50-year-old train ride from Jasper to French Lick

Updated: Apr 07, 2008 1:34 PM CDT

Reporter: Jared Austin, Web Producer: Mike Mardis

It’s been over 50 years since passengers have ridden the train from Jasper to French Lick. This year you may be able to buy a ticket to make that trip.

The city of Jasper is putting the finishing touches on the first of three new train cars.  “It will be a fully functional car you get on board you will think you are almost home,” Raymie Eckerle, JAsper Street Commissioner, said.

The train car is lined with quarter saw oak, historic light fixtures, and an old style tin ceiling.

“One of the cleanest economic boost we can have for our community is tourism,” Jasper Mayor William Schmitt said, “it is a good clean industry and in order to get people into your community you have got to have something to offer them.”

The train ride from the Jasper depot to the French Lick casinos will take just over an hour. That’s twice as long as in a car. So why would passengers choose a train ride instead.

“So many people say ‘I have never really ridden on a train,’ and this will give them the opportunity to take a scenic train ride from Jasper, Indiana to French Lick where you will travel through the longest tunnel in the state of Indiana,” Schmitt said.

“I have driven to French Lick many times myself in cars,” Eckerle said, “and this is going to be one the fantastic opportunities for people to see the country side in a nice easy setting.”

The rail line is complete from Huntingburg to Jasper, but still needs repairs. City officials hope to have all three cars and the tracks ready before the end of the year.  – submitted by Steve Miller