All Aboard for Adventure: Railbike Tours in Noblesville, Indiana

All Aboard for Adventure: Railbike Tours in Noblesville, Indiana

Taylor Huff

Jul 19, 2025Updated Jul 22, 20265 min read

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.

A group pedals a railbike along the Nickel Plate line in Noblesville, Indiana

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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Frequently asked

Quick answers.

Who runs the Noblesville railbike tours?

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Nickel Plate Express, the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, on the historic Nickel Plate line in Hamilton County.

Are the railbikes running in 2026?

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Yes. The railbike season returns in mid-April and generally runs spring through fall. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

Where do the rides depart?

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Hobbs Station at Forest Park, 825 Forest Park Drive, Noblesville.

What tours are offered and what do they cost?

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The Forest Park Rail Adventure (about 7 miles, from $40 per rider), the White River Family Cruise (from $30, with a downtown Noblesville layover), and the evening Twilight Rail Ride (about 7 miles, from $60).

Do the railbikes run on active train tracks?

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Yes. They ride the active Nickel Plate line, so rides are scheduled around the railroad's train excursions for safety.

How hard is the pedaling?

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The railbikes are pedal-powered but designed to be manageable for most fitness levels on the gentle grade. Bring water, especially in summer.

What should I wear?

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Closed-toe shoes are required, plus weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, and a hat on sunny days.

Do I need to book in advance?

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Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, since departures have limited capacity and weekends fill up. Book at nickelplateexpress.com.

Taylor Huff

Taylor Huff

Born and raised in Indiana’s 574, Taylor is a business owner, farm wife, and mom who brings local heart to Get IN by giving you insider tips on the state’s hidden gems.

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