Member Preview Days

Carmel, A Railroad Town, opens on September 25. Due to the pandemic, there will be no Member Preview for this exhibit.

This exhibit explores how the Monon and interurban railroads transformed Carmel from a pleasant pass-through village to a bustling small town. The railroads gave rise to new industries on the town’s southwest side and allowed farmers to ship their grain and livestock by rail instead of driving them to markets in Noblesville and Indianapolis. Many communities in Clay Township were once isolated by impassable dirt roads, but the Monon provided residents an opportunity to travel across the state and country. The interurban was a network of electric streetcars that connected Carmel to Noblesville and Indianapolis. It led to further growth of the town as people moved out to the country and commuted to work in the city on the Union Traction line. We invite you to stop by the Monon Depot Museum to learn about Carmel’s roots as a railroad town! With the safety of our visitors and staff in mind, visitors will be limited to three at a time in the museum. Larger groups can view the exhibit together if they are from the same family group. There will be no public restroom available. No one with a fever or flu-like symptoms should enter the museum. Social distancing is required while viewing the exhibit.    

The four-member Glacier Line Jammers Band will be performing railroad music on Sunday, September 27, at 2PM on the Monon Depot Museum deck. Please bring your chairs to socially distance while you enjoy this free concert!