Our train is made up of historic equipment ranging from 1917 to the 1960s. We have traditional enclosed coaches, two of them with air conditioning. We have three open air cars that are offered in the warm months and one of those cars is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, these three open-air cars were converted from historic freight cars.
The train traverses a portion of a 145-year-old route that once linked Southern Ohio with Columbus and Lake Erie. Along the way, depending on the train, there is the opportunity to see an old canal lock from the Hocking Canal, the remains of the Nelsonville Brick Company, the original depot at Haydenville, and more. Plus you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the remaining active industry in the area, including gravel mining operations and a company that is a part of the timber industry. Please bear in mind also that the route we operate over predates everything around; we have no control over adjacent properties.
The equipment includes a combination baggage-passenger car (with working coal stove in the winter; no A/C) built for a Baltimore & Ohio predecessor in 1917; three commuter coaches built around 1923 and 1927 for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific (heated in winter; no A/C); a day coach built in the 1930s for the Baltimore & Ohio (car has A/C and heat), a day coach built for the Canadian Pacific (car has A/C and heat); and three converted freight cars used as open-air passenger cars.
The train does rock from side to side, enough that we ask passengers to remain in their seats while the train in motion. Also, as the coaches we use were built primarily for commuter train service around Chicago, they were not equipped with restrooms. So please remember to use the restrooms at the depot before the train gets underway.
Train rides are typically two-hours long except the Noon to Haydenville train that typically lasts 90 minutes . All are round trip rides back to the Nelsonville Depot unless otherwise noted. Also, unless otherwise noted, the only stops the train makes along the way include a short stop to prepare the train for the trip back to the depot (exiting the train is not permitted during this stop). Kids of all ages have enjoyed the train, but you’ll ultimately have to make the call on whether your child will be okay on a train for up to two hours.
While food and drinks are not available on the train, you are more than welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board (whether from home or restaurants nearby)! Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted onboard at any time.
We do not offer group rates on regularly scheduled rides. However tour groups or other groups may rent the entire train for private excursions. Other arrangements can be made for renting a car for parties etc. Click here for details!