Indiana Christmas Train Rides In La Porte!
Published: December 152025
By: Adam Burns
Nestled in rural northern Indianajust south of the Michigan border and about an hour east of Chicagothe Hesston Steam Museum sits on 155 scenic acres and offers a timeless rail-and-steam powered retreat.
For railroad and steam-equipment enthusiastsand for families looking for a special seasonal outingthe museum offers a superb blend of vintage machineslive demonstrationsrolling stockand charming event programming. Among its standout events each year is the seasonal Santa’s Candy Cane Expressa holiday-themed train ride and festive morning-to-afternoon experience that turns the museum grounds into a winter wonderland of steamnostalgia and fun for all ages.
In the following article we’ll explore the museum’s heritagewhat to expect on the grounds throughout the yearand then take a deep dive into this Christmas-season eventincluding tips for timing your visitticketingand making the most of the festive atmosphere.
Museum Origins & Heritage
The Hesston Steam Museum is operated by the La Porte County Historical Steam SocietyInc.a volunteer-run non-profit.
Its focus is preserving steam-powered motion: traction enginessawmillsvintage farm equipmentand four different gauge railroads running across the grounds.
The museum dates back to the 1950s when local steam buffs began collecting engines and equipmentorganizing showsand gradually building the site into what it is today. According to its Wikipedia pagethe main site evolved with significant land purchase between 1965 and 1968and the society was formally chartered in 1968.
Visitors stepping into Hesston will often say it’s “not your typical stuffy museum”—insteadit invites you to walk into an era long pastwhere giant machines powered factoriesmoved mountainsfed the countryside or entertained folks via rail.
The Grounds & Main Attractions
The museum is located at 1201 E 1000 NLa PorteIndiana. The site is expansive and includes:
- Multiple railroads of different track gauge (narrow gauge and standard) allowing steam locomotives to run for rider experiences.
- Historic steam-traction enginesa sawmill powered by a Uniflow steam engineand other stationary exhibits.
- On-site amenities such as Doc’s Soda Fountain (a nostalgic soda-shop café) and a gift shop; visitors can enjoy lunch or snacks while watching the trains.
- Seasonal events throughout the year: the major summer “Steam & Power Show,” Halloween-themed ghost train ridesand in winter the holiday train event. The calendar lists “Santa’s Candy Cane Express” in early December.
Because the museum is mostly outdoors and built around large vintage equipmentit’s best visited in good weatherthough the holiday event does still run in colder months (weather permitting). It’s ideal for familiesrailfansand folks seeking something a little off the beaten path.
Enter the Holiday Season: Santa’s Candy Cane Express
When the calendar turns to DecemberHesston switches gears from summer steam roars to holiday cheer. The Santa’s Candy Cane Express is the marquee event of the season.
What the Event Offers
- Train rides: The museum runs their railroad trains on frequent departures between noon and 4 p.m. (Central Time) on the event days.
- No general admission fee: Entry to the grounds is freethough train rides require tickets. Parking is also free.
- Santa in the caboose: One of the special touches is the opportunity to visit Santa Claus aboard a real railroad caboose—a memorable photo-op and part of the ride program.
- Festive extras: Hot cocoa at Doc’s Soda Fountainsnacks and meals starting earlier in the dayholiday ambiance—all designed to capture a “nostalgic children’s Christmas” feel.
- Toy donation incentive: Some event listings note that bringing a toy (worth $5 or more) for donation (e.g.to Toys for Tots) will get you a free train ticket.
- The event typically runs on select weekends in early December—often the first two weekends or similar.
- Example: SundayDecember 142025from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hesston Steam Museum.
- Trains depart at frequent intervals (weather permitting). Check the museum site for schedule updates.
- Because it’s winterdress warmly. The rails run outdoors; though the caboose and indoor spaces offer brief reliefmuch of the experience is in the elements.
What distinguishes Santa’s Candy Cane Express from generic holiday train rides:
- The setting is authentic: steam locomotiveshistoric rail equipmentvintage ride experience.
- It’s run by volunteers with genuine steam- and railroad-enthusiast rootsgiving the event a lived-in authenticity rather than purely commercial glitz.
- Because entry is free and parking freeit’s accessible; the main cost is ride ticketsmaking it family-friendly.
- The environment is relaxed: frequent departuresno rigid seating assignmentswhich helps for families with young children.
- The toy donation drive adds a community/service anglehelping take the event beyond just ride fun.
Final Thoughts
For familiesrail-fans and anyone looking for a holiday outing with a twist of authenticitythe Hesston Steam Museum’s Santa’s Candy Cane Express delivers. It blends the wonder of historic steam-railroadingthe joy of a festive seasonal eventand the charm of a volunteer-poweredlesser-known attraction that doesn’t feel over-commercialized.
Whether you ride the train with Santasip cocoa in the soda fountainpop into the caboose for a photoor simply wander among the steam engines and historic equipmentyou’ll find a visit that’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s an experience where the past and the holiday spirit converge—on steel railsin crisp winter airsurrounded by machinery that once powered farms and factories and now powers memories.
If you’re planning a tripcheck the museum’s website for the current year’s datesdeparture timesand any special offers. And if you godress warmbring your cameraand perhaps a toy donation—then you’ll be ready for the ride of the season.
Recent Articles
-
Washington Thomas The Train Rides
Dec 2125 04:57 PM
This article will take you on a detailed journey through A Day Out With Thomas events held in Washingtonoffering insights into what makes this experience extraordinary for families and railroad enth… -
Pennsylvania Thomas The Train Rides
Dec 2125 03:52 PM
"A Day Out With Thomas” train rides offer a unique opportunity for children and their families to engage in a magical and memorable experiencesetting the stage for a full day of fun and adventure. -
Illinois Thomas The Train Rides
Dec 2125 12:30 PM
In Illinoisthe "A Day Out With Thomas" event offers a unique chance for families to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Thomas and friendscreating memories that last a lifetime.
