There are many amazing scenic train rides in Ohio worth exploring and I want to show you at least 7 of them in this post. This is in my opinion one of the most underrated states for nature travel and in this case train riding, but it has a lot to offer!
7 best scenic train rides in Ohio:
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
- Cincinnati Dinner Train
- Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad
- Orrville Railroad Heritage Society
- Ohio Railway Museum
- Lorain and West Virginia Railway
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad:
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a unique 2+ hour journey through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It features special events like cocktail and murder mystery dinners. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the park through various themed rides, including seasonal events.
One of the most popular is the Polar Express and Santa Claus Express where guests enjoy a winter ride that comes with hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies. Riders are encouraged to wear pajamas for the full experience, and the train ride includes an appearance by Santa Claus too. This also makes it one of the best Polar Express train rides in the US.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway:
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers train rides through the beautiful landscapes of the Hocking Hills, including the Hocking River Valley. This ride mainly operates on weekends and provides a range of themed rides throughout the year, such as seasonal and holiday events. The journey allows passengers to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
One of my best recommendations for getting the most out of this experience is that in addition to the ride itself, be sure to check out the incredible Hocking Hills State Park after you finish the ride. It has some of the most amazing landscapes I have ever seen through my travels. Overall on this ride, you’re looking at 1+ hour trip.
Cincinnati Dinner Train:
The Cincinnati Dinner Train offers a unique dining experience on restored 1950s era dining cars, providing a three-hour ride through Cincinnati with a four-course meal. It operates on select nights throughout the year and includes two private luxury dining cars for special events. I would recommend this scenic train ride moreso for couples than families. The duration of the rides here are typically 2-3 hours.
Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad:
The Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad (aka the LM&M Railroad) offers scenic train rides through Warren County, Ohio and departs from the downtown Lebanon. It also features themed rides like the Easter Bunny Express, North Pole Express, and others, operating mainly on weekends and certain weekdays (check site). Each journey provides a unique experience highlighting the natural beauty and history of southwestern Ohio. The rides here are typically under 1 hour long.
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society:
The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society is another gem to check out in Ohio. It hosts various train ride excursions and events that are open to the public, including Spring Circle Trips, National Train Day, Orrville Railroad Day, and Fall Foliage Trips (my top recommendation). These special events offer a unique way to explore Ohio’s railway history and enjoy scenic views. Overall the duration of this ride is around 2+ hours.
Ohio Railway Museum:
The Ohio Railway Museum is one of the oldest railway museums in the U.S. and features an impressive collection of trains, including streetcars, interurbans, and more. Here you can enjoy round trip demonstration rides on some of those historic cars. The museum also hosts holiday and seasonal rides, like the Ghost Trolley. The duration of this ride is about 1-2 hours long.
Lorain and West Virginia Railway:
The last scenic train ride on this list also has the most diverse events you can partake in. These include historical tours, wine tasting events, and interactive murder mystery trains. Each ride is designed to offer both entertainment and insight into the local history and culture, making it an awesome and memorable journey for passengers! The duration of the ride is about 2 hours long and the Lorain and West Virginia Railway is another gem to add to your list of scenic train rides in Ohio!
Best times to go:
For any of these train rides, I’d strongly recommend going in early to mid November, which is around the time fall foliage is at it’s peak. As beautiful as these areas are, fall always adds at least one or more beautiful layers to the experiences you’ll have there!
However you can still visit during any other season too (remember to check each train ride’s schedule ahead of time to make sure they’re open first).
Other tips:
Reserve early if you can (online is preferable). Typically doing this a few weeks before you plan a visit to any of the above rides is recommended. On site ticket purchases are possible, but if you’re going to go during peak times like fall foliage, don’t expect them to be readily available on site.
For clothing I recommend wearing proper clothing. For spring and summer months around the area, a t shirt and shorts are fine, but for fall and winter, wear at least a sweater or warm jacket during the rides (unless you’re doing one of the Polar Express events).