What is it about fall in Indiana that brings with it the overpowering need to get out and explore the countryside when it's at its most colorful? We're not sure, but it's such a popular pastime that it's called "leaf-peeping season" for a reason! Well, there's no better way to go leaf-peeping in Indiana than an old-school fall train ride, and one of the best fall foliage train rides in Indiana is sure to thrill the entire family with its old-world charm and vividly colorful atmosphere. This year, it's a little different — enjoy the Pumpkinliner excursion, a pumpkin train ride that will show you all of the fall beauty available in Indiana!

The Whitewater Valley Railroad reached Connersville in 1867.

In 1972, following a history full of twists and turns, it became a not-for-profit and today, it still runs like it always has. It's been a staple of the Indiana countryside for decades now, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

It operates year-round, with special events every season that you won't usually find anywhere else.

The Pumpkinliner is a truly wonderful experience that successfully captures the magic of autumn, as it carries riders through some intensely vibrant and colorful landscapes on a short-and-sweet journey during which you and the family will make lifelong memories on the way to a pumpkin patch delight!

The Pumpkinliner excursion is a special event and operates this year on October 26th and 27th.

The trek takes you from Connersville to The Pumpkin Patch and departs four times on each day. Departure times are at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and reservations ARE recommended. This is a wonderful experience that the whole family will love, but you won't be the only ones eyeballing it for something fun to do!

Perhaps the best part - other than the fall color and memories, of course - is just how affordable the journey is.

Tickets are $12 for everyone age two and older, and kids 12 and under get a pumpkin to take home!

The Pumpkinliner excursion is far from the only one Whitewater Valley Railroad offers.

You'll find all kinds of fun and interesting events year-round, like historic wild-west rides, magical Christmastime rides, and much more. Whitewater Valley is a rolling history museum with passionate volunteers who truly enjoy sharing the fascinating history of one of Indiana's oldest train lines with curious guests.

No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to leave with a lot more knowledge about Indiana train rides than you arrived with - and we wouldn't have it any other way!

For the most up-to-date event information, ticket sales, reservations, and much more visit the official Whitewater Railroad website.

So what do you think? Do you plan on taking a scenic train ride in Indiana this year? Tell us your plans in the comments! And if you need some more exciting things to do in fall in Indiana, take a look at Airbnb experiences. There may be some things to do that you hadn't even imagined.