Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad in Mt. Perry, Ohio
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesWeekends August to October, 12 to 4 pm, plus select November and December dates
The Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad runs volunteer-crewed passenger excursions on the Glass Rock Spur, a historic line through the woods and farmland of Perry County in Southeast Ohio.
- 40-minute round trip
- Historic Glass Rock Spur line
- Vintage coach and open-air seating
- Dog-friendly railway
- Adults $10, kids 3 to 13 $7
- Run by volunteers
Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad at a glance
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, August to October, trains hourly 12 to 4 pm; select November and December dates
- Admission
- Adults (14 and up) $10, ages 3 to 13 $7, 2 and under free
- Train rides
- 40-minute round trips on the Glass Rock Spur, leaving every hour on operating days
- Seasonal events
- Opening Weekend, Dog Daze of Summer, Back to School Daze, Hobo Camp, Family Weekend, Wine Tasting, Pumpkin Train, Veterans Day ride, A Coal Miner's Story, Santa Train Event
- Plan for
- About 1 hour including arrival
- Best for
- Young families, dog owners and relaxed rail fans
- Best ages
- Toddlers to age 10
- Parking
- Park across the street at 5705 SR 204; the train boards at 5700 SR 204
- Accessibility
- Ramp accommodates most walkers; narrow aisles limit wheelchair access, so contact the railroad first.
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
Follow Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Zanesville & Western Scenic 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 Mt. Perry.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Keeping passenger trains on the Glass Rock Spur
The Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad set out to make a small rural rail line in Perry County into a destination. Its trains run on the Glass Rock Spur, which the railroad describes as an exceptionally scenic and historic line, and the trips stay simple on purpose: an out-and-back run of about 40 minutes through woods and farmland near Mt. Perry, with the train leaving every hour on operating afternoons.
What makes the railroad work is its volunteers. Riders who leave reviews on the railroad's site keep returning to the same theme: the crew is friendly, knows the line, and takes its time. Several reviewers note that the train moves slowly, which suits a ride built for watching the countryside rather than covering distance.
Over the seasons the volunteers have built a calendar of themed weekends around that basic ride. There is an Opening Weekend with goodie bags for kids, a Dog Daze of Summer weekend, a Back to School weekend when kids ride free, a Labor Day picnic, a Depression-era Hobo Camp, a month of Pumpkin Trains, a free ride for veterans, a program called A Coal Miner's Story, and Santa Trains that collect toys and food for neighbors in December. Evening wine tastings for adults round out the fall.
Benches outside, vintage coach seats inside
You park across the road from the boarding area and arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure. Trains leave on the hour from noon to 4 pm on regular weekends. On board, you choose between bench seats in the open air and padded vintage coach seating inside, except on wine tasting evenings and A Coal Miner's Story day, which are inside only.
The ride itself is an unhurried out-and-back trip on the Glass Rock Spur, with scenic woods and farmland on both sides. On Hobo Camp weekends, riders step off into a recreated Depression-era camp where volunteers in character heat hot dogs and beans over a fire and explain the hobo code of signs and symbols. In October the train carries families out to a pumpkin patch.
Don’t miss
- The open-air bench seatsThe outside seats give the best look at Perry County's woods and fields on a mild afternoon.
- Hobo CampVolunteers in character serve campfire hot dogs and beans and share the code and symbols that rail-riding hobos once used.
- The Pumpkin TrainEvery October weekend the train makes a 40-minute trip through fall color to a pumpkin patch.
- A Coal Miner's StoryA November program that ties the ride to the region's coal mining history, held in the inside coach.
- The Santa TrainDecember rides where bringing a new toy or food donation lowers your fare.
Short enough for little riders
At about 40 minutes round trip, the ride fits toddler attention spans, and one reviewer notes it is not a long ride. Children 2 and under ride free and ages 3 to 13 are $7. Opening Weekend sends kids home with goodie bags of pull-back cars, blowers and sticky hands, Family Weekend over Labor Day includes a treat for the kids, and on Back to School weekend riders 13 and under go free.
The open-air benches are the fun seats for kids who want wind and views, while the inside vintage coach is the better pick on a chilly or wet day. A ramp handles most walkers, but narrow aisles limit wheelchair access, so contact the railroad first if you need extra help boarding.
