“All Aboard the Holiday Express” is the theme for Ruthmere’s 2024 holiday tours! Each room of the museum will be decorated with vintage and modern-day train décor and model trains, some of which will be on loan from various collectors throughout Michiana. Every year, a decorating committee puts their minds together to create an unforgettable experience of holiday décor and Christmas cheer. Never before has a train motif been considered for the elegant mansion. 

Our theme captures the glory days of when America’s railroads were symbols of progress. Elkhart has a rich history with the railroad, starting in 1851 when the first railroad arrived in our county. Along with it came a significant increase in population and jobs, greatly shaping the physical, social, and economic landscape of Elkhart. The Norfolk Southern Railway’s Elkhart Yard is the largest railroad freight classification yard east of the Mississippi River; as such, Elkhart functions as a vital link in the chain connecting the Atlantic Seaboard with the Midwest and beyond. 

Bring the whole family to appreciate not only the splendor of Ruthmere’s stunning Christmas décor, but also the rich history behind trains and engineering. Our holiday tours begin on November 30th and run through December 29th, 2024. Regular hours and admission rates apply. Visit Ruthmere.org for more information. All aboard!  

Ruthmere will be closed December 24-26 for Christmas.