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Train Rides in Ohio

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byCindy
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Train rides are sometimes necessary, but they are so enjoyable when they are taken for fun! Here are nine train rides in Ohio that will entertain the entire family. Enjoy scenic Ohio from the comfort of a railway car!

vertical image for Pinterest with a photo of a train on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, along the canal A white box at the top has the text Train Rides in Ohio

Have Fun on a Train Ride in Ohio

I think we can all agree that Ohio has a varied landscape. Ohio scenery can be viewed from many stunning roadways throughout the state. Did you know that you can also view the beauty by taking a train ride in Ohio?

All aboard! Train rides bring joy to adults and toddlers alike! There is just something about a train ride, you can’t explain. It simply makes people happy!

Map of Train Rides in Ohio

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

Train rides, especially on steam trains, are always exciting and fun! So many of these places have events or special trains at different times of the year, not forgetting, of course, the official Polar Express Train Ride during the festive season, that is an experience everyone should have if they possibly can!

train rides in ohio yellow and black train on track

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Looking for a simple train ride in Ohio? The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has you covered with a few options. You can take one of their family-friendly rides, a Dinner on the Train ride, a Murder Mystery Train Ride, Grape Escape Train Ride, and much more!

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a tourist excursion railway and non-profit that operates in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The railway strives to provide educational, recreational, and heritage experiences.

One unique feature to note is the Explorer program. It means you can Bike Aboard, Kayak Aboard, and Hike and Run Aboard. What that means is you do your activity such as bike the trails in the National Park, and ride the train back (they load the bike for you).

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has three main stations:

  • Rockside Station 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio 44131
  • Peninsula Depot 1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
  • Akron Northside Station 27 Ridge Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
  • Phone: 330-439-5708 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is in the top nine of our Train Rides in Ohio list because it offers so many different types of train rides! You can enjoy everything from Elegant Dinner Train Rides, to BBQ and Brew Express Ride, Easter Bunny Train, and more!

All of the train rides at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway are popular, but there are a few that are pretty unique as well! They host Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery. It is a two-hour ride that is suitable for all ages. “Robbers” will come through the train cars to collect “play money”. They carry guns with only blanks to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Also popular is the Fall Foliage Train Ride. This ride is a two-hour ride and is suitable for the entire family. This ride is so popular they operate extra trains on Thursdays and Fridays in October to accommodate the number of people who want to take this ride. This train ride provides a unique way to see the fall foliage in the Hocking Hills area.

LM&M Railway

The Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railway operates over 6 miles of track in Ohio. The train ride follows Turtle Creek for the majority of the ride, it crosses 5 bridges and has endless sights to see! Special events include North Pole Express and a Day Out with Thomas.

fall color leaves on ground, train track and trees. Leave look crunchy and old. Steel railroad track with wooden beams

Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

This railway is most noted for its themed and holiday train rides. They host everything from a Santa Train Ride to a Halloween Train Ride. They often host field trips as well.

The standard ride at this railway is superb. It provides railway excursions that show off the exceptionally scenic railway. It is a 40-minute ride that is perfect for all ages.

Lorain & West Virginia Railway

The Lorain and West Virginia Railway has lots of events scheduled each year. You can expect to see an Easter Train, Engineer for an Hour, Summer Wine Train, Fall Foliage Train, Pumpkin Train, Santa Trains, and more! Typically rides are just over an hour.

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

You can enjoy a quarter-scale train ride at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. In September, you can enjoy “All Things Fall.” They have rides on the Pumpkin Train, bounce houses, horse cart races, corn cannons, and more!

horizontal photo of train tracks through fall trees, with leaves on the ground and a train approaching from the distance

Ohio Railway Museum

The Ohio Railway Museum is most well known for its Letters to Santa program each holiday season. You can take a train ride on the Ohio Public Service 1925 car. Children can bring their letters to Santa and mail them right in the Railway Post Office Car. This family-friendly event also has other themed holiday activities.

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum

The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum has the official Polar Express Train Ride Ohio! This depot is a National Historic Landmark.

When they are not running the Polar Express Ohio, you can visit the train museum which gives a perfect representation of railroad history. There are many interesting displays that will make your visit interesting and educational.

Age of Steam Roundhouse

While not a train ride, the Age of Steam Roundhouse is enjoyed by all ages who love trains. This museum is a living roundhouse where restoration specialists work to preserve railroad cars, locomotives, and other items from train history. Public tours are offered from April through November.

Let’s Go on Train Rides in Ohio

We want to hear from you! What Train Rides in Ohio have you been on? What are you planning to visit this year? Drop us a comment below and let us know!

Love trains? Love the holidays? Be sure to check out our complete listing of all Polar Express Ohio Train Rides!

For more ideas on how to keep the kids entertained, check out our articles Indoor Playgrounds in Ohio and Things to Do in Ohio with Kids.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.

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Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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