Local businesses support Veterans with free Nickel Plate Express train rides

(Above left) The Juan Douglas Trio performed on the platform as riders boarded the Nickel Plate Express on Veteran’s Day. (Photo provided / (Above right) Three generations of the Stephon family enjoyed a caboose ride on the Nickel Plate Express last Friday: Jack, Louie, and Grace. Veteran’s Day was also Louie’s 39th birthday. (Photo provided by Helen Stephon)

The Hamilton County community came together this Veteran’s Day to work with Nickel Plate Express (NPX) to offer a unique experience for local Veterans.

With the support of Gaylor Electric, Dorsey Excavating, Meijer-Najem and Adam Windler, more than 100 Veterans and their families were treated to a 30-minute caboose ride down the historic Nickel Plate Road on Friday.

The Veterans and families were greeted by music by the Juan Douglas Trio as they boarded for their trip.

“Being able to work with local businesses and support our Veterans is such an honor,” NPX Director Emily Reynolds said. “I am beyond grateful to for the support of the businesses that supported this unique way to honor our veterans.”

NPX hopes to continue this tradition next year and offer even more rides to Veterans. Businesses interested in sponsoring a ride in 2023 can contact Emily at ereynolds@nickelplateexpress.org.

For information about the wide variety of NPX excursions throughout the year, visit nickelplateexpress.com.

About Nickel Plate Express
Nickel Plate Express is a program of the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, a charitable nonprofit that operates the historic Arcadia Depot and offers entertainment and educational excursions on historic train equipment out of Forest Park, Noblesville. The 12.5 miles of Nickel Plate track is owned by the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority and runs from Noblesville through Cicero and Arcadia to Atlanta in northern Hamilton County.