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Indiana Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 20, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Indiana, a state rich in history and culture, boasts a number of fascinating railroad museums that offer a captivating glimpse into the transformative power of the railway industry. These museums not only preserve the powerful engines and elegant cars of a bygone era but also serve as vivid reminders of how railroads shaped the economic and social fabric of the region. In this article, we will take a journey through some of Indiana's notable railroad museums, exploring the treasures they hold and the stories they tell.

A pair of Monon RS2s are southbound with a short freight train at Milepost 297 between Pekin and Borden, Indiana during the 1950s.

Carmel’s Monon Depot Museum

Nestled in the heart of Carmel, the Monon Depot Museum is a smaller, yet equally compelling, institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Monon Railroad. Known as the “Hoosier Line,” the Monon Railroad played a significant role in Indiana’s rail network. The museum resides in a restored depot building that dates back to the late 19th century, adding a layer of historical authenticity to the experience.

Maintained by the Carmel Clay Historical Society (formed in 1975), the museum features artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the history of the Monon Railroad. Visitors can delve into stories of the men and women who worked on these lines or learn about the impact of the railroad on local communities. The museum offers a charming, educational experience, perfect for families and history aficionados.

Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society/TrainTown

Based in New Haven this organization is the official caretaker of the restored and operational Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 #765. They operate numerous excursions east of the Mississippi River throughout the year while their downtown facility in Fort Wayne keeps the locomotive ready for service.

Indiana Railway Museum

Situated in French Lick, the Indiana Railway Museum is one of the state's premier destinations for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Established in 1961, the museum aims to preserve and showcase the history of railroading in southern Indiana. Visitors can embark on a scenic train ride aboard a historic train, experiencing the romance of travel from a bygone era. The train travels through the picturesque Hoosier National Forest, providing breathtaking views and an authentic rail experience.

The museum's collection includes vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses, each with its own unique history. Through informative exhibits, visitors can learn about the technological advancements in railway history and the crucial role railroads played in regional development.

Linden Depot Museum

This organization is housed within the Linden Union Depot, a wooden structure built in 1909, playing host to the Toledo, St. Louis & Western Railroad (a future component of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis or "Nickel Plate Road") and Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville (Monon).

The building closed for railroad purposes in 1973 and did not reopen as a museum for another twenty years. It was officially dedicated on April 13, 1993. They have numerous artifacts on display which includes many models (O, HO, and N) along with two impressive N-scale layouts and an HO-scale layout.

Their mission statement is "to preserve and protect the historic 1909-built Linden Depot and its railroad memorabilia as well as to promote its related railroad history.

The mission includes the acquisition, restoration, preservation and display of railroad equipment, artifacts and mementos related to railways past and present." Also be sure and visit their preserved caboose and four, century-old semaphore signals.

Madison Railroad Station

This museum, based in Madison, is housed inside the town's restored Pennsylvania depot (constructed of brick and opened in 1894 under the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, & St. Louis Railroad name, a PRR subsidiary). The facility is operated by the Jefferson County Historical Society and is open during select days throughout the year featuring historic displays both indoors and out.

National New York Central Railroad Museum

One of the largest museums dedicated to the history of the New York Central is this facility located at Elkhart, once a busy terminal on the railroad. The organization opened in 1987 and has put together a nice collection of historic equipment over that time.

Their most notable pieces include one of only two surviving examples of New York Central's 4-8-2 "Mohawk" steam locomotives, #3001 (Class L-3a), manufactured by American Locomotive in 1940.

They also house New York Central E8A #4085; built in August, 1953 it is historically significant as the lead locomotive of the final, eastbound run of the 20th Century Limited on December 2, 1967.

Finally, one of Pennsylvania Railroad's successful line of GG-1's electrics is on display there, #4882 (built by the railroad in 1939). The museum is open throughout much of the year.

Wabash Valley Railroaders Museum

The Wabash Valley Railroader's Museum, which began during the 1990's, is located in Terre Haute, Indiana and sits next to a very active CSX Transportation main line.

This town is similar to North Judson in that it was once served by multiple railroads including the Milwaukee Road, Chicago & Eastern Illinois, New York Central, and Pennsylvania. Many of these lines remain in service today.

The museum is operated by the Haley Tower Historical & Technical Society (a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization) and among their collection is two preserved interlocking towers, Haley Tower and Spring Hill Tower, along with a small depot from Turner that was originally built in 1884 for the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad (Pennsylvania).

The group's so-called "Master Plan" is to build an impressive facility with a large indoor facility housing their equipment and a small, scale-railroad attraction.

Overview

Indiana’s railroad museums play a crucial role in celebrating and preserving the state's rich railroading heritage. Each museum offers a unique window into the past, and together, they create a tapestry of stories detailing the evolution of the railroad industry and its impact on Indiana's development. From the breathtaking train rides at the Indiana Railway Museum to the historical authenticity of the Monon Depot Museum in Carmel, these institutions provide both educational and entertainment value for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a dedicated train enthusiast or a curious traveler, Indiana's railroad museums offer an unforgettable journey through the history of rail transport in the heartland of America.