
Trains were once a primary mode of transportation in the United States. Although railroads now see less use, plenty are still around. There are a lot of places in Ohio where you can take a train ride, see some beautiful scenery, and in some cases, learn a little more about railroads and trains in the process. Here are some of the top Ohio train rides worth taking.
5700 OH-204, Mt Perry, OH 43760
This train follows a historic rail line called the Glass Rock Spur. The company is run by volunteers who make the experience fun and lighthearted. The train cars are historical, and that's part of the thrill. Many of the rides are themed for the seasons.
The Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad is a great place to visit with kids. The ride isn't too long, and tickets are affordable at $9 per adult and $5 per child.
7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131
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If you happen to be in Northeast Ohio, take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This train runs from Independence to Akron, passing through Cuyahoga National Park. It's a great way to see more of the park's scenery and wildlife. There are several routes of varying lengths to choose from.
The trains on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad have a cafe car. Check out the ride schedule on the railroad's website, and buy your tickets in advance. Prices start at just $11 for some of the shorter routes. You can also buy an all-day pass, which allows you to board and deboard as you please.
2261 Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505
J&L Narrow Gauge Railroad is a great place to learn about steel mills and their role in the railroad industry. The company maintains a 24" demonstration railroad where you can ride a heavy, steel locomotive. You can also see an original, full-scale steel locomotive by Jones & Laughlin Steel.
This train offers rides on the second and fourth weekends of every month through October. Trains depart every 30 minutes between 10 am and 2 pm, and the rides last about 15 minutes. Tickets are $8 per person.
400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621
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The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is a great place to learn about the use of railroads during WWII. The railroad was used to transport servicemen heading off to war. The Depot has been converted into a museum where you can see displays and films related to railroad history. You can also take a ride on the historic train.
During the holiday season, the train at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is converted into the Polar Express. This is a perfect opportunity for families with children to enjoy a festive ride.
Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45439
The Carillon Park Rail & Steam Society maintains a passenger train that travels on a small, 1/8-scale track. The train only operates on certain days; a ride schedule is available on their website. A $1 donation is suggested for each passenger, and additional donations are encouraged. All proceeds go towards track maintenance, fuel, and other expenses.
If you really enjoy your ride on the Carillon Park Railway, consider becoming a member of their society. Members help design and maintain the on-site tracks and get additional riding privileges.
990 Proprietors Rd., Worthington, OH 43085
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Ohio Railway Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of trains and streetcars, especially as used around Columbus, Ohio. An on-site train runs every Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.
Rides are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids. This price also grants you admission into the museum and outdoor grounds. Plus, you can visit the gift shop for a souvenir.
46789 OH-18, Wellington, OH 44090
The Lorain & West Virginia Railway was built in 1906 and remained active until the 1970s. It is now maintained as a passenger train where you can enjoy different themed rides throughout the year. In October, there's a Fall Foliage ride, and in November and December, it becomes the Santa Train.
Learn more about these seasonal rides on the railroad's website. Tickets typically go on sale 60 days before an event.
16 E. South St., Lebanon, OH 45036
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The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad travels through Warren County, just outside Cincinnati. You can catch the train in Lebanon and ride for about 9 miles round-trip. You'll pass through Turtle Creek, Union Township, and Mason or Monroe along the way. Five railroad bridges are crossed on this ride, the longest of which stretches over Turtle Creek.
The trains on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad all feature coaches built in the 1930s with bench-style seats and open windows. All train cars are heated, and some have air conditioning. You can buy tickets for the train in person at the railway ticket office.
Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers is a steam train club that offers public rides on certain dates. A few rides are coming up on September 17, October 14, and October 15, 20220. Rides are free, but donations are encouraged.
Some rides on the Northeast Ohio Live Steamers train are themed. For example, the October rides are Halloween-themed, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes. All ages are welcome.
Which one of these train rides will you embark on this year? Don't forget to blow the whistle as you roll by!

Fall is one of the most exciting times of year for festivals in Ohio communities, with celebrations of food, drink, music, history, and so much more on the schedule. Whether you visit an event like Cleveland Oktoberfest in Northeast Ohio, the Mohican Bluegrass Festival near Columbus, or the Ohio Renaissance Festival around the corner from Cincinnati, you're sure to find a place to make memories this fall. You can find information on those festivals and many more in our guide to Ohio fall festivals for 2022.
