All Aboard for Adventure in Noblesville
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor experience in the heart of Indiana, Nickel Plate Express railbike rides are your ticket to fun, fitness, and scenery, all wrapped into one ride through Hamilton County.
What Are Railbike Tours?
Railbikes are pedal-powered vehicles that ride directly on railroad tracks. Think part bike, part train, all adventure. In Noblesville they run on the historic Nickel Plate line, operated by Nickel Plate Express (the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad). The tracks are still active, so railbike rides are carefully scheduled around the railroad’s train excursions.
Whether you’re a family after a fresh weekend idea, a couple looking for a quirky date, or a solo explorer trying something new, this one delivers.
Pick Your Path
Nickel Plate Express runs three railbike experiences, each with its own pace and views. All depart from Hobbs Station at Forest Park (825 Forest Park Dr, Noblesville).
1. Forest Park Rail Adventure
Distance: about 7 miles round trip
Price: from $40 per rider on weekdays; a full quad bike (four seats) runs around $140
Why you’ll love it: an easygoing, scenic route through woods and farmland, great for first-timers and families
2. White River Family Cruise
Distance: a shorter ride toward downtown Noblesville, with about an hour to explore before you head back
Price: from $30 per rider
Why you’ll love it: the railbike experience plus a chance to grab lunch or ice cream in town
3. Twilight Rail Ride
Distance: about 7 miles round trip in the evening
Price: from $60 per rider
Why you’ll love it: a sunset ride that ends with a fire and s’mores back at the station
Railbike season generally runs spring through fall, with rides returning in mid-April. Weekends book up fast, so reserve ahead at nickelplateexpress.com.
Come Prepared
A few things to bring for the best ride:
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe shoes (required)
Water and sunscreen
A small bag, plus sunglasses and a hat on sunny days
Noblesville’s railbike tours mix nature, history, and novelty into one outing, a fresh way to see Indiana powered by your own two feet.
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