Full Steam Ahead and Full Stomachs Aboard
There’s something magnetic about the sound of a vintage train horn cutting through a summer morning. It’s the kind of call that doesn’t just stir nostalgia—it awakens something deeper: the thrill of travel, the lure of discovery, and the promise of a hot meal in a town you’ve never explored. This summer, that call is echoing out of Cincinnati, and it’s being answered by the Ohio Rail Experience, a living museum on rails.
From the whistle-stop towns of rural Indiana to the slopes of southeastern Indiana’s hill country, the Ohio Rail Experience offers more than a ride. It’s an immersive journey into mid-century America—served with a side of smoked brisket, Indonesian satay, and homemade pie.
Time Travel on Tracks
Operated by the nonprofit Cincinnati Scenic Railway, the Ohio Rail Experience (ORE) is part historic preservation, part tourism revival, and all charm. Its lovingly restored fleet includes 1930s open-window coaches, 1940s air-conditioned recliners, a deluxe dining car, and even a rolling tavern car converted from a 1953 U.S. Army baggage unit. This isn’t cosplay—this is the real deal.
ORE brings passenger trains back to lines that haven’t seen riders in 40 years. Onboard, you won’t just find railfans. You’ll find families, retirees, couples, history buffs, and anyone looking to trade the freeway for a steel ribbon of Americana.
And this summer, Ohio Rail Experience is serving up two unforgettable excursions:
Saturday, June 28: A full-day journey to Greensburg, Indiana, including a 3-hour layover to shop, explore, and—critically—eat.
Sunday, June 29: A shorter, 2-hour roundtrip ride to the area near Perfect North Slopes, ideal for families and first-timers.
Destination Greensburg: Small-Town Dining With Big Flavor
If you’ve never heard of Greensburg, Indiana, don’t feel bad. Most Ohioans haven’t. But once you step off the train into its walkable, historic downtown, you’ll wonder how this tree-topped courthouse town stayed under the radar for so long.
With three hours to explore, you’ll have just enough time to check out the boutiques, snap a selfie with the courthouse tree, and grab a table at one of Greensburg’s quietly outstanding eateries.
Carriage on the Square Smokehouse: This isn’t your average roadside BBQ. Housed in a charming brick building near the courthouse square, Carriage is a local legend. Think tender brisket, tangy pulled pork, and sides that taste like your aunt made them.
Mayasari Indonesian Grill: Yes, you read that right. A fully authentic Indonesian restaurant in the middle of Indiana cornfields. Run by a Jakarta-born chef, Mayasari serves up satay skewers, nasi goreng, and rich coconut curries that feel wildly out of place—and impossibly perfect.
Stories Restaurant: If you’re looking for the classic Midwest diner experience, this is it. Think patty melts, fried tenderloins, and pie served by someone who calls you “hon.”
El Reparo & El Chile Poblano: Need your guacamole fix? Greensburg has not one but two top-rated Mexican restaurants just a few blocks apart.
There’s also a casual steakhouse (Big Sky), local bars with grill menus (Bryant’s), and enough pizza joints to keep the kids happy.
Sunday Scenic Ride: Perfect North and Pure Views
Sunday’s ride may not include a layover, but it’s far from a throwaway. The two-hour roundtrip to the scenic foothills near Perfect North Slopes lets you sit back, sip a drink in the tavern car, and enjoy the Indiana countryside like it’s 1947.
And if you’ve worked up an appetite afterward, a quick detour offers some surprisingly strong post-ride options:
Will’s Grill: Tucked just outside Lawrenceburg, Will’s is beloved for big portions and small-town friendliness. The burger crowd swears by it.
Willie’s Sports Café: A solid go-to for wings, sandwiches, and a view of the river if you catch a seat on the patio.
Proof 124 Table & Tavern: For those who want something more refined, Proof 124 delivers craft cocktails and elevated pub fare without the fuss.
Perfect North Lodge also has its own dining options if you're staying for a while, including the Chow Corral and Sip‑n‑Slide Snack Shack—kid-friendly, quick, and just the thing after a train ride.
A Legacy in Motion
What makes the Ohio Rail Experience special isn’t just the creaking of wooden floors, the latching of brass windows, or the vintage upholstery. It’s the sense of movement through time. These trains once carried soldiers, honeymooners, businessmen, and baseball teams. Today, they carry memories in the making.
Whether you're chasing your inner child or introducing your actual ones to a slower, richer way of seeing the world, these rides aren’t about the destination. They’re about rediscovery—of landscapes, of towns, and of stories.
So book your ticket, bring your appetite, and ride the rails like it's 1940. The whistle is blowing, and the past is calling.
Tickets available at www.ohiorailexperience.com or by calling 513-933-8022. All rides depart from 229 Idaho