ElkhartRail175
Celebrate 175 years of rail in Elkhart on October 3, 2026
The First Train in Elkhart
The first train passed through what was then the village of Elkhart on Friday, October 3, 1851. Its wood-burning engine hauling a train of flat cars and a caboose chugged along wooden bridge across the Elkhart River before reaching the foot of Main St. What was then a forest south of the village would eventually become an important freight depot and is where the museum stands today.
This train was the culmination of two decades of financial and legal maneuvering and unwavering faith that Elkhart was as special as Elkhartans believed it to be. Since day one, Elkhart has been an essential link in the chain that connects the east and west. Rail helped Elkhart’s preexisting industries thrive and expand, attracting even more businesses and immigrants who made our community what it is today.
In celebrating Elkhart’s railroading past, we also look to the future of rail transportation and imagine its possibilities. Join us for all new programing this year to do just that!
What is ElkhartRail175?
ElkhartRail175 is a year of community engagement celebrating the 175th anniversary of rail in Elkhart all year long with a full slate of all-new programming culminating in the big anniversary celebration on October 3, 2026.
Programs and Events:
175 Series
The 175 Series is a series of monthly presentations by guest speakers and special tours that tell the story of rail in Elkhart!
175 Years of Rail Exhibit
The 175 Years of Rail Exhibit will be a special temporary exhibit at the museum that explores the past, present, and future of Elkhart Rail!
Art Contest/ Exhibition
The ElkhartRail175 Art Contest is a friendly competition encouraging youth to create rail art that will be displayed at an open house. Winners’ pieces will be displayed in the museum for a year!
ElkhartRail175 Gala
The ElkhartRail175 Gala will be a formal awards dinner/fundraiser at the end of the year to celebrate the work that made ElkhartRail175 possible!
175th Anniversary Celebration
The 175th anniversary of rail in Elkhart on October 3, 2026, will be a big all-day celebration at the museum, complete with local food vendors and refreshments, pioneer-themed games and activities, historical demonstrations, and more!
Follow to stay in the loop!
#ElkhartRail175
If you are interested in sponsoring or participating in an event, call or email us at (574) 294-3001 or nnycrrm.info@cityofelkhartin.gov.
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Contact Us
National New York Central Railroad Museum
nnycrrm.info@cityofelkhartin.gov
Phone: (574) 294-3001
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM EST