Nickel Plate Express Train Ride to Atlanta New Earth Festival
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness is required; ability to walk for approximately two hours at the festival grounds is recommended.
Overview
Ride the historic Nickel Plate Express from Noblesville to the Atlanta New Earth Festival. Enjoy live music, artisan shopping, and local eats on this unique train-and-festival adventure.
Atlanta New Earth Festival
All ages • 4 hours • Take the train to shop and enjoy the New Earth festival!
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About This Adventure
Experience the vibrant Atlanta New Earth Festival with a scenic one-hour train ride from Hobbs Station. Enjoy two hours of shopping, live music, and delicious food, all while sipping beverages from the onboard cash bar. This unique journey combines travel and festival fun for an unforgettable day out!
About
All aboard for a trip to the popular Atlanta New Earth Festival.
Passengers will board the train from Hobbs Station at Forest Park for a one-hour train ride to Atlanta to enjoy shopping, live music and food at the festival.
Each trip will give passengers two-hours in Atlanta before returning back to Hobbs Station. You must return on the ride that you departed from.
While on the train enjoy beverages including beer, wine and other cocktails from our cash bar.
Passengers under the age of 2 may ride free as a lap child in the Standard class seating only.
Seating Options
Diamond Seating
Duke Dining Car: Our dining car offers social, 4-top booth seating. Individual tickets are sold as part of a 4-top. Taller or larger passengers should purchase tickets in the platinum seating for maximum comfort. we do not recommend lap children in this car
Platinum Seating- Private 4-top tables
Reporter Lounge: Offers social, 4-top table and chair seating. These offer a better choice for taller and larger passengers. we do not recommend lap children in this car
Standard Seating Classic railroad style seating.
Schedule for the rides:
Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.- train departs Hobbs Station 10 a.m. - train arrives at the Earth Festival 12 p.m.- train leaves the Earth Festival 1 p.m. - train arrives back at Hobbs Station
4 p.m.- train leaves Hobbs Station 5 p.m.- train arrives at Earth Festival 7 p.m. - train leaves Earth Festival 8 p.m.- train returns to Hobbs Station
Passengers must return on the same ride they left on. The train will board 15-minutes before departure time in Atlanta. Passengers that miss the train will be responsible for their own transportation back to their car.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Boarding
Board the Nickel Plate Express at least 15 minutes before departure to secure your seat and settle in comfortably.
Choose Seating Wisely
Platinum seating offers private tables better suited for taller or larger passengers, while Diamond features social booth seating — select based on your group’s needs.
Bring Comfortable Footwear
You'll spend around two hours walking the festival grounds, so wear shoes suitable for uneven pavement and standing.
Don’t Miss the Return Train
You must catch the same train back to Hobbs Station; missing it will leave you responsible for your own transportation home.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern bluebirds
- White-tailed deer often seen near the festival outskirts
History
The Nickel Plate Express traces its origins to the early 20th-century Nickel Plate Railroad, a key part of Indiana's transportation history.
Conservation
Nickel Plate Express emphasizes sustainable operations by encouraging guests to bring reusable items and supporting local vendors at the festival.
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Adventure Hotspots in Indianapolis
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating the festival grounds and train station with ease.
Light jacket or layers
Weather can be cool on the train and at the festival, especially mornings and evenings.
spring|fall|winter specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the summer festival on foot and while riding the train.
summer specific
Sun protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun exposure during outdoor festival time.
spring|summer|fall specific