Nickel Plate Square

The goal of this new space is to attract people downtown and provide a benefit to the current downtown businesses, attract new businesses, and give residents a space that improves their quality of life. Nickel Plate Square features a scaled-down reproduction train depot with landscaped areas for relaxation.

Nickel Plate History in Argos

Nickel Plate Square pays homage to the rich railroad history of Argos. The replica depot in our downtown area is a scaled-down version of the long-gone depot that once stood on the south side of Argos.

The Nickel Plate Road played a significant role in building the economic base of our community. The Nickel Plate operated two lines through Argos. The east-west route connected Buffalo, New York, with Chicago, Illinois. The north-south route connected Indianapolis with Michigan City.

Today, the east-west route remains an important mainline for Norfolk Southern. The north-south route is now operated by two shortline railroads. The Elkhart & Western runs from Argos to Walkerton while the Rochester & Erie Railway runs from Argos to Rochester.

Nickel Plate Square Construction

Nickel Plate Square was constructed as part of an award through the Stellar Communities Program which was granted to Marshall County Crossroads in 2019. The Stellar Communities Program is a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment initiative led by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Nickel Plate Square opened in 2022.

Nickel Plate Square Rental

The Nickel Plate Square depot building is available for rental from the Town of Argos. The depot building can be rented for $133.75 (includes sales tax). There is a $250 refundable deposit for the depot building and a $75 nonrefundable cleaning fee due at time of reservation. The total due at the time of rental is $458.75.

For more information about renting the Nickel Plate Square depot building or other park properties, please download our rental form from the Park Document Center below or visit the Clerk-Treasurer's Office.

Park Document Center

• Argos Park Plan Final 2016-2020.pdf
• Park Pavilion-Sign Rental Form.pdf

Explore Our Parks

• Memorial Park
• Community Park
• Foker Park
• Nickel Plate Square