Want to slow down and enjoy the ride? I totally get it...I’ve found that some of the best adventures don’t require highways at all. After 25 years of travel writing, I still love the magic of a scenic train ride. Ohio’s charming railways offer a nostalgic, relaxing way for you to take in rolling hills, quaint towns, and picture-perfect views...without ever touching the wheel.
Each of these railroads—some historic, some immersive, all unforgettable—offered more than transportation. They gave me stillness, perspective, and sometimes, a seat beside someone who remembered what the world looked like before highways.
Best Ohio Train Day Trips:
White tablecloths and city lights on the Cincinnati Dinner Train
There was something cinematic about the Cincinnati Dinner Train. As the vintage cars pulled away from the station, I felt like I’d stepped into a black-and-white film—plush seats, gleaming silverware, and soft jazz weaving through clinking glasses. The city drifted by in golden twilight, neighborhoods rolling past like a backdrop to a memory I didn’t know I had. I remember thinking, “This is time travel...but with dessert.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the lights of downtown Cincinnati flicker across my glass of red wine as the train curved along the river, slow and deliberate.
My highlights? The three-course dinner: prime rib with au jus, a salad with candied pecans and cranberries, and a decadent flourless chocolate cake that arrived just as we crossed a quiet stretch of industrial skyline. The staff wore vintage uniforms. The whole night felt choreographed and personal at once.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure City: Cincinnati, OH
- Ride Time: ~3 hours (round-trip, non-stop)
- Vibe: Elegant, nostalgic, date-night perfect
- Highlights: Vintage 1940s railcars, full-service dinner, scenic nighttime city views
- Best Time to Visit: March–December (Saturdays only)
- Cost: ~$120+ per adult (includes dinner); reservations required
- Hours: Departs Saturdays at 6pm; check-in 5:30pm
Ridges, rails, and river echoes on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad wasn’t about the destination—it was about surrendering to the rhythm of the tracks and the stories held by trees. We rolled past marshes, cliffs, and winding riverbanks, where herons glided and bikers paralleled us on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. I remember thinking, “This is how you move when you want to see everything and miss nothing.”
What I Loved Most: Riding in an open-air car, the breeze catching my hair as the train hugged the river bends, the canopy overhead shifting in light and color like a breathing forest.
My highlights? A sandwich and cold brew from Northside Market in Akron before boarding. I took it to-go and ate as the scenery slipped by—turkey, cranberry spread, sharp cheddar on fresh sourdough. It was humble, perfect, and paired better with the train than anything fancy could have.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure Cities: Akron, Independence, or Peninsula, OH
- Ride Time: 2.5–3 hours; hop-on-hop-off options
- Vibe: Scenic, nature-focused, meditative
- Highlights: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, river views, wildlife, bike/train combo passes
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage; spring for full river flow
- Cost: ~$15–20 adults; upgrades available
- Hours: Trains run March–December; schedules vary by station
Smoke, whistles, and coal-fired wonder on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
The Hocking Valley train ride felt like stepping into a folk song—wooded hills, creaking bridges, and the occasional deer flashing past the windows. The whistle echoed across fields like a call back to something older. I remember thinking, “This is what nostalgia sounds like when it breathes steam.” There was nothing rushed, nothing overproduced—just a slow glide through Southeastern Ohio’s heartland.
What I Loved Most: Crossing the Snow Fork bridge on a fall ride, with trees on either side blazing orange and gold like a corridor lit just for us.
My highlights? Post-ride comfort food at Lake Hope Lodge—smoked brisket, creamy coleslaw, and a warm cornbread muffin with local honey. Rustic, local, unforgettable. I sat by the big windows, watching the trees and steam fade into dusk.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure City: Nelsonville, OH
- Ride Time: 2 hours round-trip
- Vibe: Rural, heritage-rich, autumn-perfect
- Highlights: Historic equipment, seasonal themed rides (Fall Foliage, Santa Train), scenic bridges
- Best Time to Visit: October for peak foliage; December for holiday trains
- Cost: ~$20 adults; $15 kids
- Hours: Weekends only; seasonal schedule
Storybook towns and slow turns on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
The LM&M Railroad rolled out of downtown Lebanon like a moving front porch—wood-paneled cars, friendly waves from sidewalks, and families sipping lemonade from paper cups. As we passed through fields and small crossings, it struck me that this ride wasn’t about distance—it was about delight. I remember thinking, “This is what weekends felt like when I was seven—and nothing else needed to exist.”