1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
The fun begins at Hartville Marketplace for the 17th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, which takes place on September 24 from 9 am to 4 pm. This family-friendly festival is filled with art, crafts, great food, live entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. Spend your day uncovering unique finds from more than 200 crafts vendors, enjoy various seasonal activities, or watch the kids have a great time playing on outdoor inflatables. Start your holiday shopping early with crafty gifts, or find the perfect piece to decorate your home.
19201 E. Bagley Rd., Berea, OH 44130
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The highly anticipated annual Cleveland Oktoberfest will occur at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds and Event Center from September 2-5, 2022. It's one of the best ways to enjoy Labor Day weekend in the city, with everything from wiener dog races to strongman competitions. Of course, there will be plenty of great beer, traditional German cuisine, and fantastic live music to enjoy all weekend long. Discover the latest beers from the best microbreweries in the Cleveland area, then cast your vote to help crown a Cleveland Oktoberfest champion.
8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Fall is a great time to celebrate the harvest of the season, so it would be hard to pick a better time for the Apple Butter & Cider Weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. This event takes place on October 1-2, 2022, from 9 AM through 5 PM. Learn all about how apple butter and apple cider are produced, watch traditional harvest activities, then sample the delicious dishes that result from the process. There will also be a variety of seasonal activities, highlighted by the three-acre Johnny Appleseed Trail corn maze.
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The 24th Annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a celebration of the pawpaw, North America's largest native tree fruit, taking place on September 16-18, 2022, around Lake Snowden. You will have the opportunity to sample meals that highlight the great flavor of the pawpaw, peruse pawpaw-related works of art, and enjoy tons of family-friendly activities while you explore. Enjoy live music from some of Ohio's best bands all weekend long, and be sure to check out the Kids Central area, which features plenty of fun, hands-on activities for younger visitors. Interested in the agricultural side of pawpaws? This festival also features educational panels on growing, cooking, medicinal use, sustainability, and even the genetics of the pawpaw.
22462 Wally Rd., Glenmont, OH 44628
Head to the scenic Mohican Wilderness campground for a weekend of live music and fun activities for the whole family September 15-17. The 31st Annual Mohican Bluegrass Festival features three days of live music spread across multiple stages, tons of great food from local vendors, and fun crafts from local artisans. Reserve a campsite in advance, and turn the festival into a weekend-long family vacation.
Historic Main Street, Waynesville, OH 45068
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The annual Ohio Sauerkraut Festival is always one of the biggest events of the year in Waynesville, and this year's event will be no exception. The festival takes place on October 8-9, 2022, with booths, vendors, food, drink, and activities all along Historic Main Street in Waynesville. You can try sauerkraut prepared in nearly every way imaginable, including the famous sauerkraut pizza, which tastes much better than it sounds. In addition to providing fun activities for the community, this event serves as a major fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. It even raises money for scholarships given to local graduating high school seniors.
10542 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068
Take thyself back to another era when you visit the Ohio Renaissance Festival, which will be open every weekend from September 3 through October 30, 2022. Experience a real-life recreation of a renaissance-era, 16th-century village filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors you've read about in the history books. The village will be filled with unique shops, live shows, fun activities for kids, delicious food, and games for all ages. There will be themed weekends throughout the event, like Fantasy Weekend, Pirates Weekend, Romance Weekend, and Tricks or Treats Weekend, so check the schedule to find the perfect weekend to visit the Ohio Renaissance Festival.
1241 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Coffee lovers from around Ohio and beyond will meet up for the annual Cincinnati Coffee Festival on October 22-23, 2022. It's the largest coffee festival in the Midwest, with roasters, coffee shops, bakers, and chocolatiers coming together to create a weekend that your taste buds definitely won't want to miss. The event features delicious samples, live entertainment, coffee art, demos related to all things coffee, fun competitions, and plenty of surprises along the way. And this festival isn't just about coffee! Tea and chocolate lovers will also find plenty to enjoy at the Cincinnati Coffee Festival.
No matter which corner of Ohio you call home, there are fun festivals to be enjoyed all year long. So, which festival will you fall in love with this year?

Fall has arrived, which means it's time for pumpkins, apples, and corn mazes. Getting lost in a corn maze can make for some great fall fun. Wondering whether you've turned the right way, feeling like you're going in circles, singing songs about the corn — it's all a part of the process. There are lots of great corn mazes in Ohio. Here are some of the mazes most worth visiting as the autumn leaves start to fall.
Derthick's Corn Maze is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through October 31, 2021. There are actually two mazes on-site. One is a bit shorter, and one is a bit longer. You can work your way through one or both, using clues found along the way to guide you.
In addition to a corn maze, this farm offers other fun activities like sunflower picking, a cow train, a petting zoo, and a zip line. There are often food trucks on-site so you can enjoy snacks or a tasty drink.
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If you're in the Northeast Ohio area, this is definitely one of the top corn mazes to visit. In 2018, it was voted the Best Corn Maze in the Nation by USA Today. Each year, the maze has a different theme. For 2021, the theme is Snow White.
Maze Craze will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. There are a few special events throughout the season, including a Wine and Cider Adventure on October 7 and 14th. In addition to the corn maze, Maze Craze offers a hayride, corn hole games, a straw maze for little ones, and a tractor playground.
Regal Vineyards is primarily a winery, but each year, they also organize a top-notch corn maze. The maze stretches over 8 acres and is open Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. On Friday and Saturday nights from 7 - 10 pm, the corn maze becomes haunted for an even more intense experience!
In addition to the corn maze, Regal Vineyards offers lots of other fun family activities like duck races, hayrides, pumpkin bowling, and a jumping pillow. Concessions are available on-site, and there's a gift shop where you can buy various farm souvenirs.
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Lynd Fruit Farm offers one of the biggest corn mazes near Columbus. The theme this year is the 7 Seas. As you navigate the maze, you can pretend you are a pirate sailing on waves of corn and fighting off sea monsters. The maze is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the maze.
After navigating the maze, you can play Giant Jenga, take a wagon ride, or pick some apples. There's also a climbing wall for kids.
The Maize at Little Darby Creek is entering its 20th year, and it's shaping up to be a nice one. This year's 8-acre corn maze design honors Jack Nicklaus, an internationally renowned golfer from Ohio. It will be open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through October 31st.
Along with the price of admission, you also get to enjoy a petting zoo, laser tag, a low ropes course, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and tetherball, along with other family-friendly activities.
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If you're looking for a quieter experience, then Hendren Farm Market is a great place to visit. They have an 8-acre corn maze behind the farm market. There are clues hidden throughout the maze to help you solve a mystery as you find your way through.
After going through the maze, you can shop for farm-grown goodies in the market. Along with pumpkins, apples, and other fall produce, you'll find cinnamon rolls, honey, syrup, and beef jerky.
Tom's Maze is open Thursday-Sunday through October 30. This is their 24th year of running the maze, and it's shaping up to be a good one. The maze stretches over 8 acres of cornfields. There are 12 different puzzles to solve along the way, each of which is found inside a colorful mailbox.
In addition to the typical corn maze experience, Tom's Maze offers private campfire packages. You can pay ahead to rent a campfire site for you and your family to enjoy. This can be a fun way to spend more time together after playing in the corn maze.
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Burwinkle Farms has been a staple in the Cincinnati area for 100 years. They operate several farm properties in the area, growing everything from strawberries to apples. In the fall, they transform their Ross farm into a Fall Extravaganza. The corn maze is a key attraction, but there is also a corn pool, haunted hayrides, and a Halloween scavenger hunt. There are lots of fun fall scenes where you can snap memorable photos of yourself and your family.
Burwinkle Farms also has a farm stand on-site. You can purchase sweet corn, melons, potatoes, and other locally grown goods to cook at home.
If you have kids, then Brown's Family Farm Market is a great place to enjoy a corn maze. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and you can go through the maze at your own pace. In addition to the maze, there's a miniature town where the kids can play. There's also a smaller straw maze that makes for a shorter maze experience.
The farm stand also sells pumpkins and Amish fry pies, which are a delicious fall treat. There's also a picnic area that you can reserve ahead of time if desired. You could go through the maze and then enjoy a picnic lunch together.
Which one of these corn mazes will you get lost in this fall? Let us know when you find your way out.

Do you love classic cars and fun community events that the whole family can enjoy? September is the perfect time to start rolling into fall and is one of the biggest months of the year for classic car shows in Northeast Ohio and beyond. There are also tons of great car shows to enjoy in Columbus and Cincinnati, where you can show off your own ride or spend the day exploring classic cars restored by members of the community. Find the wheels of your dreams at any of these 9 classic car shows taking place throughout Ohio this September.
2495 Romig Rd., Akron, OH 44320
Stop by Beanhead Brothers Coffee every Saturday in September from 9 AM to 2 PM for a car show featuring classic cars, exotic cars, and custom builds. Weekly car shows are a great option because they allow you to get to know the community and see new cars every week. During the event, you can enjoy some fantastic coffee, sandwiches, and tasty desserts from the coffee shop while you check out some of Akron's most impressive classic cars.
2610 Easton St. NE, Canton, OH 44721
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Bring some fun to your Monday with a stop at the Oakwood Square Plaza Cruise-in, which takes place every Monday evening in September from 5 PM to 8 PM. Check out the beautiful Oakwood Square Plaza and explore a new collection of classic cars every week. There will be a live DJ playing hits from yesterday and today, along with the usual activities at the park for family members of all ages to enjoy. You will also find many great local businesses around Oakwood Square Plaza to explore before and after the show.
111 E. Park St., Chardon, OH 44024
This year marks the 11th Annual Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce Car & Bike Show, with the 2021 edition taking place on September 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Chardon's Heritage House. Local vendors will be serving excellent food throughout the day, and you can enjoy some live music while you check out some of the most impressive classic and custom cars in Northeast Ohio. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and an auction with some very special items that you can bid to take home.
1 N. High St., Dublin, OH 43017
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in style when you visit the second annual Dublin AM Rotary Classic Car Show on September 5 from 9 AM through 3 PM. In addition to all of the usual prizes, this event has a special award for cars worked on by high school students. Any student with a valid high school student ID can enter a car of any make or model for free, so this is a great opportunity to get young car enthusiasts involved with the show.
60 W. Castle Rd., Columbus, OH 43207
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The Shamrock Club of Columbus Classic Car Show is back for another exciting year, with classic cars, great prizes, and live music to enjoy all day. This year's event takes place on September 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Shamrock Club. There will be tons of trophies for the best cars, trucks, and bikes, as well as some great door prizes that everyone who shows up is eligible to win. Registration starts in the morning, and prizes will be announced at the end of the show.
131 State Rt. 3, Sunbury, OH 43074
A long-time event returns with the 32nd Annual Country Cruise-In, presented by the Sunbury Ohio Lions Club on September 26 starting at 9 AM. This is always one of the biggest car shows in the Columbus area, with tons of classic cars and trucks to see all day long. Online registration is available for the first time this year, making it easier than ever to register your own car for the show.
671 Old State Rt. 74, Cincinnati, OH 45245
Get ready for some family fun at the Sunset Cruise-In, which you can enjoy every Tuesday evening from 7 PM to 9 PM all September long. This is a family-friendly event and a great place to bring your own classic car project to get input from a friendly, knowledgeable community. Every week also features a different local food truck on-site and a DJ playing music to set the stage for family fun.
6375 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45247
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The annual Green Township Car show is coming up on September 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Diamond Oaks Career Campus, with a full day of fun for the whole family. All makes and models are welcome in this show, so there will be something to enjoy for every classic car enthusiast. There will be live music, delicious food, and tons of prizes to win even if you don't enter a car into the show. The fun starts in the morning, and trophies will be awarded later in the afternoon.
301 Wessel Dr., Fairfield, OH 45014
One of Fairfield's favorite family events, the annual Village Green Car Show, returns to Village Green Park on September 11 from 3:30 PM to 10 PM. Check out a diverse collection of classic cars and motorcycles, then set up a chair on the lawn to enjoy some live music on the big stage. There will be more than 50 trophies handed out for the best vehicles in the show, along with 75 kids-choice ribbons that allow younger visitors to get involved in the show.
