Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, Ohio

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Lebanon, Ohio · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesThemed train rides year round; check the ride calendar for dates

The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad carries families out of historic downtown Lebanon in 1930 Lackawanna coaches, over the right-of-way of the 1881 Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern, with themed rides in every season.

  • Rides from historic downtown Lebanon
  • On the 1881 CL&N right-of-way
  • 1930 Lackawanna coaches
  • Nickel Plate GP30 in original colors
  • Themed rides year round
  • Operated by a nonprofit

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad at a glance

Hours
Rides on scheduled dates; ticket office Wednesday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, weekends only when trains run, closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission
Rides from $15 (Turtle Creek Valley Flyer); most themed family rides $20 to $30
Train rides
Year-round themed rides from Lebanon Station, most about 1 hour 15 minutes; Pumpkin Express from $24
Seasonal events
Pumpkin Express, Trick or Treat Train, Easter Bunny Express, Summer Steam Train, Puppy Train, Princess Express, Spirit of Lebanon, Sweetest Day Wine and Cheese Train
Plan for
About 1 to 2 hours
Best for
Families with young kids and day-trippers from Cincinnati and Dayton
Best ages
Toddlers to age 10

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Lebanon.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

A commuter line to Cincinnati, reborn as a family railroad

Lebanon was laid out in 1802 between two forks of Turtle Creek, and in the stagecoach era, eastern travelers headed for Columbus often spent the night at the Golden Lamb, after an eight-hour, $1.25 coach trip from Cincinnati. When the Little Miami Railroad was finished from Cincinnati to Xenia in 1845, it bypassed Lebanon because the grade was too steep for the engines of the day. The town finally got its commuter line in 1881, when the Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern began running three trains every morning south to its Court Street Depot in Cincinnati, a site that is home to the Horseshoe Cincinnati Casino today.

The CL&N was first built as a narrow gauge line, with rails 36 inches apart, and was rebuilt to standard gauge thirteen years later. The Pennsylvania Railroad later took it over and ran freight and passenger trains between Dayton and Cincinnati. Many sections were abandoned over the years, but parts of the old CL&N and Pennsylvania track are still in use.

The track from Lebanon to Hageman Junction now belongs to the City of Lebanon. The Indiana and Ohio still moves freight over the line, and the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad holds trackage rights to run passenger trains. The railroad is operated by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a nonprofit, and its crews use the rides to share local history and railroad operations with passengers of all ages.

Lackawanna coaches, Geeps and a run to Hageman Junction

Trains leave Lebanon Station in historic downtown Lebanon, and most trips run 4.4 miles south to Hageman Junction, part of roughly 16 miles of track between Lebanon, Mason and Monroe. Passengers ride in coaches 101 to 104, built in 1930 for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western as self-propelled electric cars. The railroad says Thomas Edison helped design their propulsion system and, at 83, was at the throttle on the first run. Today the big picture windows open for a summer breeze, and the seats flip so families can face one another.

Up front you may find Nickel Plate GP30 901, delivered in 1962 and restored in 2011 to its original Nickel Plate colors with help from the Nickel Plate Historical and Technical Society, or GP7 55, a 1950 Chesapeake and Ohio unit the railroad calls the oldest GP7 still running. A concession snack bar on board sells drinks and snacks, and downtown Lebanon's shops and restaurants are a short walk from the station.

Don’t miss

  1. Lackawanna coaches 101 to 104Built in 1930 as electric commuter cars by Pullman and Edison, with opening picture windows that make warm-weather rides breezy.
  2. Nickel Plate GP30 901One of ten GP30s the Nickel Plate bought in 1962, the first of its freight units with a low short hood, now back in Nickel Plate paint.
  3. GP7 No. 55A 1950 Chesapeake and Ohio Geep, built with a steam generator to heat passenger cars, that the railroad calls the oldest GP7 still operating.
  4. Hageman JunctionThe historic junction 4.4 miles south of Lebanon where most trips turn back.
  5. Summer Steam TrainA September event that brings steam power to the Lebanon line for short scenic rides.

