Step back to a time when rail travel meant elegance and adventure. At the French Lick Scenic Railway, you’ll ride in restored rail cars through picturesque countrysides, where small-town charm and scenic beauty come together for an unforgettable experience.
Along the route, the train winds through the Hoosier National Forest, travels through the 2,200-foot Burton Tunnel – second longest in the state – and passes dramatic limestone formations. Beyond scenic excursions, the railway offers a calendar of themed rides and special events for all ages throughout the year.
Browse our Excursions tab to find family-friendly fun and 21+ experiences. Be sure to consult our interactive calendar on the Schedule Page for details.
*All times listed are EASTERN TIME. *
Depot & Gift Shop: The Depot and Gift Shop open two hours prior to the train departure on scheduled operating days and remain open after the train’s return.
Depot Grounds: Feel free to explore the exterior of the depot and admire the equipment parked outside whenever you’d like. However, please exercise caution as this is an active rail line, and trains may be in motion at any time.
Weekly Gift Shop Hours: The Gift Shop is currently open Monday-Thursday from 9:00AM-4:00PM and Friday from 1:00PM-4:00PM regardless of the operating schedule. The Depot/Gift Shop will be closed on non-operational days from 12:00PM-1:00PM for lunch.
Main Office: Our main office is open Monday–Friday from 8:30AM–4:30PM
For even more ways to explore Orange County, visit Timeless French Lick. You’ll find a broader range of attractions, dining, and lodging options beyond French Lick and West Baden – perfect for discovering hidden gems and planning a well-rounded visit.
French Lick & West Baden was once known as the home to “America’s Laxative”. The Pluto Water slogan was “When nature wont, Pluto will.” At one point in time, 40-50 train cars were used to ship Pluto Water across the country. This “healing” water naturally contained sodium, magnesium sulfate, and lithium which produced a foul odor. This odor prompted people to say that the underworld couldn’t be far away.
Pluto, the Roman God of the Underworld became a staple symbol in our area. Ultimately, Pluto Water sales were stopped in 1971 when lithium became a controlled substance and was no longer allowed to be sold publicly. However, the Pluto symbol remains and can still be found in many areas locally.
