October 7-8, 2023 Fall Color Trains

On Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8, Hillsdale will welcome back Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765, as it stops in our historic downtown for an afternoon layover during the Indiana Rail Experience’s the “Indiana Fall Color Train” round-trip excursions.

Read on to learn about the different activities and events taking place that weekend — all of which are open to local residents and train passengers alike!

STREET CLOSURES

In order to facilitate the safe arrival and departure of the passenger train, Hillsdale Street between East Carleton Road and Monroe Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, and Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday, Oct. 7

On Saturday, the Hillsdale County Farmers Market will set up on Hillsdale Street between East Carleton Road and Monroe Street, near where the train will be parked.

10:00AM-1:00PM: North Country Artist Alliance “Fall Art Show” at Fether Studios, located at 20 N. Howell Street.

12:00-3:00PM: Local singer Heather Elaine will be performing a vintage set in front of Hillsdale Brewing Company.

12:00-4:00PM: John Castellese fine art exhibit “Nature’s Way” at Studio 42, located at 42 Union Street.

Sunday, Oct. 8

12:00-3:00PM: Local singer Heather Elaine will be performing a vintage set in front of Hillsdale Brewing Company.

12:00-3:00PM: “Art Express” at the historic Dawn Theater, located at 110 N. Broad Street. 14 fine artists will be featured, view and purchase fine art pieces including one-of-a-kind train paintings.

FOOD & REFRESHMENT

Hillsdale is home to many excellent local restaurants, diners, and coffee houses. The following establishments will be open Saturday, Oct. 7, and/or Sunday, Oct. 8. They are listed in order of shortest walking distance from the area where the train will stop.

* Denotes establishments that are participating in the Historic Hillsdale Refreshment Area. Adults age 21+ can purchase an alcoholic beverage from these establishments in a specially-marked to-go cup and consume them on public sidewalks within the marked commons area boundaries.

In addition, we are excited to share that fan-favorite food trailer "Wieners & Tacos On The Fly" will be serving up tasty treats both days on Hillsdale Street.

RESTROOMS

Two portable restroom units will be located on Hillsdale Street directly across from Hillsdale Brewing Company. One unit is wheelchair accessible.

SHOPPING

The following businesses have confirmed with the City of Hillsdale that they will be open on Saturday, Oct. 7, and/or Sunday, Oct. 8. (This list will be updated, so check back frequently)

• Birdie's & Howell
• Fether Studios
• HMN Style
• Seasonal Swing
• Toasted Mud

SHUTTLES

There will be a shuttle circulating between 49 E. Carleton Road (positioned in the front of the old train depot facing E. Carleton Road) and the Hillsdale County Courthouse Parking Lot at 15-minute intervals. This will allow passengers who want to explore downtown Hillsdale to get dropped off closer to the center of the downtown business district. There is no fee to utilize the shuttle service.