One of the unique ways to experience our city is aboard a train. Cincinnati has always had close ties to the railroad, and many locations continue to celebrate that important history. There are several destinations, both very close and within a short drive of Cincinnati, that offer train rides through the towns and countryside of our area. If you love the nostalgia of riding the rails and want a fun way to experience the season, try one of these five ridiculously charming Cincinnati train rides that are happening this fall.

1. Whitewater Valley Railroad
Whitewater Valley Railroad, 455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331, USA
Facebook/Whitewater Valley Railroad Information Station
The historic Whitewater Valley Railroad offers a number of rides throughout the year aboard their nostalgic train cars. During the fall, there are several options to travel through the scenic fall colors, and even take part in a fun-filled festival.

2. Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 16 E South St, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
Facebook/Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad offers historic train rides from its station in Lebanon, which is also a great little town in which to spend a fall day. This season, the railroad offers the Fall Flyer ride, among others, all of which will take you down the tracks, past the natural beauty of autumn.
3. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, 602 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Facebook/My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Head about two hours south to the charming town of Bardstown, Kentucky, and take a ride on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train this fall. Not only does the train take you along a scenic route, but they also serve a delicious dinner in a classic, train car setting.

4. Ohio Rail Experience
229 Idaho St, Cincinnati, OH 45204, USA
Ohio Rail Experience
The Ohio Rail Experience is a collection of train rides that take place throughout Ohio, but many of them aren't far from Cincinnati. These rides are unique in that they go on tracks that passengers typically do not see, which means the scenery is beautiful!
5. Carillon Historical Park
Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409, USA
Facebook/Carillon Historical Park
This train ride is a little different than the others but just as charming. Carillon Historical Park is a wonderful family-friendly destination in Dayton and one of its most popular features is the miniature train ride. These rides are offered on certain dates throughout the year, and there are generally several happening during the fall months.

Fall is a great time to get out and explore Cincinnati, and there may not be a better way to do so than aboard a train. Have you tried one of these train rides near Cincinnati before? Would you like to give them a try this season? Share with us in the comments!

And if you’d like to know when to plan for your fall train ride, here’s when the fall foliage in Cincinnati will be at its peak.

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Train rides near Cincinnati

Sarah M. | September 09, 2022

Which railroad offers the best train rides near Cincinnati?

The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad offers one of the best train rides near Cincinnati.

In terms of "best train rides near Cincinnati," we're partial to Lebanon Mason Monroe (LM&M) Railroad. Located in the impossibly charming small town of Lebanon, Ohio, this historic railroad offers scenic train rides, family-friendly-themed train rides, seasonal rail excursions, and even moonlight train rides! As its name suggests, the train operates on approximately 16 miles of track between Lebanon, Mason, and Monroe, Ohio. For most trips, the LM&M train runs 4.4 miles south from Lebanon Station in downtown Lebanon to historic Hageman Junction, then back to the station, making for a scenic, two-hour afternoon adventure that's, as Goldilocks would say, "just right." For families, themed rides throughout the year take the LM&M experience to the next level, from character excursions featuring Curious George and The Cat in the Hat to seasonal events like the Easter Bunny Express and Polar Express.

What is fall in Cincinnati like? 

Fall in Cincinnati is mild, with beautiful warm days and crisp evenings.

With four distinct seasons (a big point of pride in the Buckeye State), Cincinnati really is a natural beauty all year round. But there's something extra special about the Queen City during the fall. Warm, sunny days and crisp, cool nights make the Great Outdoors more appealing than ever, with daytime highs in the upper 60s and 70s simply sublime. (These temperature swings also conspire to make the most jaw-dropping and stunning fall foliage that is, in our humble opinion, the best in the country!) In addition, there are so many wonderful fall festivals and events happening during the fall in Cincinnati, from pumpkin fests to the country's biggest Oktoberfest! In short, there's pretty much nothing better than fall in Cincinnati, Ohio!

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