8/17/2013 Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum to Host Civil War Encampment

While it is not my favorite time period, if you love the Civil War era then you don't want to miss this chance to experience just a small part of it through this reenactment.

By: Ben Haut, WKVI

Published: August 10th, 2013

A Civil War encampment will make an appearance at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum next weekend.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will be making a trip back in time on Saturday, Aug. 17 as Civil War encampments are established in the area. Railroading played a huge part in the Civil War, and the HVRM will allow visitors to wander through the encampment and experience the life of early soldiers as reenactors from the Indiana 20th Volunteers and the 4th Battery Light Artillery play the part.

If you hear cannon fire in the area, don’t panic – cannons are scheduled to fire between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The museum will be open for tours, offering a learning experience and information on the history of railroading in northwest Indiana. A leisurely ride through the countryside of Starke and LaPorte counties will follow, including rides in a vintage caboose, open-air car or coach car on the train.

The HVRM is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, with a round-trip, 10 mile train ride departing for English Lake at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The costs range from $5 to $11. Meanwhile, the 2:45 p.m. round-trip, 20 mile train ride to LaCrosse will run $7 to $19, and tickets may be purchased online at www.hoosiervalley.org.

The museum is always free. Call (574) 896-3950 for more information.