Day Trip from Ohio: Ohio River Scenic Railway
When visitors take a trip on the Ohio River Scenic Railway, they are in for an unforgettable experience. As the name suggests, it’s a fun train ride. Yet, it’s also a real adventure. Event-themed and activity-filled, the Ohio River Scenic Railway is an event on wheels that is great for the whole family!
Visitors can expect between 10 to 28 full miles of theater and scenery. Essentially, there is a lot going on, and it’s packed into short train rides departing from various cities, such as Evanston, Tell City, and Santa Claus Indiana.
However, riders won’t feel shortchanged by the small distance because the events are so well planned. If you like trains and family-friendly entertainment, gathering your loved ones and booking a few tickets should be in your future plans.
About the Ohio River Scenic Railway
Along a 4,000-mile path that Meriweather Lewis and William Clark traversed across the country, the Ohio River Scenic Railway is located near the historic trail that the famous duo once trekked.
The railway was born out of a collaboration with Indianapolis-based railroad company STEM Rail, LLC and Scenic Lincoln Way, a non-profit that is dedicated to preserving Abraham Lincoln’s childhood sites.
Through the Landscape
The Ohio River Scenic Railway takes visitors through the parts of Southern Indiana’s Spencer and Perry Counties that hug the meandering banks of the Ohio River. While many people may think of Indiana’s landscape as flat and boringly level, you may be surprised by what you see around the Ohio River.
Southern Indiana has hilly terrain and is almost mountainous at times. Perry County is actually home to the Hoosier National Forest, a 60,000-acre swath of land covering parts of Indiana’s hill country. As this part of the state borders parts of Kentucky, a state famous for its hillsides, hollows, and mountains, it’s not shocking that some of this terrain extends into the neighboring borders of southern Indiana.
Railway Trips
Shuttle trips last for about 45 minutes, while scenic route trips can run for over four hours. Tickets start at about $25 per person. However, children two years old and younger can travel for free, provided that they are able to ride on the laps of ticket-holding train riders.
While the train ride doesn’t permit house pets, service animals are allowed. These trains are not particularly designed for accessibility. However, every possible effort is made to accommodate all passengers when possible, particularly those needing accommodation for accessibility.
For event-themed train rides that have destinations with outdoor events, venue seating might not be provided. In those cases, think about grabbing some portable chairs that are easy to pack up and put away. For train rides that do not have meals included in the ticket price, riders can bring non-alcoholic drinks and food on the train. However, passengers are held responsible for keeping their riding spaces clean and orderly. Be sure to throw everything away after eating or drinking.
Train Tickets
Buying a ticket for a train ride means adhering to the company’s safety and participation rules. Ticket purchases are also inherent agreements to signing a waiver of liability that absolves the company of any responsibility when a passenger is injured. In short, if you buy the ticket, you agree to behave and not sue the company if you get hurt.
Refunds are only issued for purchased train rides that do not operate. Missed trains are the responsibility of the ticket holder and refunds will not be issued under those circumstances. As train rides are subject to weather conditions, trains can arrive late. Passengers that feel they are due a refund can contact the company directly and request it.
Things to Do on the Ohio River Scenic Railway
Holiday events are big deals on the Ohio River Scenic Railways and many ride themes are based on those special occasions. For instance, there is typically a “Santa” train during the Christmas holiday season. The Great Train Robbery and Wild West Shootout are two other popular train theme rides. There are also safari-themed train rides and an annual train ride during July 4th activities.
The company does not typically publish event flyers for special train rides. Instead, organizers often encourage future passengers to check their website for scheduled events. As many events are contingent on weather and other seasonal factors, certain events can be canceled, unplanned, or even added to the calendar.
Of course, riding the train and taking in the gorgeous scenery along the Ohio River is the main objective. The themes surrounding the train ride are the bonuses. Just make sure you check which ones are going on before booking a ticket.
More Things to Do Near Ohio River Scenic Railway
Although the Ohio River Scenic Railway has different departure points, the odds are high that your train will depart from Tell City. Tell City isn’t a very large or particularly urban area. So, you may have to travel for a few miles to find other fun things to do. Don’t worry. You won’t have to drive very far to add some activities to your schedule!
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
3027 E. South Street, Lincoln City, IN 47552
Being that you will be near Abraham Lincoln’s childhood stomping grounds, there are a few places (besides the Railway) that pay homage to the 16th president’s early beginnings. Located 23 miles northwest of Tell City (about a half-hour drive), visitors can visit this national memorial and learn more about Lincoln’s youth and what helped shape his presidential ambitions.
It is actually located at his family’s farm site, where he lived until he was 21 years old. It is a historic landmark and strict preservation efforts were taken to keep the place as true to its original state as possible. If you are a history buff with an appreciation for Lincoln, you will thoroughly enjoy visiting this memorial.
Blue Heron Vineyards
5330 Blue Heron Lane, Cannelton, IN
While the train ride is gorgeous, you won’t be able to sip on a vintage due to the company’s no-alcohol policy. So, you may want to check out Blue Heron Vineyards after your final stop.
Located in nearby Cannelton, it’s only 3.5 miles away (about an 8-minute drive) away from Tell City. Indiana state law mandates that you can only consume the alcohol provided on the premises, but if you appreciate fine wines, it will be more than enough. There is an outside deck that sits high on the vineyard’s hillside location that provides a gorgeous shot of the Ohio River. So, you can sip, relax, and keep enjoying those riverside views.
Smothers Park
199 W. Veterans Boulevard, Owensboro, KY 42303
Owensboro, Kentucky is one of the closest metropolitan areas to Tell City and Smothers Park is a popular place for families to play and eat. Located about 30 miles southwest of Tell City (about a 40-minute drive), Smothers Park is one of Owensboro’s official city parks and the first established city park in Owensboro.
There is a huge park that is swarmed with children, especially during nice weather. There are quite a few picnic spots, too. It’s not unusual to visit the park and see people enjoying food and one another’s company while picnicking. Best of all, the park is free.
Dining Near Ohio River Scenic Railway
Fortunately, Tell City has several nice dining spots to visit after your trip to the Ohio River Scenic Railway.
Julie’s Tell Street Cafe
922 Tell Street, Tell City, IN 47586
Julie’s is a local dine-in spot that opens at 5:30 a.m. to start serving early birds. It’s a popular venue for locals and many choose this spot as a daily place to dine.
The Post
516 Main Street, Tell City, IN 47586
Fill up with fried pickles and mushrooms, nice salads, and chicken wings at The Post. The Chicken Club sandwich and stuffed ravioli entree are also popular dishes.
Lodging Near Ohio River Scenic Railway
Due to its hilly location, finding a place to stay after (or before) your train ride includes some cozy cabins and nice rooms with beautiful views.
Santa’s Cottages
1405 W. Christmas Boulevard, Santa Claus, IN 47579
Santa’s Cottages at the Lakeside Family Resort provides quaint family cottages that are beautifully placed around a lake. A zip line, tons of play areas, holiday train rides, and fire pits create a cozy, camp-like quality to these cute cottages.
Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort
3862 E. State Route 162, Lincoln City, IN 47552
Beautiful lakefront cabins in Lincoln City, IN help keep that Ohio River ambiance going after your train ride. Rustic and cozy, these cabins are perfect if you want to see more of the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Plan a Day Trip from Ohio
The Ohio River Scenic Railway is a fantastic way to spend a day and there are plenty of things to do after. Let the train guide you through nature and then explore what else the area has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!