Nickel Plate Express offering Valentine’s rides this weekend

By HERNAN GUTIERREZ
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

Love is in the air at the Nickel Plate Express this weekend. The Hamilton County attraction is offering a romantic ride on the rails for Valentine’s Day.

The special Valentine’s Express excursion will take train riders on the usual scenic route north of Noblesville. On the dining car, the ride will include charcuterie and champagne tastings. Tickets start at $47, and go up to $180 for a table for four.

Events Director Alisha Findlay says the trip is not just for a date night.

“Love is in the air, so everyone will be enjoying it,” Findlay said. “The family ride will have a themed drink and a cookie from Rosie’s. We will have a magician going around and doing tricks for everyone. We’ll also have a violinist coming through.”

Executive Director Emily Reynolds says they just wrapped up the season’s opening weekend. “We’ve been around for six years now. We’re a nonprofit just dedicated to keeping the train and rail memories rolling through Hamilton County.”

The organization also works to give local businesses a platform through the rides.

The Bountiful Board caters many of the trips on the train. Owner Christy Johnson says the group is always coming up with creative themes.

“It’s super fun, I’ve done it myself. They’re wonderful to work with. It’s 500-some new people seeing our product as our little small business each ride … It’s a super important partnership for us,” Johnson said.

For those who might have forgotten about Valentine’s Day, the train is also running a chocolate and bourbon ride Feb. 22 and 24.

Riders will get to taste special pairings of chocolate treats and flavored bourbons.

The Nickel Plate Express’ season runs from February to December. In April, they open up their popular railbikes for the season.

This story was updated to add the costs of the excursion.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/entertainment-news/valentines-day-nickel-plate-express.