There is something magical about seeing the world while rolling down the track on a train. No matter if you’re looking for fun an afternoon with the kids, a full-day scenic excursion, or a romantic evening trip for date night, our list of train rides in Ohio can help you find the perfect rail experience!
Whether you choose a summertime mini-train ride through one of our Ohio Metro Parks or a Christmastime Polar Express themed ride, train rides can be a special treat for families.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Hop aboard! The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park year-round and offers beautiful views and fun for the whole family.
You can catch the train in several locations or plan an excursion with special themed trips, including Family Friendly Rides for young children, The Polar Express with hot cocoa and cookies, Hale Farm Explorer with admission to the museum, or ride all day and explore the National Park Scenic Route. You can even bring your bike and make it a day!
The website is very informative and can help you plan your trip with train schedules, a full excursion calendar with trip descriptions, nearby attractions, online reservations, and more.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Peninsula Depot: 1630 Mill St. W, Peninsula, OH 44264
Website
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Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Head out to East Logan, take the noon train to Haydenville, experience a holiday excursion, or take a ride on a train destined to be robbed by the friendliest robbers in the area!
This historic train is operated by a crew of volunteers and travels through the Hocking Valley area with an approximately 2-hour ride on weekends between Memorial Day and the end of October. Offering an authentic and historic train experience, travelers can enjoy one of their open-air cars or ride in one of the enclosed cars which are both air-conditioned and heated.
Be sure to arrive 30-45 minutes in advance of your scheduled departure time and tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the Nelsonville Depot. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages but be cautioned that the historic train does not include restrooms. Ride and ticket details can be found on their website or call to have your questions answered before you book.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Nelsonville Depot: 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, OH 45764
Website
Cincinnati Dinner Train
The Cincinnati Dinner Train describes their 3-hour dinner experience as “Dining with a side of Scenery!” The 1940s-themed train travels 25 miles (round trip) to the Cincinnati Riverfront and is equipped with several restored railcars prepared to serve you and your friends a delicious four-course dinner with period entertainment.
Visit their website for menu information (including vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements), business-casual dress code, reservation details, and a very helpful list of frequently asked questions. You’ll also find great photos of the train cars and the history of each.
This excursion is best for older children and adults, as children under 12 are not permitted. Special events, group, and private excursions are also available with advance reservations.
Cincinnati Dinner Train
2172 E. Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237
Website
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Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad
Also known as the Mt. Perry Scenic Train, the Zanesville & Western Railroad travels the historic “Glass Rock Spur” rail line in southeastern Ohio and offers weekend rides from July through October. You can ride in a traditional enclosed coach car or choose their gondola car for an open-air experience.
The scenic train offers several themed excursions including a Hobo Camp, Pumpkin Train, Santa Train, Grassman Weekend, and a weekend for Scouts where kids receive a free ride when wearing their scout uniform. Groups and themed parties are welcome. Call for details for special events.
Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad
5700 State Route 204, Mt. Perry, OH 43760 (Park at Schneider Foods, 5705 SR 204, Mt. Perry, OH 43760)
Website
Ohio Railway Museum
As one of the oldest railroad museums in the country, the Ohio Railway Museum has made its mission to educate visitors by offering “a taste of what this country was like when rail travel was part of everyday life.”
The museum exhibits include steam, electric, and diesel trains, streetcars, and rare and hard-to-find interurbans. You’ll also find artifacts of unique items representing the culture and technology of railroading.
Unlimited demonstration train, streetcar, and Pullman passenger car rides are included with admission for the day of your visit, rain or shine. Children under 3 are FREE. Only open on Sundays!
Ohio Railway Museum
990 Proprietors Rd., Worthington, OH 43085
Website
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad
Operated by the Cincinnati Scenic Railway, the Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad offers family-friendly train rides that “put history into motion.”
In addition to beautifully restored train cars, you’ll find a unique list of themed rides, including opportunities to ride on the Princess Express (kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite princess) or ride to the pumpkin patch! If you’re looking for an evening without the kids, they also offer wine and cheese, pizza and beer, Murder Mystery, and other themed excursions.
Running most weekends and select weekdays year-round, you’ll want to purchase your tickets in advance through either their online event pages or by phone to be guaranteed a seat. All of their passenger cars are heated, some air-conditioned, and others have open windows, so be sure to dress for the weather.
Their website offers their schedule, a helpful FAQ section, and details on all of their themed rides. Most rides are approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each.
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad
16 E. South St., Lebanon, OH 45036
Website
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society
Orville was originally a fuel and water stop for the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad and The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society has worked hard to restore the 1868 depot. After saving it from demolition in the 1980s, the depot now serves as a meeting place, museum, gift shop, and excursion ticket office.