What I Loved Most: Leaning out the window of the open-air car as the whistle echoed across wide cornfields, the sun warm on my arms and a breeze full of summer.
My highlights? A late lunch at Broadway Barrel House after the ride—grilled chicken sandwich with garlic aioli and sweet potato fries, plus a peach iced tea that hit just right. I sat under a patio umbrella, watching antique cars cruise by like part of the scenery.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure City: Lebanon, OH
- Ride Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes round-trip
- Vibe: Wholesome, family-friendly, nostalgic
- Highlights: Themed rides (Civil War, Princess Express), open-air and vintage cars, charming depot
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall; October for fall foliage trains
- Cost: ~$20 adults; $15 kids; upgrades available
- Hours: Weekends only; seasonal schedule March–December
Industrial echoes and farmland views on the Lorain and West Virginia Railway
This wasn’t the polished kind of train ride—it was gritty, real, and entirely lovable. The Lorain & West Virginia Railway rolled through rural backroads and farm fields, with a whistle that cut across the land like an old memory. I remember thinking, “Some beauty isn’t curated—it’s honest.” There was something grounding about the hum of the engine and the view of silos, fields, and rusted rails stretching toward the horizon.
What I Loved Most: Sitting in a weathered car as we passed barns and backroads that looked like they hadn't changed since the 1950s—and realizing that was exactly the point.
My highlights? A quick stop at Uncle Bo’s Slow-N-Low BBQ in Wellington after the ride—pulled pork on Texas toast with smoked mac and cheese and tangy slaw. It was casual, authentic, and satisfying in the same way the train had been.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure City: Wellington, OH
- Ride Time: ~1 hour (varies by excursion)
- Vibe: Blue-collar, down-to-earth, unpolished charm
- Highlights: Seasonal and holiday rides, vintage diesel locomotives, open-air seating
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for themed events (Pumpkin Train, Halloween Express)
- Cost: ~$12–15 per adult; affordable for families
- Hours: Seasonal weekends; check Facebook for latest schedule
Romantic Ohio Train Day Trips:
Rails, relics, and discovery at The Ohio Railway Museum
The Ohio Railway Museum wasn’t just about trains—it was about wonder. Wandering between towering locomotives and weathered trolley cars, I felt like a kid again—wide-eyed, curious, reverent. This wasn’t a passive exhibit. You could climb aboard, pull a bell, walk a platform that once echoed with steam and soot. I remember thinking, “History isn’t still—it moves, if you let it.”
What I Loved Most: Riding the restored interurban car through the trees, the sound of wheels on track softer than I expected, but full of presence.
My highlights? After exploring the museum, I grabbed lunch at Northstar Café in nearby Clintonville. I had the Buddha Bowl—brown rice, roasted veggies, and peanut sauce—along with a ginger mint lemonade that made me want to sit outside and stay longer. It was fresh, nourishing, and quietly satisfying.
Plan your train trip:
- Location: Worthington, OH (near Columbus)
- Ride Time: Short 20-minute excursions included with admission
- Vibe: Educational, family-friendly, interactive
- Highlights: Historic railcars, interurban trolleys, small train rides, kid-friendly exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall; themed events for holidays
- Cost: ~$9 adults; ~$7 kids; free under 3
- Hours: Sundays 12–4pm (seasonal); check website for schedule
Backcountry rails and echoes of coal on the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad
The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad felt like a secret shared by locals—raw, intimate, and built more for memory than polish. We rattled down a stretch of track that once carried coal, now repurposed for quiet discovery. The woods pressed in on both sides, the sun flickering through thick leaves. I remember thinking, “This is the sound of Ohio before interstates.” It was slow, sincere, and beautifully unrefined.
What I Loved Most: Watching kids wave from the back platform as we crossed a wooden trestle, the tracks creaking under the weight of time and motion.
My highlights? Post-ride lunch at Boondocks BBQ & Grill in nearby McConnelsville—smoked pulled pork, grilled corn on the cob, and a slice of homemade peanut butter pie. It was the kind of meal that sticks with you—in flavor and feeling.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure City: Mt. Perry, OH
- Ride Time: ~45–60 minutes round-trip
- Vibe: Local, rustic, heritage preservation
- Highlights: Seasonal rides, small-town setting, family-friendly charm
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall; check ahead for dates
- Cost: ~$10–15 adults; ~$5 kids
- Hours: Limited weekend rides; updated on Facebook
Steam whistles and community care with Orrville Railroad Heritage Society
In Orrville, the trains aren’t just preserved—they’re loved. The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society felt like a community project that blossomed into something beautiful. Old railcars were polished, restored, and made to breathe again. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just nostalgia—it’s stewardship.” Volunteers welcomed every guest like family, proud of what they’d built together on these rails.
