The French Lick Scenic Railway (Indiana Railway Museum) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that relays on volunteers to promote its mission of promoting and furthering railroad history through the operation and preservation of historical railroad equipment.
Volunteers are always needed in a wide range of skill sets:
• Track maintenance
• Metal repair and fabrication
• Woodworking
• Diesel engine maintenance and repair
• Railroad operations (to include Car Attendants, Conductors, and Engineers)
Volunteers will be required to participate in annual Safety and Operating Rules training. Those wishing to volunteer in Railroad Operations positions will receive extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of qualified crewmembers. Volunteers begin as Car Attendants and, with training, can work up to qualification as a locomotive engineer.
Volunteering at the French Lick Scenic Railway requires membership in the organization. The following membership levels are available:
Annual Associate
This membership extends benefits to one person. It must be renewed annually.
$20 per person for one year.
Individual Life
This type of membership is the same as the Individual Associate with a one-time-fee that does not require an annual renewal.
$200 per person.
Family Membership
This type of membership provides benefits to two adults and two children (ages 11 & under). The perfect deal for those who visit the Railroad often throughout the year.
$60 for a Family of 4
$10 per additional child (11 & under)
Membership benefits:
– Passage on any regularly scheduled Scenic Train Ride.*
– Subscription to the newsletter.
– 10% discount in the Gift Shop.
– Invitation to the Railroad’s Annual Dinner.
– Opportunity to serve as a Railroad Volunteer.
*Passage for members only. Not valid for special events.
French Lick & West Baden was once known as the home to “America’s Laxative”. The Pluto Water slogan was “When nature wont, Pluto will.” At one point in time, 40-50 train cars were used to ship Pluto Water across the country. This “healing” water naturally contained sodium, magnesium sulfate, and lithium which produced a foul odor. This odor prompted people to say that the underworld couldn’t be far away.
Pluto, the Roman God of the Underworld became a staple symbol in our area. Ultimately, Pluto Water sales were stopped in 1971 when lithium became a controlled substance and was no longer allowed to be sold publicly. However, the Pluto symbol remains and can still be found in many areas locally.
