All Aboard Again: Volunteers Lead Whitewater Valley Railroad’s Recovery

Whitewater Valley Railroad Volunteers Can Become Engineers, Conductors and Brakemen on Historic Trains

Photo via Whitewater Valley Railroad

For more than half a century, the Whitewater Valley Railroad has invited visitors to slow down, climb aboard and experience southeastern Indiana from the window of a historic train.

Founded in 1972, the volunteer-run, not-for-profit operating railroad museum began excursions in 1974. Its mission has remained much the same: preserve railroad equipment, restore an important piece of regional history, and help new generations understand how railroads helped shape the Whitewater Valley. Now, that mission is taking on new meaning.

The railroad was directly in the path of the catastrophic river flooding that struck in the early morning hours of Aug. 13, 2026. Floodwaters damaged nearly 16 of the railroad’s 19 miles of track and submerged or destroyed equipment. Excursions through the countryside have been suspended while volunteers and crews perform the long process of inspecting, clearing and rebuilding.

The recovery will take time and substantial resources. The railroad recently reached its first fundraising goal of $150,000, an encouraging milestone toward a rebuild that could ultimately cost as much as $1 million. Donations have come from supporters throughout the region and beyond, including other excursion railroads.

But money is only part of the recovery story. Behind every cleared section of track, cleaned piece of equipment and repaired component is a volunteer.

Thousands of volunteer hours have already gone into the effort. Some arrived with mops, buckets and rags to help clean up after the flood. Others have experience operating heavy machinery, electrical work, mechanical repairs or other specialized skills. Still others help with sewing, ticket sales, the gift shop and the many behind-the-scenes jobs required to keep the railroad moving.

That spirit of volunteerism has always been part of the Whitewater Valley Railroad. The railroad doesn't simply rely on volunteers to support its operation. Volunteers actually become the people who operate the trains.

Members can take Whitewater Valley Railroad training courses for engineers, conductors and brakemen, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience using full-size historic equipment.

After completing the course and passing required tests, new members begin service as student brakemen and continue learning their way through the crew. Initial training classes are generally held over six consecutive Saturdays in the spring, with the 2027 schedule expected to be announced early next year. From there, volunteers can advance at their own pace.

Robert Rogers and his family are examples of how the spirit of the railroad can become part of you.

Rogers has been involved with the Whitewater Valley Railroad for more than 17 years and is now a trained engineer. His wife, Joanie, works in the ticket booth and gift shop. Their three adult children grew up around the trains and became volunteers themselves. Their daughter, Rebecca Platt, began helping at the railroad at age 14. She is now one of several women certified as railroad engineers, carrying the family tradition into another generation.

While the trains are temporarily idle, the railroad is finding ways to keep people connected to the experience.

Motorcar rides are being operated by Whitewater Valley Railroad volunteers in Metamora on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 31. The rides provide an opportunity to raise money for the railroad while also encouraging visitors to support Metamora businesses that were affected by the same flooding.

The railroad will also host its fall fundraiser, Phantoms of the Canal Road, a family-friendly 20-minute motorcar ride through a haunted Metamora. With no blood or gore, the volunteer-run event is designed for ghosts and goblins of all ages. Rides will run every 30 minutes from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 16 through Oct. 31.

Metamora has long been an important part of the railroad experience. The train normally carries passengers approximately 16 to 20 miles from Connersville through the countryside, along the Whitewater River and past reminders of the canal era before arriving in the historic canal town.

Visitors can see the aqueduct and mill, browse shops, enjoy local restaurants and sample the town's homemade treats. The connection between the river, canal and railroad is part of what makes the journey unique.

Regular passengers know what they are waiting to see again: the Valley Flyer to Metamora, fall excursions, the Easter Bunny Train, Wild West Special, the Train to Dinner and the holiday favorite, The Polar Express.

For now, those familiar excursions remain paused. But the work to bring them back is underway. Every donation, volunteer hour, motorcar ticket and word of encouragement helps move the railroad one step closer to recovery.

When the trains eventually roll again, the first passengers will see more than a restored railroad. They will see the result of a community determined to preserve its history - and keep it rolling into the future.

For information about volunteering, donations, gift shop vendors or future events, call (765) 825-2054.