Published: October 03, 2006 09:56 am      

Train Themed Rides

Families that love trains and seasonal events have chances to experience both during special rides on the Whitewater Valley Railroad. Each day the train departs the Connersville Depot at 12:01 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Passengers enjoy a relaxing ride through the scenic Whitewater Valley and usually layovers in the historic town of Metamora before the return trip to Connersville.



Remaining 2006 rides:



Pumpkinliner: Families in a Halloween mood can take a round trip to a pumpkin patch and back Oct. 14 at 10 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Each $8 train ticket includes train transportation and a hayride to the patch – and each child 11 and under gets to choose a pumpkin, too!



Fall foliage trains: Riders can enjoy many-hued leaves in the Whitewater Valley every Thursday and Friday during October. The train departs from the Connersville station at 10 a.m. and allows a two-hour stop in Metamora for shopping.



Wild West excursion: One more is planned Oct. 21.



Polar Express: The Whitewater Valley Railroad, in partnership with Rail Events Inc. through Warner Brothers Entertainment Inc., brings the famous storybook and movie “The Polar Express” to life with 25 trips in November and December that take families to the “North Pole” with Santa Claus. Guests on board will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening and reading along with the magical story. When the train arrives, Santa will hop on and greet each child and hand each one a special sleigh bell during the return to the station. The schedule: Nov. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16, 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. departures; Nov. 19 and 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 5:30 p.m. departures. Tickets are $26 per adult and $16 per child.



Santa Claus Express (not affiliated with the Polar Express): Families will board the train Nov. 24, then pick up Santa Claus along the way. He will visit with each child on the train. The train departs at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.



Christmas Express: Special holiday shopping excursions to Metamora are available in conjunction with Metamora's annual Christmas Walk on two upcoming weekends. Early reservations are highly recommended. The dates are Nov. 24 and 25 and Dec. 2 and 9, 4 p.m. departures with three-hour layovers; and Nov. 26, 12:01 p.m. departure with a two-hour layover. Tickets are $20 per adult and $12 per child 2-12.

It is a good idea to check seat availability and make reservations before arriving at the depot.

Round-trip fares for most trips are $18 for adults and $10 for kids. One-way fares are $14 for adults and $8 for kids. Caboose rentals also are offered at $350 for groups of at most 20 relatives or friends.



Info: (765) 825-2054 or www.whitewatervalleyrr.org/excursions/.