Kids (and adults) of all ages love trains and the miniature train rides at Lester Rail Trail in Medina offer a unique train riding experience. During select dates throughout the year, the Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers offer free train rides around a miniature railroad and station house at the Medina County Parks Lester Rail Trail in Medina.
This year they have rides scheduled on select dates in June, July and September and special Halloween themed rides in October (see full schedule listed below). Costumes are encouraged for the Halloween rides.
Miniature Train Rides at Lester Rail Trail
After parking at the Lester Rail Trail park, make the short walk over to the train station to get in line to ride the trains. While waiting in line you can watch the various trains. There are so many different types and sizes of trains including: a steam engine, coal cars, cabooses, box cars, and even little conductors waving out the drivers window.
There are typically 5-6 trains running at the same time, so the wait to ride should only be 10-15 minutes depending on how many people are waiting. The picture above shows the train cars that riders sit on. While some of the trains had padding, most of the seats were wood and 3-4 people sat on each train section.
The ride was approximately 10 minutes long with tracks winding through the meadow, woods and by various miniature buildings, small bridges and a station house. There were even railroad crossing signs at the various intersections.
Once your ride is over, you are welcome to get back in line and ride again and again. When we were there we rode the trains 4 times, took a walk along the hike & bike trail and even found a geocache while we were at the park. It was a great time and we hope to go back to ride the trains again.
Ride Schedule
Note: Dates and Times are subject to change. Please double check their website to confirm prior to visiting.
Regular Rides
Saturday, June 21, 2025; 12:30-4:30pm
Saturday, September 20, 2025; 12:30-4:30pm
Themed Rides
Christmas in July: Saturday, July 26, 2025; 4:00-8:00pm
Halloween: Friday, October 17, 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Halloween: Saturday, October 18, 2025; 4:30-8:30pm
All rides are free of any charge; donations are appreciated.
Lester Rail Trail
3654 Lester Road Medina, OH 44256 (York Township)
0.75-mile north of State Route 1
Website
Interested in information on the train ride (lester). Looking for dates it runs and how to make reservations
Hi Diane,
Here is a link to this year’s schedule: https://neols.net/publicrundates.php
You don’t need to make reservations, just show up during the scheduled times and enjoy the ride.
Have fun!
Danielle