Plan your visit: tips for Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure.
- Tickets can be bought online or on arrival.
- Bring a new unwrapped toy or food donation to save on Santa Train tickets.
- Leashed, well-behaved dogs may ride; clean up after them.
- Wine tasting evenings are 21 and older, inside seating only.
October belongs to the Pumpkin Train, which runs every weekend of the month on a 40-minute trip through fall color to the pumpkin patch; see our roundup of Halloween and fall train rides in Ohio for more. In December, the Santa Train runs three weekends from 1 to 6 pm, and fares drop by $3 when you bring a new unwrapped toy or a food donation. Our list of Christmas train rides in Ohio has other holiday options nearby.
The volunteers in the cab and the coaches
The Zanesville & Western is a volunteer railroad, and reviewers single out the crew for being knowledgeable and friendly. The best ways to help are to ride, bring a group, book a birthday party or event on the train, and follow the railroad's Facebook page to share its schedule. Use the contact form on its website to ask about volunteering.
More rail stops in Southeast Ohio
The Buckeye Lake Museum railroad exhibits are about 14 miles away. For a longer ride, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is about 29 miles south, and the Byesville Scenic Railway is about 36 miles east. Browse Ohio train museums and rides for the rest.
- Buckeye Lake Museum railroad exhibitsBuckeye Lake, OH · about 14 mi
- Hocking Valley Scenic RailwayNelsonville, OH · about 29 mi
- Byesville Scenic RailwayByesville, OH · about 36 mi
- Ohio History Connection railroad collectionColumbus, OH · about 42 mi
- Ohio Railway MuseumWorthington, OH · about 45 mi
- Age of Steam Roundhouse MuseumSugarcreek, OH · about 51 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
A railroad that welcomes dogs makes this corgi mom very happy. Rally is our real corgi, and in the book his short little legs simply cannot climb the big train steps, so Dad gives him a boost. I picture a lot of dogs on Dog Daze weekend getting that same lift into the coach. Find picture books for your own little rider on our train books for toddlers list.
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
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
- Train museums in Ohio: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Ohio
- Halloween train rides in Ohio
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Zanesville & Western Scenic 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
- Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad official website(opens in a new tab)
- Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad: 20 rider questions
Where is the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad in Mt. Perry, Ohio?
The railroad lists its address as 5700 SR 204, Mt. Perry, Ohio 43760, in Perry County in Southeast Ohio. Parking is across the street at 5705 SR 204, so you may see either number in directions. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
What do reviews say about the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
Reviews posted on the railroad's website praise the volunteers as friendly and knowledgeable, and families say small kids enjoy it. Several riders note that the train moves slowly and that it is not a long ride, which most see as part of its relaxed charm. Many reviewers call it a good time for the price.
Where can I see photos of the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
The railroad's Facebook page is the best place for current photos of the train, the Glass Rock Spur and themed weekends like Hobo Camp and the Pumpkin Train. Its website at zwsr.org also has event pages. Riders often share their own pictures after a trip, so the Facebook page tends to have the freshest images.
How much are Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad tickets?
As of October 2026, regular tickets are $10 for adults 14 and up, $7 for children 3 to 13, and free for children 2 and under. Special events can differ: wine tastings are $50 per person or $95 for two, and veterans ride free on Veterans Day. Tickets can be bought online or when you arrive.
When does the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad run?
As of October 2026, trains run every Saturday and Sunday from early August through the end of October, from noon to 4 pm with a departure each hour. There are also selected dates in November and December. On wine tasting days the afternoon schedule is shortened, so check the posted schedule at zwsr.org.
How long is the Zanesville & Western train ride?
The ride is about 40 minutes round trip. It is an out-and-back trip on the Glass Rock Spur, passing scenic woods and farmland before returning to the boarding area. With the recommended 15 minutes of arrival time, plan on about an hour total for a regular ride.
What is the Glass Rock Spur?
The Glass Rock Spur is the rail line the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad uses for its excursions near Mt. Perry. The railroad describes it as an exceptionally scenic and historic line. Today's trips run out and back along the spur through woods and farmland in Perry County.
