Elkhart Celebrates 175 Years of Rail

Elkhart, Ind. — The National New York Central Railroad Museum is proud to announce ElkhartRail175, a yearlong celebration marking 175 years since the first train arrived in Elkhart on October 3, 1851. The milestone will be commemorated throughout 2026 with new programming that honors the past, present, and future of rail and its lasting impact on the community.

The long-awaited arrival of railroads forever changed the landscape of the place we call home. Rail transportation allowed Elkhart’s pre-existing industries to thrive and expand, sustaining and encouraging the growth of our community for the next one hundred and seventy-five years and transforming Elkhart from a village to a town, and finally, to a city.

“Elkhart’s story is inseparable from the railroad,” said Rod Roberson, Mayor of Elkhart. “Railroads shaped our economy, our workforce, and our sense of place. ElkhartRail175 allows us to honor the ingenuity that built this city while inspiring future generations to imagine what’s possible.”

While rooted in history, ElkhartRail175 also looks ahead — exploring the evolving role and future possibilities of rail transportation through dynamic public programming, education, and community engagement.

“The rail industry has been and continues to be an integral part of the nation’s growth and prosperity,” said Brent Holaway, Director of the National New York Central Railroad Museum. “The arrival of rail transformed commerce and personal transportation and helped establish Elkhart as a vital industrial center in northern Indiana. We are excited to celebrate 175 years of rail and its enduring contributions to Elkhart and surrounding communities.”

ElkhartRail175 Programs & Events:

• The 175 Series — A series of guest speaker presentations and tours that focus on topics that are related to the story of rail in Elkhart! All presentations will be free admission.
• 175 Years of Rail Exhibit — A special exhibit at the museum that tells the story of Elkhart Rail and explores its future.
• Elkhart Rail 175 Art Exhibition — A youth-focused community art competition opening late summer/early fall. All artists’ works will be displayed in the museum at an open house event. The winners’ art will be on display in the museum for a year!
• 175th Anniversary Celebration | October 3, 2026 — An all-day event at the museum celebrating the 175th anniversary of rail in Elkhart, complete with local food vendors, pioneer themed games & activities, historical demonstrations, & more!
• ElkhartRail175 Gala | October 16, 2026 — A formal fundraiser/awards dinner to wrap up the year’s activities.

Current Schedule of Events:

• April 18, 2pm- 175 Series Keynote: “The 20th Century Limited.” Keynote presentation by Richard Luckin. Location: NNYCRRM Event Space.
• May 175 Series- OPEN
• June 27, 2pm- 175 Series: What Happened at Benham West documentary screening and discussion. Sponsored by the Ruthmere Foundation. Location: NNYCRRM Event Space.
• July 1, 11am- Ruthmere Gallery Talk: "175 Years of Railroads in Elkhart." Presentation by Steve Barton and Steve Dinehart. Location: Beardsley Discovery Center.
• July 175 Series- OPEN
• August 175 Series- OPEN
• September 175 Series- OPEN
• October 3, 10am-4pm- 175th Anniversary of Rail in Elkhart. Location: NNYCRRM.
• October 16, 5:30pm- ElkhartRail175 Gala. Location: NNYCRRM Event Space.

ElkhartRail175 is made possible by generous sponsorship of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Friends of the National New York Central Railroad Museum. 

Organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring or participating in ElkhartRail175 events are encouraged to contact the National New York Central Railroad Museum at (574) 294-3001 or nnycrrm.info@cityofelkhartin.gov.

The National New York Central Railroad Museum is located at 721 S. Main Street in Downtown Elkhart. For hours, ticket prices and more information please visit nnycrrmuseum.org or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newyorkcentralmuseum for the latest updates.