Day trips are the best way to spend a weekend in Ohio. Most people don’t realize that you can take day trips in Ohio via train as well. From scenic railways to dinner trains, Ohio features several train rides you and your friends and family will love. The following are 7 incredible Ohio day trips you can take via the railroad. They’re some of the best train rides in Ohio.
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. To view a current schedule of trains and more information click here. Address: 16 East South Street, Lebanon, OH, 45036
Enjoy cocktails on the rails, brunch or a murder mystery dinner via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and its special events. You can also take a scenic ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year from January 21 until the first weekend in October. For more information click here. Address: 1630 Mill Street West, Peninsula, OH, 44264
All meals served on this dinner train in Ohio include a side of scenery aboard three beautifully restored 1940s 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. Address: 2172 East Seymour Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45237
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. Address: 145 Depot Street, Orrville, OH, 44667
This railroad, train station and museum reopens for the season every May and features an impressive collection of more than 30 pieces. Beginning in May, 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. Address: 990 Proprietors Road, Worthington, OH, 43085
The Lorain and West Virginia Railway features several tours and other special events each year such as Wine on Rails and the Lorain County Fair train rides. To learn more about what this railway will offer this year, find them on Facebook or click here. Address: 46789 OH-18, Wellington, OH, 44090
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. Address: 33 East Canal Street, Nelsonville, OH, 45764
Did you know about these Ohio train rides? Have you taken any of them before? If so, let us know what your experience was like!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Train Rides in Ohio
June 21, 2019
April Dray
What are the best scenic train rides in Ohio?
There are several Ohio train rides that are scenic. One of the most popular scenic train rides in Ohio is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad because it takes you through a national park. The fall season is a particularly beautiful time to take a train ride in Ohio. Several railroads in Ohio feature fall train rides, such as the Lorain and West Virginia Railway Fall Color Tour and the Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad Fall Flyer.
What are the best family friendly train rides in Ohio?
Seasonal and holiday themed train rides are some of the best train rides for families. There’s nothing like a Christmas train in Ohio to get your kids excited for the holiday season. The Polar Express at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a popular option, as well as the Santa Train at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. We also recommend the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Pumpkin Train in the fall time and the Ohio Railway Museum Ghost Trolley. (The ghost trolley is not too scary for young children.) These seasonal train rides tend to sell out fast, however, so be sure to purchase tickets well in advance.
Are there any mystery dinner train rides in Ohio?
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad features a Murder Mystery train ride, complete with appetizers but not a full course dinner. The train rides are available on select dates throughout the summer season. For more information about this specific train ride or to reserve tickets, click here. The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad also features a murder mystery train with appetizers. For more information, click here.
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
