All Aboard! Best Displays and Train Spots in Columbus

There is something nostalgic about trains that captivates the imagination. Whether you’re a serious train enthusiast or just curious, Ohio has some amazing train themed places to visit, starting right here in Columbus.

Do your kids love trains? We have train-themed playgrounds, train rides, huge displays amaze the little ones, plus so much more around Columbus. 

Are you a railfan yourself? Check out the museum options, displays, clubs, train shows, and more.

Do you just love a good photo op? We have those too!

You’ll find all kinds of attractions and displays with trains and railroads in Columbus! 

Railroad Museums

Museums offer a way to connect to important people, places, and events from our past. Columbus is home to one of the oldest railway museums in America.

The Ohio Railway Museum

Train enthusiasts of all ages will love The Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington. Check out the amazing collection of trains and take a two-mile round-trip demonstration ride on one of the museum’s streetcars or interurbans!

The collection has over 30 pieces, including streetcars dating from 1900 to 1949, interurbans dating from 1905 to 1965, passenger cars dating from 1918 to 1925, also including electric and steam locomotives built from 1910 to 1926.

In October, you can take a ride on the Ghost Trolley at Ohio Railway Museum. It’s a fun, barely spooky evening ride on a decorated train car. 

In December, they host Letters to Santa where kids can write and send letters to Santa, enjoy crafts, visit with Mrs. Claus, and take a train ride on Interuban #64.

The museum is located at 990 Proprietors Rd, Worthington. It is open every Sunday, May – December from Noon -4 p.m. Admission is $9 (adults), $7 (seniors 65+) and military (with ID), $6 (youth 4-12), and Free (3 & under). Admission includes unlimited train rides.

Attractions featuring Trains and Model Railroads

Watching trains meander along the tracks of a model railroad is mesmerizing. Check out these fun opportunities to see displays located around Columbus throughout the year.

Columbus Metropolitan Main Library

Huntington Holiday Train Display

The Huntington Holiday Train is a Paul Busse designed holiday model railway. Four trains run along 280 feet of track through a Bavarian themed holiday wonderland. A signature of Busse’s style, each building is custom-made using natural plant materials.

The multitiered layout covers 600 sq ft and includes tunnels, bridges, homes, churches, and an impressive 8ft tall castle with a waterfall. This train display will wow all visitors through the holiday season.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library is located at 96 South Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. From late November – early January, the display can be seen in the library’s Grand Atrium during regular library hours. The first hour of parking in the library parking garage is free.

Main Library Thomas Train Display in Children’s Area

The Children’s area on the 1st floor of the Main Library is worth a stop! In addition to crafts, a play school bus, fish tanks, and always-available crafts, there’s a whimsical little Thomas Train display. It’s the perfect-sized display for toddlers to watch their favorite train.

Easton Express Garden Railway

The next time you’re near Easton Town Center, check out the expansive outdoor model train layout. It features three levels of track, tunnels, landscaping, plus a pond. The train is operational year-round and is seasonally decorated, so stop by regularly.

The train is located next to Brio Tuscan Grille at 3993 Easton Station, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Known for its award-winning gardens and gorgeous Chihuly Collection, Franklin Park Conservatory should be on everyone’s “must see” list.

Railfans will delight in the outdoor Paul Busse Garden Railway located in the Grand Mallway. Follow nine G-scale trains through a miniature world to Fairytale Land, Wild West Town, Who Lives Here, and European Travels.

It’s especially beautiful when it’s light up during Conservatory Aglow, so it’s worth exploring at least twice a year!

The Paul Busse Garden Railway is operational from June – early January.

You’ll also find a small seasonally updated train display on the lower level of the Conservatory near the bathrooms. 

The conservatory is located at 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203. It is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., except major holidays. Admission is $22 (adults), $19 (senior 60+), $15 (youth $3-12).

There are lots of discounts available for admission to Franklin Park Conservatory, including monthly free community day, free passes at the libraries, access passes, and more. Read about all of the options here!

Inniswoods Metro Gardens Railroad

Inniswoods Metro Gardens is a beautiful park located in Westerville with plenty of colorful gardens to stroll through on a nice day. In 2021, they added a model railway complete with a miniature Hosta Garden! It’s located behind the Innis House.

The park is located at 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville, OH 43081. The railway runs May – October, every Saturday and Sunday from Noon – 4 p.m. (when volunteers are available). Admission is free.

Miniature Train Rides

Looking for a pint size rail experience for kids and kids at heart? Try one of these fun miniature train rides at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

North America Train  

Take a relaxing 5-minute train ride around part of North America. Keep your eyes peeled for a reindeer, a moose, or a wolverine. $2 per rider, Free for GOLD members. (Closed until spring)

Tiny Town Train 

Young riders can board this electric locomotive with two tender cars and a caboose to enjoy a ride around the track. Make sure to ring the bell too! $1 per rider, Free for GOLD members. (Closed until spring)

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located at 4840 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065. Train rides are available from spring – late fall. Check the website for details. Admission to the zoo is required.