Can I bring my dog on the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
Yes. The railroad calls itself pet friendly, and well-behaved dogs may board with their owners. Dogs must be leashed, comfortable around people, and cleaned up after. The railroad even holds a Dog Daze of Summer weekend in August, a fun time to bring the family dog along.
Does the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad have a Pumpkin Train?
Yes. As of October 2026, the Pumpkin Train runs every weekend in October from noon to 4 pm. The 40-minute ride travels through Perry County's fall scenery to a pumpkin patch. Regular pricing applies: $10 for adults, $7 for ages 3 to 13, and free for 2 and under.
When is the Zanesville & Western Santa Train?
As of October 2026, the Santa Train Event runs December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, from 1 to 6 pm. Tickets are $10 for ages 14 and up and $7 for ages 3 to 13, or $7 and $4 if you bring a new unwrapped toy in its original packaging or a food donation.
What is Hobo Camp at the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
Hobo Camp is a themed weekend where riders step off the train into a recreated Depression-era hobo campsite. Volunteers in character serve campfire-heated hot dogs and beans with water and share stories about the hobo code of ethics, signs and symbols. It runs on select late summer weekends at regular ticket prices.
Does the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad do wine tastings?
Yes. Wine Tasting evenings run from 6 to 8 pm on select September dates, with inside seating only and riders 21 and older. As of October 2026, tickets are $50 per person or $95 for two. On those days the regular family train runs a shorter afternoon schedule.
Do veterans ride free on the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
Yes, on the railroad's Veterans Day ride. As of October 2026, it is scheduled for November 7 from noon to 4 pm, and veterans ride free. Family members traveling with a veteran pay regular fares unless the railroad posts otherwise, so check zwsr.org for details.
What is A Coal Miner's Story at the Zanesville & Western?
A Coal Miner's Story is a November event on the railroad's schedule, held November 14 in 2026 from noon to 4 pm. It uses inside seating only. The railroad's event page has the full description, so check zwsr.org for what the program covers and its ticket details.
Is the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad good for toddlers?
Yes. The 40-minute ride is short enough for small kids, children 2 and under ride free, and themed weekends add goodie bags and treats. Reviewers mention that little ones enjoyed it. Choose inside vintage coach seats on cool days and the open-air benches when the weather is nice.
Is the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad wheelchair accessible?
Partly. The railroad has a ramp that works for most walkers, but narrow aisles limit its ability to accommodate wheelchairs. It asks riders to get in touch with their specific needs before visiting, so use the contact form on zwsr.org or message the Facebook page ahead of time.
What kind of seats are on the Zanesville & Western train?
There are two choices. Outside seating is bench seats in the open air, and inside seating is padded vintage coach seating. Both are usually available, but wine tasting evenings and A Coal Miner's Story are inside only. Pick the outside benches for the best views on a nice day.
Can I book a birthday party on the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
Yes. The railroad offers group rides for schools, churches and bus tours and hosts events such as birthday parties, family outings and weddings. Group pricing is quoted case by case, so use the contact form on zwsr.org to share your date and group size.
Is the Zanesville & Western the same as the Mt. Perry Scenic Train?
Yes. Local tourism listings describe the Mt. Perry Scenic Train as the excursion run by the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad on the Glass Rock Spur. Tickets, schedules and events are all handled through zwsr.org, so if you are searching for the Mt. Perry train, this is the same ride.
What train rides are near the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad?
The Buckeye Lake Museum railroad exhibits are about 14 miles away. For more rides, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is about 29 miles away in Nelsonville and the Byesville Scenic Railway about 36 miles east. Columbus railroad collections and the Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington are roughly 42 to 45 miles west.
Keep exploring
More family train guides from Rally
- DirectoryRailway Museum Directory650 train museums in all 50 states, with hours, tickets and train rides.
- HolidayChristmas Train RidesSanta trains and holiday light rides, sorted by state and town.
- OctoberHalloween Train RidesPumpkin trains and not-too-spooky rides for little ones, by state.
- NovemberThanksgiving Train RidesHoliday weekend train trips the whole family can share.
- AmtrakAmtrak With KidsWhich Amtrak routes work best with babies, toddlers and big kids.
- Plan a tripTrain Trips With KidsEvery Amtrak route, stop by stop, planned for families.