Bringing the Monon caboose to Northern Hamilton County
The historic Monon caboose operated by Nickel Plate Express (NPX) will make its way to Arcadia and Atlanta this year thanks to the generous support of Duke Energy.
The energy company’s financial support makes it possible for NPX to provide the popular and family-friendly caboose rides in Northern Hamilton County throughout 2023. NPX is a local nonprofit organization operating regular excursion trains on the former Nickel Plate Road rail line between Noblesville and Atlanta. The sponsorship from Duke ensures operating costs are covered for these special rides and makes them accessible to NPX guests regardless of income.
Reynolds
“We are so excited to partner with Duke Energy this year so we can use our little red caboose as a community outreach tool,” NPX Executive Director Emily Reynolds said. “We introduced $5 caboose rides last year in Arcadia and the response was overwhelming. Our goal from the beginning has been to grow this program and offer an affordable, memorable experience for everyone. We are grateful to Duke Energy for helping us achieve this goal.”
Nickel Plate Express’s Monon caboose rides will operate throughout the warmer months, kicking off April 23 in Atlanta during the Hamilton County Bicentennial Celebration. Rides will depart from Main Street in Atlanta between 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets will be available onsite for just $5 per person.
LaBarr
“We’re excited to support making this unique amenity accessible for all,” Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Mark LaBarr said.
NPX’s Monon caboose No. 81528 has significant historic ties to Hamilton County. The Monon Railroad, nicknamed “The Hoosier Line,” moved freight and passengers from Chicago to Indianapolis and Louisville, with a secondary line to Michigan City, until it was merged into the larger Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1971.
NPX’s caboose was built by the Monon at its Lafayette, Ind. Shops in 1956, and roamed the Monon and L&N systems for four decades – including the Monon line that ran through Sheridan, Westfield, and Carmel in Hamilton County.
More information on caboose rides, along with schedule information and secure ticket-ordering for NPX’s popular themed excursions, is available at NickelPlateExpress.com. NPX’s historic railroad equipment is also available for chartered rides such as corporate events, weddings and other gatherings.
About Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad
The Nickel Plate Express (NPX) is maintained and operated the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the historic Arcadia Depot and offers entertainment and educational excursions on NPX’s historic railroad equipment from Hobbs Station at Forest Park in Noblesville. The 12.5-mile former Nickel Plate Road trackage is owned by the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority.