The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers historically-accurate excursions between Nelsonville and Logan. The railway is operated by a non-profit and volunteer-led organization and has been running since 1972, when it took over from the original Hocking Valley Line. The railway offers a number of themed train rides for children and adults; seasonal specials include an Easter Bunny Train and Santa Trains. Other popular specials include Ohio's Friendliest Train Robbery, Fireworks Trains and the Caboose Train. The trains are diesel-powered and use vintage equipment, including renovated and fully heated coaches built in 1927. Many trips stop off at Robbins Crossing, a group of original log cabins built in the 1850s.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
P.O. Box 427
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
800-967-7834
www.hvsr.com
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs north-south, partly passing through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The rails are owned by the National Park Service and operated as a non-profit. Trips offer views of varied habitats, including meadowland, pine forests, rivers and ravines. Sights include local wildlife, such as beaver, deer or foxes. The train line spans two sections, one crossing through the parkland, between Rockside and Akron's North Station, and another continuing south from Akron to Canton. Special programs include wine and beer tasting trips and steam engine travel. The Cuyahoga Valley's coaches and engines were built between 1948 and 1968.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
P.O. Box 158
Peninsula, OH 44264
800.468.4070
www.cvsr.com
The Cincinnati Railway offers several entertaining train trips, including a dinner train, private coaches and family-themed voyages. Cincinnati Railways' privately chartered lines offer observatory cars that give you 360-degree views and modernized Pullmans with plasma TVs and premium leather seats. Three cars from the 1950s can be chartered for private group excursions throughout the year. For more modest trips, the Cincinnati Dinner Train offers a three-hour round-trip ride, departing from Cincinnati, that includes a four-course meal. Each table has its own window, and travelers ride in ding cars from 1947 or 1946. You may finish up the ride with after-dinner drinks in the separate tavern car. Families may opt for the seasonal and themed rides on the Lebanon Mason Monroe sister line. Trips include a murder mystery ride, a tea party train, an applefest excursion and the North Pole Express.
Cincinnati Railway
11013 Kenwood Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45242
513-791-7245
www.cincinnatirailway.com
