From excursions through a National Park to memories of a cherished Midwest railroad, you won’t go wrong when visiting these tourist railroads, museums, and displays in Ohio. From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, let’s see what the Buckeye State has to offer!
Ohio Tourist Railroads and Museums
Northeast Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – 1630 Mill Street W, Peninsula
This tourist railroad operates 25 miles of track through its namesake National Park, which is the only one of its kind in Ohio. While year-round special event trains are offered, it’s the regular scenic excursions that provide multiple stops between Independence and Akron, making the visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park unique, efficient, and fun. Of course, the special event excursions include something for everyone with the dinner trains, Fall Flyer, the North Pole Limited, and Steam in the Valley.
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum – 400 Center Street, Dennison
This former Pennsylvania Railroad depot was built in 1873 and has been restored to gleaming perfection. The depot serves as a museum full of exhibits and a library. Just outside is a collection of displayed equipment: Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4, Kanawha-type steam locomotive No. 2700; a train of passenger cars, including a Pullman sleeper which is used for a unique Bed & Breakfast experience; and a caboose. The depot plays host to numerous special events, including Fall and Polar Express excursions on the Ohio Central Railroad.
Northwest Ohio
Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum – 253 Southwest Street, Bellevue
When it comes to preserving the legacy of the Nickel Plate Road, the Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum fit the bill. Out of the collection relating to the railroad and its successors, 2-8-4 Berkshire-type No. 757 is the museum’s crown jewel; it’s currently under cosmetic restoration. There are many other unique pieces of equipment on display, including CB&Q Silver Dome No. 4714, the first dome car built in the United States. For some modern railroading action, take a short walk to the Kemper Railroad Park pavilion to watch the Norfolk Southern and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway cross over each other.
Southeast Ohio
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway – 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville
Steam- and diesel-powered excursions take passengers over part of the original Hocking Valley Railway’s Athens branch from Nelsonville. The usual excursions operate 14 miles to Haydenville while the 22-mile trips travel as far as East Logan. Scenic highlights include Wayne National Forest, the Appalachian foothills, and the banks of the Hocking River. For those looking to add some steam into the mix, the 1920 Baldwin-built 0-6-0 No. 3 operates on select days during the season.
Southwest Ohio
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad – 16 East South Street, Lebanon
As part of the Cincinnati Scenic Railway, the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad operates passenger excursions over a section of the Indiana & Ohio Railroad through Warren County. A mixture of both air-conditioned and open-window coaches are used on the 75-minute Turtle Creek Valley Flyer. Many seasonal and theme trains are offered, such as the Easter Bunny Express, Summer Steam Special, pizza trains, wine trains, and the North Pole Express.
Other Ohio railroad sites to consider
During your visit to Ohio, consider also visiting these railroad sites:
- Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum – Sugarcreek
- Bradford Railroad Museum – Bradford
- Carillon Historical Park – Dayton
- Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad – Sandusky
- Cincinnati Dinner Train – Cincinnati
- Conneaut Railroad Museum – Conneaut
- EnterTrainment Junction – West Chester
- Jefferson Depot Village – Jefferson
- Marion Union Station – Marion
- Northern Ohio Railway Museum – Seville
- Ohio Railway Museum – Worthington
- Orrville Railroad Heritage Society – Orrville
