The U.S. state of Indiana is a state that not on many traveler’s lists, but it should be. The state is famous for being a popular basketball state with movies like ‘Hoosiers’, and it was where Hall of Fame Basketball player Larry Bird was born. As for racing fans, who does not know about the Indianapolis 500? It is a very traversed state as the six longest routes in the nation pass through the state. (That is U.S. Routes 6, 20, 30, and 50 and Interstates 80 and 90.) Not many people know the state for its railroads, and there are many railroad places in the state. Among these railroads is the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville.
Some are saying, “Wow! That is nice. A railroad that runs on whitewater in a valley unlike other railroads that run on train tracks. It is like whitewater rafting on a train. I wonder how they do it?”
Well, that it not how it works. They run on railroad tracks like every other train. The name comes from the fact that much of the route is along the Whitewater River.
Some of you are saying, “Yeah, and it goes into the woods and comes right back. Nothing special.”
Ladies and gentlemen, it is not just a simple train ride. Why ride the Whitewater Valley Railroad?
The trip begins in the small town of Connersville. You buy your ticket and board one of the vintage railroad cars. You hear, “All aboard,” and the train leaves the station. You look at the different sites as the train rolls by. You come upon the Whitewater River, and as you ride along and cross the river, you see ruins of an old canal. You then arrive in the small town of Metamora.
Some of you are saying, “Great. You get here. There is nothing here. Then you board the train and head back.”
Ladies and gentlemen, when you arrive in Metamora, you actually are back in time. Well, you are not back in time, but the vintage structures make you feel that way. Oh, remember the ruins of the canal? It is restored in Metamora and is part of the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site. Here, you will see a restored canal lock, and there is an old mill that you can tour. You can tour the vintage shops and restaurants. If you want a keepsake, you can visit the 1838 Photography shop to get an old time photo of yourself, friends, and family. (This could be your favorite part of visiting Metamora.)
Well, it is time to board the train and head back to Connersville. When you return to the station, you step off the train. You look back, and you feel something very special.
The Whitewater Valley Railroad is located at 455 Market Street in Connersville, Indiana, just blocks from Indiana State Routes 1 and 44. Parking is on site. Due to the vintage equipment, the train is not wheelchair accessible. You can get more information about the excursions, schedules, and buy tickets at https://whitewatervalleyrr.org.
When in Indiana, you think of basketball. You think of the Indianapolis 500. The Whitewater Valley Railroad is another great reason to visit the state.
John Cowgill: Stories of the Railroad 