What I Loved Most: Walking through a caboose restored by hand, every detail touched by someone who wanted the past to live a little longer.
My highlights? A bite at Dravenstott’s Restaurant nearby—meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cherry pie with vanilla ice cream. It felt like the perfect pairing: honest food for an honest ride.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure City: Orrville, OH
- Ride Time: Varies (excursion-based events)
- Vibe: Grassroots, family-friendly, enthusiast-built
- Highlights: Special events, open houses, historic railcar restoration
- Best Time to Visit: During planned ride events and RailFest weekends
- Cost: Often free to attend; excursion prices vary
- Hours: Event-specific; check their website or Facebook
145 Depot St, Orrville, OH 44667, 330-683-2426
Ohio Train Day Trips with Kids:
Troop trains and American stories at Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Dennison Depot wasn’t just a museum—it was a tribute. The moment I stepped inside, I felt the weight of thousands of World War II soldiers who’d passed through these halls. Labeled “Dreamsville, USA” by grateful troops, the station had been restored with care and reverence. I remember thinking, “Some platforms send you off—and bring you back changed.” The exhibits were deeply personal, full of photographs, handwritten notes, and the scent of old timetables.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a bench near the canteen window where volunteers once handed out donuts and coffee to servicemen—simple kindness on a massive scale.
My highlights? A café-style lunch at Uncle Primo’s in nearby Uhrichsville—chicken Parmesan over spaghetti, garlic bread, and a slice of tiramisu. It felt like comfort food to match the deeply human experience I’d just walked through.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Dennison, OH
- Experience Time: 1–2 hours for museum and walk-through cars
- Vibe: Historic, emotional, nationally significant
- Highlights: WWII troop train history, museum exhibits, heritage railcars
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; ideal for Memorial Day and Veterans Day reflection
- Cost: ~$8 adults; discounts for veterans and kids
- Hours: Tues–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun 12–5pm
400 Center St, Dennison, OH 44621, 740-922-6776
Luxury rail miles and long views with Ohio Rail Experience
The Ohio Rail Experience was for those who wanted more than nostalgia—it was for those who wanted motion and elegance in equal measure. With vintage coaches pulled by working locomotives, the train slipped through rural stretches and river valleys like something from another time. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to go somewhere—and enjoy every second of the getting there.”
What I Loved Most: Riding in a dome car with wide windows and white tablecloth service, watching towns and trees pass below like scenes in an old film.
My highlights? Onboard snack service—charcuterie, wine, and a light lemon tart—all served as part of the upgraded ticket. The food was good, but the experience of eating while the countryside moved around me was unforgettable.
Plan your train trip:
- Departure Cities: Varies by Ohio Rail Experience route (Columbus, Cincinnati, Portsmouth)
- Ride Time: Half-day to full-day excursions
- Vibe: Vintage luxury, regional discovery, rail adventure
- Highlights: Dome car seating, themed rides (wine, fall foliage), extended excursions
- Best Time to Visit: Spring–fall; October for peak fall foliage rides
- Cost: ~$60–150 depending on experience and class
- Hours: Schedule varies; advance booking required
Whistles, Windows, and the Quiet Weight of Time
I didn’t just ride these trains—I rode through stories. Through history and heartland, through towns that still wave when a whistle sounds, through forests that look best in motion. Each train gave me a moment that lingered: a quiet lunch in a dome car, the rumble of tracks under my boots, the slow roll past a river I never knew existed.
Ohio has always moved people. But sometimes, it’s the slower journeys that leave the deepest tracks.
Whether you're chasing nostalgia or just need a few hours off the clock, these train day trips are waiting—patiently, like all the best things do.
More Ohio Getaway Ideas
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • White tablecloths and city lights on the Cincinnati Dinner Train
- • Ridges, rails, and river echoes on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- • Smoke, whistles, and coal-fired wonder on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
- • Storybook towns and slow turns on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
- • Industrial echoes and farmland views on the Lorain and West Virginia Railway
- • Rails, relics, and discovery at The Ohio Railway Museum
- • Backcountry rails and echoes of coal on the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad
- • Steam whistles and community care with Orrville Railroad Heritage Society
- • Troop trains and American stories at Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
- • Luxury rail miles and long views with Ohio Rail Experience