Indiana Live Steamers: $4 Mini Train Rides in Johnson County Park

There’s a little magic tucked away in the woods of Johnson County Park, and if you have kids who love trains, you need to put this Indiana train activity on your family fun list. At the Indiana Live Steamers, you can climb aboard a ride-on mini train and roll through the trees, over bridges, and past ponds, all for just four dollars a ticket.

I’ve taken my kids here, and the joy on their faces as the train whistle blew and the cars pulled out of the station was priceless. For a few minutes, you forget you’re in the middle of Indiana and feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the golden age of steam railroads—just in miniature form.

What Is Indiana Live Steamers?

Indiana Live Steamers is a volunteer-run club that has been operating for decades. Members own and operate their own 7.5-inch gauge trains, which are large enough for kids and adults to ride on but small enough to feel whimsical and special.

The tracks wind through the forest at Johnson County Park, with an 18-minute loop that takes you past meadows, creeks, and shady groves. Along the way, you’ll hear the whistle, feel the wind in your face, and see your kids absolutely grinning from ear to ear.

When Can You Ride the Small Trains in Johnson County Park

The trains don’t run every day. Public ride days are typically held on the third Saturday of each month, May through October, plus a few special events like Sparks in the Park (their 4th of July celebration). Rides begin around 12 p.m. and usually run until 4 p.m., weather permitting.

Because the trains are run by volunteers, the schedule can shift, and rides may be canceled if the weather turns bad. It’s always a good idea to check their Facebook page or website before heading out to make sure the trains are running that day.

Tickets and Admission

One of my favorite things about Indiana Live Steamers is how affordable it is. Tickets are just $4 per person for an 18-minute ride, and children under 1 ride free. You’ll want to bring cash since card readers aren’t always available.

For families, this makes it one of the most budget-friendly train experiences in Indiana. Compared to other attractions that cost $10 or $15 per person, it’s a fantastic value.

What to Expect on the Mini Train Ride

When it’s your turn, you’ll climb into small, open-air train cars and straddle the bench seats. There’s no back support, so younger kids may need help balancing. Once everyone is seated, the engineer gives a short safety talk, the whistle blows, and the train slowly chugs out of the station.

The ride is smooth but exciting. You’ll travel over small trestle bridges, wind through the woods, and circle grassy fields. My kids loved pointing out birds, butterflies, and even a deer once! The best part is how real it all feels—the sound of the whistle echoing in the woods, the smell of the steam, and the feel of the track beneath you.

Things to Know Before You Go

A few tips will make your visit even smoother:

• Wear closed-toe shoes. It’s a safety requirement, and volunteers will check before you board.
• Bring water and snacks. There aren’t concessions on-site, and on hot summer days, you’ll be glad you packed extra drinks.
• Pack bug spray. You’re in the woods, and mosquitoes and ticks are common.
• Expect limited seating and facilities. There’s a single porta-potty near the station, and seating for waiting families is minimal.
• Plan for crowds. On nice Saturdays, especially in fall or during Sparks in the Park, lines can get long.

Train Birthday Parties & Group Rides

Indiana Live Steamers also offers private bookings for awesome birthday parties, scout groups, and family gatherings. A few years ago, we attended a birthday party here, and it was perfect—the kids rode the trains, we set up cupcakes at a nearby picnic table, and the whole afternoon felt easy and memorable.

If you’re planning a group event, make reservations early. Weekends fill quickly, and volunteers need advance notice to prepare.

Directions to Indiana Live Steamers

The trains are tucked inside Johnson County Park in Edinburgh, Indiana, about 30 minutes south of downtown Indianapolis. GPS can be a little tricky once you enter the park, so follow the signs for “Indiana Live Steamers” once you’re inside. Look for the station near the shelter houses.

Parking is free, but it’s all open lots with no shade, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting on a hot day.

In the past, we haven’t been able to get to the Indiana Live Steamers using our GPS, but we recently typed “Indiana Live Steamers” into our Google Maps app and got there just fine. If all else fails, check the directions on the Indiana Live Steamers website.

Johnson County Park is a part of the Camp Atterbury base and is run by the county. Several hobby groups call this park home — Indiana Live Steamers, the Columbus Model Railroad Club, where you can see tiny collectible trains, and a Remote Control Flyer Club are a few groups that call Johnson County Park their home.

Why We Love It

For my family, Indiana Live Steamers is one of those simple outings that sticks in your memory. It’s inexpensive, outdoorsy, and the perfect mix of novelty and nostalgia. The kids feel like they’re doing something magical, and I love that it’s run by passionate volunteers who care about preserving railroad history.

It’s also a wonderful way to introduce little ones to trains without committing to a long or expensive ride. Eighteen minutes is just enough time for the magic to sink in without kids getting antsy.

If you’re looking for mini train rides near Indianapolis, you won’t find anything quite like Indiana Live Steamers. For only $4, your family can climb aboard a working steam railroad, meet friendly engineers, and make memories that last longer than the tracks themselves.

Plan a visit this summer or fall, pack a picnic for Johnson County Park, and enjoy one of Indiana’s best hidden gems for families.

More Indianapolis train-themed fun can be found here.

Address
9XC4+2F
Camp Atterbury
in

Visit Indiana Live Steamers: $4 Mini Train Rides in Johnson County Park

Upcoming Events

<li>No events in this location</li>