The society offers several event days throughout the year and group tours are available with advance reservation. Be sure to check their website for their schedule of events or call for details.
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society
145 Depot St., Orrville, OH 44667
Website
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Step back into the WWII history of the Dennison Depot and “walk in the footsteps of American heroes.” As one of the main stopping depots for American Servicemen, the depot offered refreshment and encouragement during wartime which earned Dennison the nickname “Dreamsville, USA.”
Today, the depot has been saved from near demolition and has been restored as a museum, restaurant, and gift shop. Along with railroad and WWII exhibits and special events, guests are offered hospitality with a smile, coffee, and a free cookie when visiting.
Guests will enjoy a 30 min video with history about the museum, canteen and restoration efforts. The museum itself is within the train cars which makes it very unique to walk through. Plus there are so many interactive elements and ways to keep kids entertained and learning.
Check their events page for train ride events and their very popular Polar Express event for kids of all ages.
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621
Website
Age of Steam Roundhouse
As a full-size working roundhouse, the Age of Steam Roundhouse is a great place for locomotive enthusiasts to learn and experience the restoration of these great machines. The roundhouse itself is a fully-functional workshop complete with 18 stalls, a 115-foot turntable, and a turntable pit for their 22 historic steam locomotives.
The museum and collection also include storage tracks, a coal dock, a wood water tank, an ash pit, and a back shop, much of which can be seen during one of their three guided tours. Best suited for school-age children and older, it is recommended that visitors reserve tickets online since there will be a limited number of tickets available onsite. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome on tours, children under 3 are free.
Age of Steam Roundhouse
213 Smokey Land Rd. SW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Website
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Lorain & West Virginia Railway
With its beautiful red engine, comfortable coach cars, open gondola car, and little red caboose, The Lorain & West Virginia Railway makes for a fun ride.
Each year the railway offers themed excursions, including “Wine on Rails,” their popular “Santa Train,” and more. Special rides can also be arranged in advance for field trips and other group events.
Tickets can be ordered online and picked up at the station no less than 15 minutes before departure as the train leaves the station promptly at the stated time. While you’re waiting for your train, be sure to look around the station. It was originally located in Oberlin before it was moved to its current Wellington location — piece by piece!
Lorain & West Virginia Railway
Wellington Station: 46789 State Route 18, Wellington, OH 44090
Website
Day Out with Thomas
If you have a Thomas & Friends fan, you will not want to miss an opportunity to take a ride with Thomas!
Traveling the US and Canada, Thomas offers rides as well as an opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt. Each stop on his schedule, includes authentic trains, exhibits, and many family-friendly activities. Some events also highlight Percy, Thomas’s best friend!
As Thomas makes his way across the country, he makes occasional stops in Ohio at multiple locations. Be sure to check their website for this year’s schedule.
Day Out with Thomas
Currently no 2024 dates in Ohio, but they do have offerings in Pennsylvania
Website
The Polar Express
The Polar Express has rolled its way into the hearts of young and old alike and now you can experience special themed train rides that are sure to bring the story alive for your family!
Many of our local Ohio scenic train excursions offer Polar Express rides during the Christmas season and include activities as well as fun with Santa and his elves while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies while you travel.
Visit your favorite train ride depot for upcoming excursions for this holiday season.
The Polar Express
Multiple opportunities throughout Ohio
Northeast Ohio Live Steamers
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.
This year they have rides scheduled on select dates in June, July, and September and special Halloween-themed rides in October. Costumes are encouraged for the Halloween rides, but they ask that long, flowing garments be avoided for safety.
Each ride lasts about 10 minutes and is free of any charge. Donations are welcome. Dates and details can be found on their website link.
Northeast Ohio Live Steamers
Lester Rail Trail, 3654 Lester Rd., Medina, OH 44256
Website | Our experience riding the train on the Lester Rail trail in Medina
Lake Shore Live Steamers
The Lake Shore Live Steamers Club has been an active group since 1969. Since that time they have lain thousands of feet of track through the woods of Penitentiary Glen Reservation for their mini trains.
These scenic and fun trains offer public rides during the months of April through October with a special holiday run in December.
When planning your ride, you can make a reservation and purchase tickets by phone or through the Lake Metroparks website.
Lake Shore Live Steamers
Penitentiary Glen, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094 (Click here and scroll to the bottom for current dates.)
Website
Erie Metro Live Steamers
Based in Sandusky, OH, the Erie Metro Live Steamers is an active group that works to bring railroad history, education, and safety to the community.
The club offers rides on their miniature trains at the Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point from May through October. Details and dates are available on the website.
Erie Metro Live Steamers
Station: Eagle Point, 3819 Cleveland Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870
Website
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Whether you choose a summertime mini-train ride through one of our Ohio Metro Parks or a Christmastime Polar Express-themed ride, train rides can be a special treat for families.
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