Here in Ohio, there are plenty of train themed attractions scattered throughout the state to keep you busy year-round. From train depot restaurants and railroad museums to dinner trains and scenic railroads, there’s likely a locomotive themed attraction within an hour’s drive time from you.
Here are 10 must-visit attractions in Ohio that train enthusiasts will love:
- Ohio Railway Museum (Worthington)
Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook This railroad, train station and museum features an impressive collection of more than 30 pieces. On select days, the museum offers round trip demonstration rides on some of the streetcars and interurbans. The museum also features several holiday and seasonal rides, such as the popular Ghost Trolley. For more information click here.
- Fostoria Rail Park (Fostoria)
Fostoria Rail Park/Facebook Open 24/7, this little-known park is a hidden gem train enthusiasts will absolutely love. Also known as the Iron Triangle, the park is laid out in the shape of a triangle, situated between three railways. More than 120 trains pass through the park each day. For more information click here.
- Buckeye Express Diner (Bellville)
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook For lunch, make a stop at Buckeye Express Diner, where you don’t necessarily have to board an operating train for a locomotive themed dining experience. If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you’ll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) For more information click here.
- Orrville Railroad Heritage Society (Orrville)
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society/Facebook The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society features several train ride excursions and events open to the general public such as Spring Circle Trips, National Train Day, Orrville Railroad Day, Fall Foliage Trips and more. To learn more about when the train will run this year, click here.
- Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (Nelsonville)
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway/Facebook Operating train rides through the Hocking River Valley between East Logan and Nelsonville, this scenic railway features several holiday and seasonal events as well. Trains also operate every Saturday and Sunday between Memorial Day and the last weekend of October. For more information click here.
- Dennison
dennisonrailroadfestival.org With more than 150 years of history, a charming train depot and an iconic deli, this small village that’s home to just 2,700 residents is one of Ohio’s most underrated small towns. Stroll the historic streets, visit the train museum, enjoy the local park and make a day trip out of Dennison. (We recommend having lunch at Pangrazio’s Pizza or Berni’s.)
- The Berea Union Depot Restaurant (Berea)
The Berea Depot/Facebook What was once a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s is now a family favorite restaurant where visitors can enjoy the history, unique atmosphere and passing trains. On the menu, you’ll find everything from delicious seafood options to pub fare with a twist. For more information click here.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (Peninsula)
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook The 3.5-hour National Park Scenic ride at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a must-do for Ohio explorers and nature lovers. The train runs Tuesdays - Sundays from June - October. Ticket prices vary, depending on the seating option you choose. For more information click here.
- Cincinnati Dinner Train (Cincinnati)
Cincinnati Dinner Train/Facebook All dinners served on this train include a side of scenery aboard three beautifully restored 1950s era dining cars. The public dinner train operates every Saturday throughout the year and features a three-hour train ride and a four-course meal. The train also features two private luxury dining cars and special events throughout the year. For tickets, departure times and other information click here.
- Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad (Lebanon)
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad/Facebook The LM&M Railroad features scenic train rides through southwestern Ohio in Warren County, departing from historic downtown Lebanon. The train runs on most weekends throughout the year and on select weekdays. You can also take several seasonal and holiday train rides such as the Easter Bunny Express and the Curious George Express. The 2017 event schedule will be announced on January 23. For more information click here.
How many of these attractions have you visited? What other train themed attractions would you add to this list? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
This railroad, train station and museum features an impressive collection of more than 30 pieces. On select days, the museum offers round trip demonstration rides on some of the streetcars and interurbans. The museum also features several holiday and seasonal rides, such as the popular Ghost Trolley. For more information click here.
Fostoria Rail Park/Facebook
Open 24/7, this little-known park is a hidden gem train enthusiasts will absolutely love. Also known as the Iron Triangle, the park is laid out in the shape of a triangle, situated between three railways. More than 120 trains pass through the park each day. For more information click here.
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook
For lunch, make a stop at Buckeye Express Diner, where you don’t necessarily have to board an operating train for a locomotive themed dining experience. If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you’ll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) For more information click here.
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society/Facebook
The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society features several train ride excursions and events open to the general public such as Spring Circle Trips, National Train Day, Orrville Railroad Day, Fall Foliage Trips and more. To learn more about when the train will run this year, click here.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway/Facebook
Operating train rides through the Hocking River Valley between East Logan and Nelsonville, this scenic railway features several holiday and seasonal events as well. Trains also operate every Saturday and Sunday between Memorial Day and the last weekend of October. For more information click here.
dennisonrailroadfestival.org
With more than 150 years of history, a charming train depot and an iconic deli, this small village that’s home to just 2,700 residents is one of Ohio’s most underrated small towns. Stroll the historic streets, visit the train museum, enjoy the local park and make a day trip out of Dennison. (We recommend having lunch at Pangrazio’s Pizza or Berni’s.)
The Berea Depot/Facebook
What was once a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s is now a family favorite restaurant where visitors can enjoy the history, unique atmosphere and passing trains. On the menu, you’ll find everything from delicious seafood options to pub fare with a twist. For more information click here.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The 3.5-hour National Park Scenic ride at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a must-do for Ohio explorers and nature lovers. The train runs Tuesdays - Sundays from June - October. Ticket prices vary, depending on the seating option you choose. For more information click here.
Cincinnati Dinner Train/Facebook
All dinners served on this train include a side of scenery aboard three beautifully restored 1950s era dining cars. The public dinner train operates every Saturday throughout the year and features a three-hour train ride and a four-course meal. The train also features two private luxury dining cars and special events throughout the year. For tickets, departure times and other information click here.
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad/Facebook
The LM&M Railroad features scenic train rides through southwestern Ohio in Warren County, departing from historic downtown Lebanon. The train runs on most weekends throughout the year and on select weekdays. You can also take several seasonal and holiday train rides such as the Easter Bunny Express and the Curious George Express. The 2017 event schedule will be announced on January 23. For more information click here.
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