69qoW-Q

🚂🌹 Picture this: Noblesville, February 13th. 💛✨

Grab your best gal pals and step aboard the Galentine Express, where we’ll be channeling all the Golden Girls energy! It’s a night full of cheesecake, wine, and laughter—just like a Friday night at the kitchen table in Miami! 🍰🍷

On this two-hour ride through Northern Hamilton County, you’ll enjoy:

A flight of mini cheesecakes, inspired by Sophia’s favorite dessert—“Better than anything I’ve ever had in a box!” 🍰

Wine samples paired with each cheesecake (just like Blanche would order for her next date) 🍷

Golden Girls trivia, with some hilarious prizes along the way 🏅

A best-dressed prize for the ultimate Golden Girl in each car (whether you’re channeling Dorothy’s sass, Blanche’s style, Rose’s sweetness, or Sophia’s wit) 👗💃

This is a 21+ event, so gather your girls and enjoy a classy evening full of Golden Girls wisdom, cheesecake, and plenty of laughs! “You don’t have to be a fancy lady to have a good time, but it doesn’t hurt!” 🎉

Link in bio to book your seat! 🎟️

02/08/2025

🚂✨ We’re so lucky to be part of the amazing Noblesville community! Check out this great video showcasing all the incredible things to do in town—including a ride on Nickel Plate Express!

02/07/2025

Psst… Valentine’s Day is just a week away! 💕 Do you have plans yet?

Surprise your special someone with a romantic adventure aboard the Valentine’s Express! 🚂✨ Enjoy a cozy ride through the countryside, delicious treats, and unforgettable moments together.

Spots are filling fast—book your tickets now and make this Valentine’s one to remember! ❤️🎟

02/06/2025

Team Member Thursday: Drake Lockwood 🚂

Meet Drake Lockwood! Drake has been an essential part of the Nickel Plate team for about a year now, wearing many hats as a rail bike attendant, train car attendant, and even an actor!

When asked about his favorite part of working at Nickel Plate, Drake said, “Definitely the team! Everyone here is so talented and skilled; I don’t know what I would do without all of my fellow staff. Plus, I get to hang out in a train all the time—literally little me’s dream job!”

Drake loves meeting new people on the job, whether it’s chatting with passengers, sharing fun facts, or diving into a good discussion with coworkers. His passion for history shines through in every interaction!

Outside of Nickel Plate, Drake keeps busy as a historical interpreter at Conner Prairie, a semi-professional photographer, and an active member of his high school’s newspaper and broadcast program.

Next time you’re riding the Nickel Plate Express, keep an eye out for Drake—you won’t want to miss the chance to meet him! 🚂

02/03/2025

💖🚂 Love for Everyone on the Valentine's Express!🚂💖

This Valentine’s Day, make it a celebration to remember! Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a family outing, the Valentine’s Express has something for everyone.

🌹 For Adults (21+): Sip champagne and savor a delightful charcuterie cup in our elegant dining cars.
✨ For Families: Relax in our cozy coach seating while enjoying a sweet treat and Cupid Punch.

📅 Dates:February 14 & 15
🎟️ Book your tickets now by clicking the link in our bio!

02/01/2025

💕 February is here and love is in the air!

Celebrate with one of our signature rides:
🍷 Whiskey & Wine – Feb 9
❤️ Valentine’s Express – Feb 14-15
🥃 Bourbon & Chocolate – Feb 22-23
🔍 1920s Murder Mystery – Mar 2

🎟️ Seats are filling fast—grab your tickets today!
👉 Book now: Click the link in our bio!

01/31/2025

Thank you Bolden's Cleaning and Restoration Services for making our train spiffy clean! We are so excited to start our 2025 rides with a clean train. 😀🚂

01/31/2025

🍫🥃 Bourbon & Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing!

All aboard for an indulgent evening you won’t forget! The Bourbon & Chocolate Express is your chance to savor the perfect pairing of fine bourbon and decadent chocolate, all while enjoying the charm of a vintage train ride.

✨ Sneak Peek:
One of our featured pairings includes chocolate bread pudding paired with Frenchy's Bourbon from Westfork Whiskey—a match made in flavor heaven! 🥃🍫

✨ What to Expect:
🚂 A cozy, romantic train ride
🥃 Hand-selected bourbons to savor
🍫 Exquisite chocolate pairings to delight your senses
🎶 Relaxing ambiance to complete the experience

Whether you’re planning a date night or a fun outing with friends, this is the ultimate way to enjoy winter in style. Seats are limited—don’t wait to grab your tickets!

📅 Dates: February 22 & 23
📍 Hobbs Station

Reserve your spot today! 🎟️

01/30/2025

👋 Team Member Thursday!

Say hello to Emily Reynolds, our incredible Executive Director, who has been leading Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad with passion and vision for nearly three years—she’ll celebrate her anniversary this March! 🎉

Emily is the mastermind behind our popular railbike excursions, which have brought a fresh and exciting way for guests to experience the scenic beauty of our railway. She can’t wait to see the program grow even more this year!

