This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Ohio Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime
If you’re a train enthusiast, Ohio is the state for you. Scattered throughout the Buckeye State are train museums, depots, scenic railways, and even train-themed restaurants that are fun for the whole family to enjoy. We’ve designed a train-themed road trip to take you on several train rides in Ohio that’s ideal for a weekend getaway and is fun for the whole family. When getting ready for your adventure, don’t forget to use our ultimate road trip packing list to make preparations a breeze! Now, let’s take a look at this unique trip:
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The total trip takes a little less than 8 hours to complete. We’ve designed it in a loop, so you can start with the location closest to you. To view a Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.
If you're able to, start your trip with the Ohio Railway Museum. This railroad, train station, and museum features an impressive collection of more than 30 pieces. If you are looking for train rides in Ohio, this is the place to come. 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, check out the website for the Ohio Railway Museum.
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 visit the website for the Buckeye Express Diner.
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, check out the Orrvill Railroad website.
End your day with dinner inside a former train depot. The Berea Union Depot Restaurant in Berea, Ohio features a unique dining experience inside a historic train depot alongside active railroad tracks. 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. For more information, visit the official website for the Berea Union Depot Restaurant.
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 until the first weekend in October. For more information check out the official website for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
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, and enjoy the local park. If you're looking for ideas for fun day trips in Ohio, Dennison is a great place to visit. (We recommend having lunch at Pangrazio's Pizza or Schoolhouse Restaurant.)
End your trip with another scenic train ride in the rolling hills of southeast Ohio. 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 visit the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway website.
What do you think of this road trip of train rides in Ohio? Would you take it? Share your thoughts with us!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Train-Themed Road Trip In Ohio
April 28, 2021
Melissa M
What are the best train rides in Ohio?
There’s just something so special about riding on a train and luckily there are several options around Ohio for a wonderful ride down the tracks. A few of these options include:
If you live in or are visiting southwestern Ohio, the LM&M features historic train rides and themed train rides around the holidays, all of which depart from Lebanon.
Take the Cincinnati Dinner Train where you can enjoy a four-course meal on a three-hour journey in a restored 1940s dining car.
The Lorain and West Virginia Railway offers special themed train events throughout the year including a Fall Foliage ride, Santa Train, and Pumpkin Train.
Are there any other themed road trips I can take?
There are several themed road trips in Ohio that can help you plan an adventure and lead you to places around the Buckeye State you may never have thought about visiting. Up for an adventure? Check out:
This Cave and Waterfall Road Trip will lead you to impressive caves like the Rock House in Logan to majestic waterfalls like Hayden Falls in Dublin.
There's also a Lighthouse Road Trip which leads you along the Lake Erie coast to view several picturesque lighthouses, some of which may offer tours!
What are some ideas for fun day trips in Ohio?
In a state like Ohio, it’s easy to find places for a day trip. Here are some ideas to make a day away both fun and exciting:
If you like both wine and waterfalls, try this day trip that will take you to one of the best wineries and falls in the state.
You may also want to take a day to explore the town of Yellow Springs where you can peruse the shops, visit the art galleries, and search for the springs the town is named after.
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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.
