A vintage train ride gives French Lick a pleasantly old-fashioned change of pace. Instead of seeing the area from behind a windshield, passengers settle into railcar seats, watch the route roll by, and get a little time with the people who know the line best.
The railway offers more than one version of the outing. There are history-minded scenic rides, adult-oriented bourbon excursions with a meal, and the full holiday production of the Polar Express. That range makes the railway useful for a family afternoon, a seasonal tradition, or a more social evening built around tasting and dinner.
One of the most distinctive pieces of rolling stock is a double-decker box car. Its upper level provides an elevated viewpoint on the route, a nice small upgrade for passengers who enjoy looking out over the landscape rather than simply riding along.
A Scenic Ride With Local Stories
The standard scenic-style experience is not just a quiet loop on historic equipment. Narration introduces the history of the French Lick area, giving the trip some context beyond the passing view.
The conductor is also part of the appeal. Passengers can chat during the ride, which gives the outing a more personal character than a recorded tour playing over a speaker.
The cars are air-conditioned, a welcome detail during Southern Indiana's hotter stretches. Seating is designed for a comfortable ride, and some departures have options beyond standard seats. The double-decker box car, in particular, offers a memorable perch for passengers who can book its upper level.
Bourbon, Dinner and a Rolling Tasting Room
For a train ride with a grown-up theme, the bourbon tasting excursion pairs guided pours with food from Elle's on Elm. It turns the railcar into a relaxed setting for a meal and a tasting rather than a simple point-A-to-point-B journey.
The guided portion brings some personality to the table. The bourbon guide mixes knowledge with humor, so the tasting is approachable for curious newcomers as well as people who already know their way around a bottle.
This is a separate specialty format, not an add-on to every train ride. That distinction is useful when planning a group outing: the scenic trains focus on the rail journey and local history, while the bourbon excursion builds its evening around food and guided tastings.
When the Polar Express Takes Over
During the holiday season, the railway shifts into the world of The Polar Express, tied to the Warner Bros. version of the story. The train becomes a festive setting of Christmas music, lights, themed activity, and characters moving through the cars.
The journey runs about 80 minutes, with a conductor, a hobo character, Santa, and singing and dancing elves. The elves mingle with passengers, and children may find themselves dancing in the aisles rather than sitting still for the whole ride.
Hot chocolate and a cookie arrive as onboard treats, followed by a gift from Santa. It is a full family event rather than merely a holiday-decorated train ride, and it has enough movement and interaction to hold the attention of children from toddler age through the teen years.
Christmas pajamas fit right in. For many families, dressing for the occasion is one of the simple pleasures of making the trip a shared holiday ritual.
A Few Nice Touches for Families
Some Polar Express seating includes tables, which can be especially handy with drinks, cookies, children, and the assorted small items that accumulate during a family outing. Availability varies by excursion and ticket selection, so it is worth checking the seating layout when booking.
Photos get attention, too. Staff may help take family pictures during the ride, and the Polar Express souvenir shop offers additional photo opportunities where someone can help get the whole group into the frame. That is a small service touch, but anyone who has tried to photograph an entire family without losing the photographer will appreciate it.
The shop also carries Polar Express-themed memorabilia for passengers who want a keepsake beyond the Santa gift. It is an easy stop for children who want to extend the excitement a little longer after stepping off the train.
Planning the Ride
Reservations are recommended for these train experiences, particularly for special-event departures. The event format matters: food, tastings, holiday characters, gifts, and table seating belong to particular excursions rather than every ride on the schedule.
Nighttime Polar Express departures can be especially appealing when holiday lights are easier to see after dark. The same lively atmosphere that makes the ride fun can also make it loud, so noise-canceling headphones may be useful for children or adults who are sensitive to noise.
Accessibility can differ by train and ticket type. First-class seating on at least one scenic excursion has not worked for a passenger with accessibility needs, so travelers should verify the specific seating section and excursion before reserving.