If you’re a train enthusiast, Ohio is the state for you. Scattered throughout the Buckeye State are train museums, depots, scenic railways, and even train-themed restaurants that are fun for the whole family to enjoy. We’ve designed a road trip to take you several train-themed attractions in Ohio that is ideal for a weekend getaway and is fun for the whole family. When getting ready for your adventure, or any road trips in Ohio, don’t forget to use our ultimate road trip packing list to make preparations a breeze! Now, let’s take a look at this unique trip:

Google Maps

The total trip takes a little more than seven hours to complete. We’ve designed it in a loop, so you can start with the location closest to you. To view an interactive Google Map of the trip that you can use to navigate, tap or click on the map above.

1. Ohio Railway Museum, Worthington

The Ohio Railway Museum, 990 Proprietors Rd, Worthington, OH 43085, USA
Ohio Railway Museum/Facebook
If you're able to, start your trip with the Ohio Railway Museum. This railroad, train station, and museum features an impressive collection of more than 30 pieces. If you are looking for train rides in Ohio, this is the place to come. On select days, the museum offers round-trip demonstration rides on some of the streetcars and interurbans. The museum also features several holiday and seasonal rides, such as the popular Ghost Trolley. These are some of the most popular Ohio trains. For more information, check out the website for the Ohio Railway Museum.

2. Buckeye Express Diner, Bellville

810 State Rte 97 W, Bellville, OH 44813, USA
Buckeye Express Diner/Facebook
For lunch, make a stop at Buckeye Express Diner, where you don't necessarily have to board an operating train for a locomotive-themed dining experience. If you take exit 165 off of Interstate 71, you'll find this iconic not-your-average diner. (Note: Michigan fans must park across the street.) For more information visit the website for the Buckeye Express Diner. This is one of our favorite train-themed places in Ohio.

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3. Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, Orrville

Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, 145 Depot St, Orrville, OH 44667, USA
Orrville Railroad Heritage Society /Facebook
The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society features several train ride excursions and events open to the general public such as Spring Circle Trips, National Train Day, Orrville Railroad Day, Fall Foliage Trips, and more. To learn more about when the train will run this year, check out the Orrvill Railroad website.

4. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Peninsula

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Ohio, USA
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook
Enjoy cocktails on the rails, brunch, or a murder mystery dinner via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and its special events. You can also take a scenic ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year until the first weekend in October. For more information check out the official website for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

5. Dennison

Dennison, OH 44621, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
With more than 150 years of history, a charming train depot and an iconic deli, this small village that's home to just 2,700 residents is one of Ohio's most underrated small towns. Stroll the historic streets, visit the train museum, and enjoy the local park. If you're looking for ideas for fun day trips in Ohio, Dennison is a great place to visit. (We recommend having lunch at Pangrazio's Pizza or Schoolhouse Restaurant.)

6. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764, USA
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway/Facebook
End your trip with another scenic train ride in the rolling hills of southeast Ohio. Operating train rides through the Hocking River Valley between East Logan and Nelsonville, this scenic railway features several holiday and seasonal events as well. Trains also operate every Saturday and Sunday between Memorial Day and the last weekend of October. For more information visit the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway website.

What do you think of this road trip to train-themed attractions in Ohio? Would you take it? Share your thoughts with us!

For more Ohio train rides, check out our previous article: 8 Epic Train Rides In Ohio That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience.

8 Epic Train Rides In Ohio That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

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More to Explore

Train-Themed Road Trip In Ohio

Melissa M | April 28, 2021

What are the best train rides in Ohio?

There’s just something so special about riding on a train and luckily there are several options around Ohio for a wonderful ride down the tracks. A few of these options include:

  • If you live in or are visiting southwestern Ohio, the LM&M features historic train rides and themed train rides around the holidays, all of which depart from Lebanon.
  • Take the Cincinnati Dinner Train where you can enjoy a four-course meal on a three-hour journey in a restored 1940s dining car.
  • The Lorain and West Virginia Railway offers special themed train events throughout the year including a Fall Foliage ride, Santa Train, and Pumpkin Train. 

 

Are there any other themed road trips I can take? 

There are several themed road trips in Ohio that can help you plan an adventure and lead you to places around the Buckeye State you may never have thought about visiting. Up for an adventure? Check out:

  • This Cave and Waterfall Road Trip will lead you to impressive caves like the Rock House in Logan to majestic waterfalls like Hayden Falls in Dublin. 
  • There's also a Lighthouse Road Trip which leads you along the Lake Erie coast to view several picturesque lighthouses, some of which may offer tours!

 

What are some ideas for fun day trips in Ohio?

In a state like Ohio, it’s easy to find places for a day trip. Here are some ideas to make a day away both fun and exciting:

  • If you like both wine and waterfalls, try this day trip that will take you to one of the best wineries and falls in the state.
  • You may also want to take a day to explore the town of Yellow Springs where you can peruse the shops, visit the art galleries, and search for the springs the town is named after.

 

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