What is the minimum age to attend?

Guests must be 21 years or older; no children are permitted for this event.

Where does the train depart from?

Departures are from Hobbs Station inside Forest Park in Noblesville; arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Are food and drinks provided?

Each guest receives an individual charcuterie box and there is a dessert bar; a champagne toast is provided at midnight.

Can I sit with my group?

Platinum Class seating is sold by full four-person tables only; Diamond and other seating may pair smaller parties with other passengers.

Does the train travel in a loop?

No; the train pauses at the halfway point while the engine changes ends and passengers remain onboard for the return trip.

Gatsby Murder Mystery Train Ride: New Year's Eve on the Nickel Plate Express

Q: Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Train cars are historic and not wheelchair accessible; contact the operator with accessibility questions before booking.

New Year's Eve aboard the Nickel Plate Express transforms Hobbs Station in Forest Park, Noblesville, into a rolling Roaring ’20s parlor—equal parts live theater, party, and midnight railride. The experience departs Hobbs Station and travels north toward Atlanta, Indiana on historic vintage 1950s cars, placing guests in a three-hour interactive murder mystery where everyone’s a suspect and every exchange could change the plot. Candlelight (and period lighting) washes the polished wood and brass; an observation car frames passing farmland and a tree-lined corridor that hints at central Indiana’s quiet winter landscape.

Actors weave clues through the cabins while you enjoy an individual charcuterie box and a dessert bar; at the halfway point the engine changes ends and the action pivots back toward Noblesville. The evening is designed for immersion—Gatsby-era attire is encouraged, party favors amplify the revelry, and a champagne toast at midnight marks the countdown as the train pulls into the depot. Guests must be 21 or older and remain onboard for the full circuit; the train operates rain, snow, or shine.

This outing feels particular to the area because Hobbs Station sits within Forest Park, a popular local green space, and the ride threads the rural stretch toward Atlanta, Indiana—offering a slice of landscape you won’t see from the interstate. The train’s vintage 1950s cars and onboard staging make the Nickel Plate Express not just transport but performance venue, and that dual role—heritage rail plus immersive theater—sets it apart as a seasonal highlight in Noblesville’s calendar.

Practical details matter: plan to arrive 30 minutes early at Hobbs Station for check-in and free parking. The cars are historic and not wheelchair accessible; contact the operator with accessibility questions. Seating classes vary—Platinum Class requires full four-person tables—so book early if you want a private table with friends. No children are allowed onboard for this experience.

Why book it? For a different kind of New Year’s Eve: not a bar crawl or a hotel ball drop, but a moving stage that combines costume play, communal mystery-solving, and a midnight toast on rails. It’s ideal for groups who want social theater, couples seeking an unconventional countdown, or anyone who loves trains and period detail. Bring your ID, dress the part, and be ready to trade small-town scenery for an evening of sleight-of-hand, suspicious glances, and a champagne pop as the clock strikes twelve in Noblesville.

Arrive prepared: onboard purchases are credit-card only, and there are class differences—Diamond and Platinum seating may pair parties with others while Platinum tables are only sold to full groups of four. No children are permitted; the event enforces the 21+ rule. The train does not travel in a loop and passengers remain onboard during the engine’s turnaround at the midpoint. Pack a warm coat.

About Nickel Plate Express

Nickel Plate Express operates heritage train and railbike experiences based in Noblesville, Indiana. The organization offers a range of themed trips that combine scenic rides, food and drink pairings, interactive storytelling, and seasonal events. Popular offerings include family-friendly Fall Foliage Express and White River Family Cruise railbike adventures, festive Trick or Treat on the Rails, and specialty evenings such as Bourbon and Bacon, Oktoberfest Dinner Express, High West Wild West, and Whiskey Run Thursdays.

Trips vary by length, theme, and age restrictions; several experiences are family-oriented while others are 21+ with curated bourbon or whiskey tastings. Private rentals are available, such as the Private Fall Caboose Ride that accommodates up to 25 passengers for birthdays, team outings, and small group celebrations. The Pedal and Paint trip pairs a railbike ride to downtown Noblesville with a guided mug-painting activity and light snacks. The Snapdragon Society Express features collaborative storytelling and interactive performance aboard a vintage train car.

Nickel Plate Express operates historic equipment including a 1956 train car and a restored Monon Caboose, providing authentic vintage rail ambiance. Trips depart from Noblesville and travel along scenic Northern Hamilton County and White River corridors, offering seasonal views and curated onboard refreshments.

Safety, guest experience, and local partnerships underpin operations, with attention to accessibility for family groups and adults. Ticketing details, schedules, event dates, and any age restrictions are published per trip; prospective guests should consult official listings for current availability and requirements. Booking is available via official Nickel Plate Express channels online.