Forest Park Rail Adventure

Nickel Plate Express utilizes USA built, high quality railbikes from Rail Gliders located in Pennsylvania. These family-friendly, pedal powered bikes are specially designed to sit on the rails of the tracks. Each bike seats up to 4 passengers. Railbikes offer the perfect activity for guests of all ages and allow passengers the opportunity to see the rail line from an entire new perspective.

Our railbikes are versatile and easy to ride for people of all ages and abilities. Intended to welcome everyone from small children to adults up to 6’4″, the Rail Glider’s seats are infinitely adjustable, even while sitting in them. A recommended weight limit of 250lbs per rider is suggested.

Yes! Children are welcome to ride the railbikes with appropriate adult guidance. We do ask that groups with children under the age of 16 be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All riders must be secured safely in a seat of their own. Harnesses will be available for toddlers. Infants under the age of 2 may ride strapped securely to an adult in an infant carrier.

All tours commence with the entire group departing alongside the tour guide. Participants disperse along the trail, maintaining a distance of up to 500 feet between individuals ahead and behind. This arrangement affords each group the opportunity to enjoy the open-air environment and the enchantment of the railroad at their preferred speed and in their individual space.

Nickel Plate Express Railbikes will have total occupancy of the rail line during tours. No other tour will operate at the same time and the train will not be running. Our staff coordinates daily to ensure a track bulletin is released and all parties are aware of the schedule for both railbikes and the train operations.

Nickel Plate Express Railbikes operate in various weather conditions, including rain or shine, as long as safety is ensured. Our railbike tours proceed in light to moderately inclement weather, excluding heavy rain expected to persist or impending threatening weather. We diligently assess the radar before each tour, and in the event of anticipated continuous downpour or adverse weather conditions, we may opt to cancel or delay departure until conditions improve. Due to the unpredictable nature of thunderstorms, a decision to cancel a tour for this reason is typically made approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Should the tour be cancelled for weather related issues, you will be offered a full refund. Customers who cancel due to weather are subject to our cancellation policy. Please be mindful when booking that railbikes are an outdoor activity and you will be exposed to the elements including light rain, wind, heat and cool temperatures.

Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Space is limited and walk-in tickets are not guaranteed.

Tickets can be purchased per person or per quad bike. There is a slight discount when purchasing the entire bike. If purchasing single bike tickets, you may be seated on a bike with other passengers.

Your experience is round trip and will take you back to your starting point.

Each trip is unique and different. Please refer to our rides for length.

Kindly review the weather forecast and attire yourself accordingly based on the predicted weather conditions. Since our tours take place outdoors and the railbikes are exposed to the elements, we suggest opting for comfortable and loose-fitting attire suitable for hiking or cycling. It is advisable to wear closed-toed shoes for your convenience and safety.

We recommend passengers bring bottled water. Each bike is equipped with a small basket for bags and other items. Passengers are welcome to bring snacks along with them. A small lunch bag size cooler will fit in the basket. We also encourage passengers to bring sunscreen and bug spray. Larger items should be stored in your car.

For the best experience we recommend a weight limit of 250lbs per person.