Playgrounds with Train Cars

Homestead Park

One of our beautiful Metro Parks, Homestead Park features multiple playgrounds, a covered bridge, beautiful scenery, tons of photo ops, and a replica train station “Norwich Junction”, including a climb-on caboose.

It’s the perfect spot for photos for a train-lover. Kids will have fun running off some steam at the train-themed playground.

The park is located at 4675 Cosgray Rd Hilliard, OH 43026.

Other local parks with playground trains:

Alum Creek Park North (221 West Main Street, Westerville)

Schiller Park in German Village (1069 Jaeger St, Columbus)

Henceroth Park (2075 Mallow Lane, Grove City)

More Train Related Places and Photo Ops

Hilliard Historical Village – Weaver Park

Spend an afternoon at Weaver Park in Hilliard at the Historical Village. The park includes several buildings representing early pioneer life in northwest Franklin County. Hilliard Station was built in 1899 and includes a red caboose on display.

The Historical Village Open House is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024  from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free admission and walking tours.

Weaver Park is located at 5274 Norwich St., Hilliard, Ohio 43026. It is open from April 2^nd – October, Saturday & Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Ohio History Connection Trolley and Caboose

Ohio History Center and Ohio Village features an indoor open-air trolley and an outdoor red caboose. Kids love climbing on the trolley to pretend that they are riding. There are lots of other interactive exhibits at the museum as well.

The Ohio History Center is located at 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211. Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find out more about the Ohio History Connection and Ohio Village.

Admission to the museum is $16 (adults), $14 (senior 60+), $10 (youth 4-12), and Free (3 & under). Free for Ohio History Connection members. Discounts may be available through Museums for All.

Model Railroad Clubs and Shops

Railroad Fun at Sandel Legacy Trail

Stop in at the model railroad open houses during three spring weekends at Legacy Trail Preservation Parks of Delaware County. Learn about the history of American railroads from members of the model railroad club.

Typically held one weekend a month; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Be sure to check future dates on their website.

The Sandell Legacy Trail Depot is located at 168 S Vernon St, Sunbury, Ohio 43074.

Central Ohio Model Railroad Club

The Central Ohio Model Railroad Club is a club for local model railroad hobbyists. They work with all scales from G to Z and showcase several creatively themed, operational layouts from realistic to fantasy. First time visitors are welcome to stop by on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  

In December, they host a Holiday Open House featuring multiple model railroad layouts, trains for kids to play with, raffles, bake sale, refreshment, crafts, and more. They also pop up at festivals and events throughout the year, so follow along!

COMRC is located at 6471 Proprietors Rd, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Admission is free.

Columbus Garden Railway Society

Each year, members of the Columbus Garden Railway Society host a garden railroad tour of privately owned garden railways. Visitors are welcome to follow a self-guided route of up to 18 gardens throughout central Ohio.

The tour is typically held in early September. Be sure to check the website for details. Admission is free.

The Train Station Shop

The Train Station is a full time model railroad shop which has been in business since 1974. They carry exclusively model railroad and train products and supplies. There’s a small kids’ play area as well.

The shop is located at 4430 Indianola Ave. Columbus

Dining on a Train

Spaghetti Warehouse

Since 1978, the Spaghetti Warehouse has been a beloved Columbus institution where many have gathered to enjoy a delicious meal and great company. 

As a kid, I can’t remember a family trip to downtown Columbus that didn’t end with a great meal there. Besides the 13-layer lasagna, one of the most thrilling things to do was to sit in the trolley car located in the center of the dining room.

It has now moved to S. High St., but it still offers a tribute to the beloved trolley car.

Ohio has three other locations where the same welcoming atmosphere can be enjoyed. Check out each of the Ohio locations, opening daily at 11 a.m.

• Dayton: 36 West 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402
• Akron: 510 S Main St Bldg 33, Akron, OH 44311
• Toledo: 42 S. Superior, Toledo, OH 43604
• Columbus: 150 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Train Shows

Buckeye Model Train and Railroad Artifacts Show

Enjoy all things train at the Buckeye Model Train and Railroad Artifacts Show with Golden Spike Enterprises, Inc. Typically held in April and December at Ohio Expo Center. Scheduled for April 27, 2024 and December 7, 2024.

Great Train Show at Ohio Expo Center

The Great Train Show at Ohio Expo Center is typically held in January and includes model railroads, train dealers, hands-on exhibits and more! Admission is free for ages 11 and under, and $12 for adults. 

Central Ohio Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House

Typically held on weekends in December, this Central Ohio Model Railroad Club holiday open house features multiple model railroad layouts, trains for kids to play with, raffles, bake sale, refreshment, crafts, and more.

Take a drive for more railroad fun!

There are plenty of train themed attractions all over Ohio. Whether you have a few hours to spend or an entire weekend, check out great places. 

42+ Best Spots with Trains in Ohio: Museums, Riding, Dining, and even sleeping!