Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure
Visitors can watch eight G-scale model electric trains navigate nearly 1,200 feet of track through more than 30 miniature scenes decorated with holiday lights. Landmarks of Indianapolis and the American West—including Route 66, the Grand Canyon, and an erupting Old Faithful geyser—are handcrafted from natural items like bark, twigs, and seeds. Guests can also take family photos with a near-life-size train engine model and visit an activities area in the sculpture court.
What to Expect
Model trains traveling through natural-material landmarks of the American West.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Indianapolis
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and train enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive and whimsical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The exhibit is included with the cost of museum admission. – Get tickets
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m. Extended hours on December 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 until 7 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- If you want to see the trains later in the day, pick one of the December extended-hours evenings: Dec. 13, 14, 18 through 21, or 26 through 28.
- Bring a charged smartphone so you can scan the QR codes on the scene labels for bonus content and videos about your favorite features.
- Time your visit for a Winter Markets day on Nov. 29, Dec. 13 or Dec. 20 to shop from local artists along with the trains.
- Have your camera ready for the family photo op with the near-life-size train engine, which is built entirely from natural materials.
- Leave time afterward to head downstairs to the Nina Mason Pulliam Education Center, where the R.B. Annis Western Family Experience offers hands-on play.
Special Events & Promotions
- Extended evening hours on Dec. 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
- Winter Markets with local artists on Nov. 29, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.
- Members-Only First Look at Jingle Rails on Nov. 15.
- Members and Friends Adults Night Out on Dec. 12, pairing It's Not Just A Quillbox with Jingle Rails.
- New this year: the Route 66 scene and a family activities area in the expanded Allen Whitehill Clowes Sculpture Court.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's new at Jingle Rails this year?
Route 66 is the newest scene in the display. There is also a new family activities area in the newly expanded Allen Whitehill Clowes Sculpture Court. The Winter Markets featuring local artists are back, and the exhibit stays open later on select evenings.
Which landmarks are in the display?
There are more than 30 scenes. They include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Lucas Oil Stadium, OneAmerica Tower, Route 66, the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam and an Old Faithful geyser that actually erupts.
What are the scenes made of?
Everything is built from natural materials by Applied Imagination. Look for twigs, sycamore leaves, pinecone scales, walnut shells and cinnamon sticks. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument alone uses dozens of materials, from elm bark and acorn caps to pistachio shells and lichen.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, it's made for visitors of all ages. There's a family photo op with a near-life-size train engine made of natural materials, plus the new family activities area. Downstairs, the Nina Mason Pulliam Education Center has the hands-on R.B. Annis Western Family Experience.
Can I learn more about the scenes while I'm there?
Yes. Scan the QR codes on the labels with your smartphone to get bonus content and videos about the features.
More Christmas Events Near Indianapolis
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