When it comes to train rides, Emily’s favorite experience is the Easter Ride—she loves the springtime atmosphere and the sweet storyline between the bunny and the farmer. 🌸🐰

When Emily isn’t hard at work creating unforgettable experiences for our passengers, she loves spending time with her husband, children, and pets—including her beloved St. Bernard, Hank!

Emily’s dedication to preserving Indiana’s railroading history and her creativity in crafting unique guest experiences are at the heart of what makes Nickel Plate Express so special. 🚂

Let’s show Emily some love in the comments for all she does to make our train rides magical! ❤️

01/28/2025

🚂 Train Talk Tuesday!

Did you know? The Nickel Plate Road (officially the New York, Chicago, and St. Louis Railway) was a major freight and passenger railroad connecting major cities across the Midwest, including Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cleveland. Operating from 1881 to 1964, it played a key role in the economic development of the region. Today, our vintage trains continue that legacy, offering a chance to experience the rich history of railroading.

✨ Hop aboard and travel back in time!

01/27/2025

Step aboard our vintage 1950s train and experience the charm of rail travel through the heart of Hamilton County. Sit back, relax, and unwind as the countryside rolls by, all for an affordable price that makes this adventure perfect for everyone.

🎟️ Affordable Tickets
🌿 Relaxing Scenic Views
🌟 A Vintage Experience Like No Other

📅 Reserve your spot now by clicking the link in our bio!

01/26/2025

🚂 Our Mission, Your Journey

At Nickel Plate Express, we believe that trains are more than just a mode of transportation—they are a connection to history, a source of inspiration, and a way to bring people together.

From preserving the legacy of the Nickel Plate Road to offering unique experiences like vintage train rides and railbike adventures, our mission is to educate, entertain, and create lasting memories for passengers of all ages.

Every ticket you purchase helps us keep Indiana’s railroading history alive, supporting our work to maintain historic equipment, enhance our programs, and share the stories of this rich heritage with future generations.

Thank you for being part of our journey! 🚂✨

Photo Credit: Keiwoon Krause

01/25/2025

01/23/2025

👋 Team Member Thursday!

Meet Bobby McCoy, our Operations Manager, who has been a key part of the railroading community for 15 years! 🎉 Bobby began his journey as a Jr. Conductor with the Indiana Transportation Museum and has since brought his extensive knowledge and passion to Nickel Plate Express. Today, he serves not only as our Operations Manager, but also as an Engineer and Conductor, wearing multiple hats to ensure our trains run smoothly and safely.

Bobby's dedication, hard work, and leadership are instrumental in training our team and keeping our operations running like clockwork. Whether he's driving the train or overseeing the operations behind the scenes, Bobby’s commitment ensures our passengers have a safe, enjoyable ride.

We’re incredibly grateful for Bobby's years of service and his passion for keeping the legacy of railroading alive. 🚂

Let’s all give Bobby a big thank you for his tireless dedication to Nickel Plate Express!



🚂 Let’s give Bobby a big thank you for his dedication!

01/22/2025

🚂 Did you know Nickel Plate Express is a program of Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, a 501(c)(3) non-profit? Every ticket you purchase and every donation you make helps us preserve history, maintain our equipment, and create meaningful experiences for families and rail enthusiasts alike.

🌟 Let’s keep the legacy alive together!
💡 Donate or book a ride today by clicking on the link in our bio.

Which one are you most excited to share? Comment below! 🛤️

01/21/2025

: Time Zones

Did you know the railroads are responsible for creating time zones? On November 18, 1883, railroads implemented the time zone system we still use today—but why was it necessary?

For centuries, time was determined by the sun. "High noon," or solar noon, was when the sun was highest in the sky, but this varied from town to town. As railroads expanded, scheduling became chaotic because each town operated on its own local time. Faster trains highlighted the need for standardization, so railroads established time zones to ensure safe and reliable schedules.

Even today, train conductors announce time zone changes on passenger trains.

Fun Fact: Every November, when clocks "fall back" to Standard Time, passenger trains stop and wait one hour to match the new schedule. In March, when clocks "spring forward," trains adjust by being an hour "late." Railroads still notify passengers of these changes!

01/20/2025

Today, we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream of equality and unity continues to inspire us. Just as railroads connect communities across distances, Dr. King’s vision reminds us of the power of connection, understanding, and working together to create a better future.

At Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, we celebrate the stories that unite us and honor the journeys that have shaped our shared history. Let’s continue to move forward together, inspired by Dr. King’s dream of a world rooted in justice, kindness, and equality.

01/20/2025

🥃🍫 What’s better than bourbon? Bourbon AND chocolate! Join us on the Bourbon & Chocolate Express on February 22 & 23 for an indulgent tasting experience paired with scenic views aboard the Nickel Plate Express.

💲 Tickets starting at $59 per person | A sweet way to treat yourself this February!
📅 Tickets are selling fast—book now by clicking the link in our bio.

Who’s ready to sip, savor, and ride? 🚂💛