Which classic car show will you cruise in to enjoy this September?
'Tis the season to dress up as your inner hero or villain and get free candy! The most committed of trick-or-treaters are already forming their routes and strategies for a successful night of trick-or-treating. When it comes time to knock on doors, there are several fail-safe methods for filling your bag with sweets. Of course, part of it has to do with wearing the perfect costume, but choosing a route that is safe, walkable and full of friendly, candy-bearing houses is just as important.
We rounded up the neighborhoods in Cincinnati that are the most ideal for trick-or-treaters. If you are new to the area or want to try some new locations to maximize your trick-or-treating loot, these are the spots where you want to ring doorbells!
Use our interactive map to find the best trick-or-treating neighborhood near you!
This upscale neighborhood located just east of town is known for its popular shopping district, safe streets and beautiful homes. The spacious front yards are always filled with crowd-pleasing decorations, and residents of the homes will generously dole out candy to those who approach their door. Regardless of what route you take, you will surely be met with friendly faces and other fun-loving families taking part in the candy hunt. For some extra fun before Halloween, make sure to stop by Hyde Park Square on October 29 for Halloween on the Square!
This Halloween, make your way to Mt. Lookout, located on the east side of Cincinnati next to Hyde Park, for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, extravagant Halloween decorations, and (most importantly) plenty of candy. Known as an accessible, family-friendly neighborhood, the streets of Mt. Lookout are filled with children of all ages on Halloween night. Make a day of it and check out the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in costume before trick-or-treating starts!
Known as a safe, family-friendly community with plenty of small-town charm, Deer Park is a prime location for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. The streets in this area are well-lit, very walkable and incredibly festive. Because the area is such a well-kept secret on Halloween night, a huge candy haul is inevitable—so don't forget to bring an extra bag!
The well-lit, decorated streets in Oakley make it an ideal location for trick-or-treaters. On Halloween night, expect the neighborhood to be teeming with foot traffic! The residents welcome locals and visitors alike with open arms, doling out generous amounts of candy and other goodies. And if you happen to be a little too old for trick-or-treating these days—no problem! Several businesses around the area are planning on hosting Halloween parties this year, including the 20th Century Theater who will be hosting their annual Oakley Masquerade on November 1st.
College Hill is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Cincinnati, welcoming anyone and everyone to their park-like streets on Halloween. The residents go all-out every year, slinging pumpkins, fake spiderwebs, eerie skeletons and spooky lights on every surface they can reach. The area also happens to be home to Mark Wiechman, a Halloween enthusiast who has been putting on a massive haunted house to scare families for more than 50 years. So put on your costume and head to 6791 Marvin Avenue, Cincinnati in North College Hill to start your spooky night off right. The haunted house experience is completely free, but they do accept donations for the Pray, Hope and Believe Foundation.
If you're a resident of the Mt. Washington neighborhood, make sure to get extra treats! This area transforms into a Halloween stomping ground for little monsters and their families on All Hallow's Eve. Also make sure to come back to the area the weekend after Halloween for the neighborhood's annual Pumpkin Chuck, where they'll launch leftover pumpkins from trebuchets and enjoy live music, craft beer, kids games and more!
Located about 15 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Wyoming is a quiet suburb full of tree-lined streets and historic sights. This year, the community is planning on handing out goodies from 6-8 p.m. on the 31st. If you're lucky, you might even snag a cup of hot apple cider or a bag of freshly popped popcorn.
Just west of Cincinnati lie the Price Hill and West Price Hill neighborhoods, a candy-hunter's haven on Halloween night. An estimated 500+ trick-or-treaters gather in the area on the spooky holiday to beg for candy, popcorn and other tasty treats! Important note: Residents of Price Hill turn OFF their lights if they are giving out candy and turn ON their lights if they are not.
Located in Northeast Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is a charming neighborhood and very popular among families. The residents take their Halloween festivities seriously, hosting several Halloween events—including an annual pub crawl and Ghoul Fest—prior to October 31, and decorating their homes to the nines for trick-or-treating shenanigans.
Did we miss your favorite spot to go trick-or-treating in the Cincinnati area? Tell us all about it in the comments or on Instagram using #CutlerExplores!