THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 (Moderate)

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As the familiar soundtrack fills the air, guests step into the world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for an unforgettable 65-minute holiday adventure. The train sets out on a festive journey, passing classic railroad scenery, small town neighborhoods, and dense stretches of the Hoosier National Forest. Leading up to the journey’s most magical moment, the train enters Flat Top tunnel and emerges at the North Pole.    Along the way, your Conductor punches each ticket while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers follow the story together by reading the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers board the train to greet every guest and present the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell.   On the return trip, cheerful elves lead caroling and onboard entertainment in each car, filling the train with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Every child heads home with a keepsake sleigh bell and memories that will last a lifetime.    NOTICE: This experience includes flashing or strobe lighting sequences that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light-sensitive conditions. Guest discretion is advised.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 (Moderate)

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As the familiar soundtrack fills the air, guests step into the world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for an unforgettable 65-minute holiday adventure. The train sets out on a festive journey, passing classic railroad scenery, small town neighborhoods, and dense stretches of the Hoosier National Forest. Leading up to the journey’s most magical moment, the train enters Flat Top tunnel and emerges at the North Pole.    Along the way, your Conductor punches each ticket while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers follow the story together by reading the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers board the train to greet every guest and present the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell.   On the return trip, cheerful elves lead caroling and onboard entertainment in each car, filling the train with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Every child heads home with a keepsake sleigh bell and memories that will last a lifetime.    NOTICE: This experience includes flashing or strobe lighting sequences that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light-sensitive conditions. Guest discretion is advised.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 (Peak)

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As the familiar soundtrack fills the air, guests step into the world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for an unforgettable 65-minute holiday adventure. The train sets out on a festive journey, passing classic railroad scenery, small town neighborhoods, and dense stretches of the Hoosier National Forest. Leading up to the journey’s most magical moment, the train enters Flat Top tunnel and emerges at the North Pole.    Along the way, your Conductor punches each ticket while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers follow the story together by reading the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers board the train to greet every guest and present the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell.   On the return trip, cheerful elves lead caroling and onboard entertainment in each car, filling the train with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Every child heads home with a keepsake sleigh bell and memories that will last a lifetime.    NOTICE: This experience includes flashing or strobe lighting sequences that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light-sensitive conditions. Guest discretion is advised.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 (Peak)

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As the familiar soundtrack fills the air, guests step into the world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for an unforgettable 65-minute holiday adventure. The train sets out on a festive journey, passing classic railroad scenery, small town neighborhoods, and dense stretches of the Hoosier National Forest. Leading up to the journey’s most magical moment, the train enters Flat Top tunnel and emerges at the North Pole.    Along the way, your Conductor punches each ticket while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers follow the story together by reading the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers board the train to greet every guest and present the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell.   On the return trip, cheerful elves lead caroling and onboard entertainment in each car, filling the train with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Every child heads home with a keepsake sleigh bell and memories that will last a lifetime.    NOTICE: This experience includes flashing or strobe lighting sequences that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light-sensitive conditions. Guest discretion is advised.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 (Peak)

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As the familiar soundtrack fills the air, guests step into the world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for an unforgettable 65-minute holiday adventure. The train sets out on a festive journey, passing classic railroad scenery, small town neighborhoods, and dense stretches of the Hoosier National Forest. Leading up to the journey’s most magical moment, the train enters Flat Top tunnel and emerges at the North Pole.    Along the way, your Conductor punches each ticket while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers follow the story together by reading the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers board the train to greet every guest and present the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell.   On the return trip, cheerful elves lead caroling and onboard entertainment in each car, filling the train with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Every child heads home with a keepsake sleigh bell and memories that will last a lifetime.    NOTICE: This experience includes flashing or strobe lighting sequences that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light-sensitive conditions. Guest discretion is advised.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2026 (Value)

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As the familiar soundtrack fills the air, guests step into the world of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for an unforgettable 65-minute holiday adventure. The train sets out on a festive journey, passing classic railroad scenery, small town neighborhoods, and dense stretches of the Hoosier National Forest. Leading up to the journey’s most magical moment, the train enters Flat Top tunnel and emerges at the North Pole.    Along the way, your Conductor punches each ticket while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. Passengers follow the story together by reading the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Upon arrival, Santa and his helpers board the train to greet every guest and present the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell.   On the return trip, cheerful elves lead caroling and onboard entertainment in each car, filling the train with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Every child heads home with a keepsake sleigh bell and memories that will last a lifetime.    NOTICE: This experience includes flashing or strobe lighting sequences that may affect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy or other light-sensitive conditions. Guest discretion is advised.

Scenic Train Ride

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Climb aboard for a 90-minute journey through the hills and forests of Southern Indiana. The train departs from the historic 1907 Limestone depot located in the heart of French Lick, and only steps from the grand French Lick Hotel. The trip will take you on a winding ride through the Hoosier National Forest, pass several sites of interest, and through the Burton Tunnel – the second longest railroad tunnel in the State of Indiana at just under 1/2-mile in length.

Field Trips

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Our field trip offers a unique blend of travel, education, and exploration, providing participants with a memorable and enriching experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. Field trips are roughly 1 hour in length. 

Wild West Express

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Travel back in time on the Wild West Express train ride at the French Lick Scenic Railway. Round up your family for this 2-hour fun-filled action adventure. Ride alongside outlaws and lawmen and get caught up in an old-fashioned robbery. But watch out, you’ll want to stand back as tensions rise and gunfire erupts at the Dirty Ace Saloon.   Please note, robbers do not actually take your wallet, purse, or take hostages.   *No horses or other livestock will be featured during these events.”

Wild West Express

etix Wild 2979591755773167

Travel back in time on the Wild West Express train ride at the French Lick Scenic Railway. Round up your family for this 2-hour fun-filled action adventure. Ride alongside outlaws and lawmen and get caught up in an old-fashioned robbery. But watch out, you’ll want to stand back as tensions rise and gunfire erupts at the Dirty Ace Saloon.   Please note, robbers do not actually take your wallet, purse, or take hostages.   *No horses or other livestock will be featured during these events.”

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             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.

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE UPDATE

Scenic Train Rides will return in October as we begin essential maintenance on our historic fleet.

While train operations are temporarily paused, our depot and gift shop remain open. Stop by and browse unique souvenirs and support the ongoing preservation of the French Lick Scenic Railway.

Scenic Train Rides return in October, followed by THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride through November and December.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you this summer and welcoming you back aboard this fall!