Support Us Button Widget

Broad Ripple caboose auction stopped in its tracks

If you’re looking to own a piece of Indy history, you might have to wait.

Exterior of the Broad Ripple train caboose along the Monon Trail

You can find this piece of nostalgia at 6535 Cornell Ave.

Photo by INDYtoday team

A little piece of Hoosier nostalgia was up for grabs this week, but that opportunity has been put on pause.

Here’s a quick history lesson. Since the 1970s, a Broad Ripple train caboose — aka The Little Red Caboose — has been parked along the Monon Trail. Built in 1904, the train car was originally part of the New York Central Lakeshore Lines until the late 1960s, when it was transferred to the Monon Rail System — which is now the Monon Trail we know today.

Currently, the caboose belongs to the city, which was hoping to send it home with the highest bidder. That’s because a couple of years ago, the city announced it had plans to widen the Monon Trail, but it can’t proceed full steam ahead until the train is removed.

The train was up for auction until Sunday, March 30 with the most recent bid at $3,125. That is until yesterday, when an Indy Parks spokesperson said that they would halt the sale to “reengage stakeholders and explore additional options.” We’ll keep you updated as the story continues to roll forward.

More from INDYtoday
Sponsored
The Fountain Room’s three-course prix fixe menu is packed with seasonal flavor.
Sponsored
This year marks the Cincinnati Open’s 125th anniversary celebration.
Sponsored
Sponsored
Sponsored
Sponsored
One lucky reader is going to win a much-needed staycation.
Sponsored
From the site of a Coca-Cola bottling plant to multiple award-winning restaurants and Hall of Fame-inducted leaders, Clancy’s Hospitality is no stranger to a rich history.
Sponsored
The University of Indianapolis MBA program offers a top-ranked curriculum led by experienced faculty and designed for working adults.
Sponsored
Now in its 17th year, the Quilt Gardens are free and on display now through September 15.