Puppies, princesses, dinosaurs and pumpkins

This railroad builds much of its calendar around young kids. The Puppy Train offers puppy tattoos on the platform, ice cream, balloon twisting on board and a meet and greet with puppies after the ride. The Princess Express invites kids to dress up, and the Dinosaur Adventure Train and Rootin' Tootin' Train add characters from The Fairy Godmother Events. The Family Pizza Train serves a personal pizza at your seat.

Most themed rides last about an hour and 15 minutes and are open to all ages. Open windows and reversible seats help families sit together and see out, and the Turtle Creek Valley Flyer, from $15, is the simplest and least expensive ride for a first trip with a toddler.

Plan your visit: tips for Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

  • Book online ahead; each themed ride has its own dates and fares.
  • Call (513) 933-8022 Wednesday to Friday for questions, since the ticket office opens on weekends only when trains run.
  • Sign up for the email list to hear about new rides and discounts.
  • Pumpkin Express treats and vendor purchases at the destination are extra.

October brings the Pumpkin Express (October 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 in 2026), where a pirate captain commandeers the train and delivers families to the Lebanon Sports Complex for face painting, inflatables, a small pumpkin for every rider and a show with the Sanderson Sisters. The Trick or Treat Train adds a Halloween ride through historic Warren County. For more ideas, see our guides to Halloween train rides in Ohio and Christmas train rides in Ohio.

A nonprofit railroad on a city-owned line

The LM&M Railroad is operated by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a nonprofit, on track owned by the City of Lebanon. Every ticket keeps the vintage coaches and locomotives running. You can support the railroad by riding, signing up for its email list, and following it on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for new events.

Southwest Ohio rail stops near Lebanon

The Carillon Historical Park railway collection in Dayton is about 21 miles north. Heading toward Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Museum Center railroad exhibits are about 28 miles away, and the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati about 31 miles. Find more in our Ohio train museum list.

Every train museum in Ohio

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

A Puppy Train with a meet and greet at the end? Rally would want to pack right away. In our book he fills his little suitcase with his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball before he and Mom and Dad head for the train. I like to think he'd tuck in a spare ball for a new puppy friend. Kids can color Rally and his bag on our coloring pages.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad: 20 rider questions

How much are Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad tickets?

As of October 2026, fares depend on the ride. The Turtle Creek Valley Flyer starts at $15, the Ice Cream Social at $20, the Puppy Train and Trick or Treat Train at $25, and the Princess Express at $30. Wine and cheese trains start at $45, and the three-hour Lebanon Experience is $85. Book at lebanonrr.com.

Where does the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad depart from in Lebanon, Ohio?

Trains leave from Lebanon Station in historic downtown Lebanon, and the ticket office is at 16 E South Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Downtown Lebanon has shops and restaurants within walking distance, so many families make a morning or afternoon of it. Call (513) 933-8022 if you need directions.

What is the LM&M Railroad?

LM&M is short for the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, sometimes written Lebanon Mason and Monroe. It is a heritage railroad operated by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a nonprofit, running vintage passenger trains on about 16 miles of track between Lebanon, Mason and Monroe in Warren County, Ohio.

Does the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad run a Christmas train?

Travel guides describe Christmas excursions on the LM&M, but holiday rides were not yet listed among the railroad's posted rides when this page was written. Holiday trains usually go on sale in the fall, so check the ride list at lebanonrr.com, sign up for the email list or call (513) 933-8022.

Does the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad have a North Pole Express or Polar Express?

The railroad's current online ride list does not include a train by either name. Its holiday lineup changes from year to year, and it announces new rides through its email list and Facebook page. Check lebanonrr.com in the fall or call (513) 933-8022 to ask what holiday trains are planned.

What is the Pumpkin Express on the LM&M Railroad?

The Pumpkin Express is a fall family ride. As of October 2026, it runs October 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, with open window coach seats from $24, deluxe coach from $29, and infants under 2 at $10. The train takes riders to the Lebanon Sports Complex for face painting, inflatables, a show and a small pumpkin each.

Is there a Halloween train at the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad?

Yes. The Trick or Treat Train is a Halloween ride through historic Warren County, starting at $25 and lasting about an hour and 15 minutes. The Pumpkin Express also runs in October with Hocus Pocus characters, pirates and fall activities. Both are listed on lebanonrr.com with their dates.

What is the Puppy Train at the LM&M Railroad?

The Puppy Train is a family ride, from $25 and about an hour and 15 minutes long. Kids get puppy tattoos on the platform before boarding, ice cream before or after the ride, and balloon twisting on board. After the train returns, riders meet the puppies. Check lebanonrr.com for dates.

How long is a Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad train ride?

Most themed rides last about an hour and 15 minutes, while the Ice Cream Social and Summer Steam Train are about an hour. The Princess Express is two hours, the Pumpkin Express about an hour and 45 minutes with its stop, and the Rare Mileage Excursion about four hours. Each ride page lists its length.

Does the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad run steam trains?

Yes, for a special event. The Summer Steam Train brings steam power to Lebanon in September for scenic rides of about an hour, starting at $20. Regular rides are pulled by historic diesel locomotives such as Nickel Plate GP30 901 and Chesapeake and Ohio GP7 55. Watch lebanonrr.com for steam dates.

What are the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad coaches like?

The main coaches, numbers 101 to 104, were built in 1930 for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western as electric commuter cars, with a propulsion system the railroad says Thomas Edison helped design. Their big picture windows open in summer, fans keep air moving, and the vinyl seats reverse so groups can face each other.

Is the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad good for toddlers?

Yes. Most rides are open to all ages and last around an hour, which suits short attention spans. Character rides such as the Puppy Train, Princess Express and Dinosaur Adventure Train are designed for young kids. Infants under 2 have a reduced $10 fare on the Pumpkin Express; check each ride for its infant policy.

Does the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad have food on board?

Yes. The Queen City concession snack bar sells drinks and snacks on board. The Family Pizza Train includes a personal pizza and first drink for $25, the Ice Cream Social includes a single serving of ice cream, and wine and cheese trains start at $45. Trivia on the Tracks with pizza and beer is for ages 21 and up.

What railroad did the LM&M line belong to originally?

The line was built by the Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern, which began service in 1881 as a commuter route to Cincinnati. It was first narrow gauge and was rebuilt to standard gauge thirteen years later. The Pennsylvania Railroad later took it over. Today the City of Lebanon owns the track to Hageman Junction.

Who owns the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad?

The track from Lebanon to Hageman Junction is owned by the City of Lebanon. Passenger trains are run by the LM&M Railroad, operated by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a nonprofit, under trackage rights. The Indiana and Ohio Railway continues to haul freight over the full line.

What is the LM&M Rare Mileage Excursion?

The Rare Mileage Excursion is a four-hour trip that covers more of the line than regular rides, which usually turn at Hageman Junction 4.4 miles south of Lebanon. As of October 2026, it starts at $40, with 2026 dates of May 17 and August 30. It is open to all ages and popular with rail fans.

When is the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad ticket office open?

As of October 2026, the ticket office is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and is closed Monday and Tuesday. On Saturdays and Sundays it opens only when a train is running. Call (513) 933-8022 or email info@lebanonrr.com, and messages are returned during business hours.

Is the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad wheelchair accessible?

The railroad does not post accessibility details in the information available here. Its coaches are vintage 1930 cars, so boarding may involve steps. Call (513) 933-8022 or email info@lebanonrr.com before you book to ask about accessible seating and boarding help for your ride date.

Can groups or parties book the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad?

The railroad's posted information focuses on individual tickets for themed rides. For a birthday, school or club outing, call the ticket office at (513) 933-8022 or email info@lebanonrr.com to ask about group seating or a private car. Popular dates fill fast, so contact them early.

What train museums are near the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad?

The Carillon Historical Park railway collection in Dayton is about 21 miles away. The Cincinnati Railway Museum is about 27 miles, the Cincinnati Museum Center railroad exhibits about 28 miles, and the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati about 31 miles. The Historic South Charleston Railroad Depot is about 41 miles.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
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