Rail built Ohio and united our nation. Today it plays a growing role in passenger travel and freight at a fraction of the energy costs of cars and trucks. The Ohio Rail Tourism Association (ORTA) and its members help you experience and enjoy a time where travel was exciting, scenic, and relaxing. Each ORTA member provides a unique rail experience that is both fun and historical such as the coal mining history in Byesville, the Cabin Fever Express on the Cuyahoga, the Train Festival at The Depot, and the Train Robbery on the Hocking Valley to mention a few. Plan a different rail event every month! Please download Ohio's Official Rail Map with ORTA Rail attractions or click on a map location below.

ORTA Annual Meeting
Informational, Fun, Huge Success!
 
This year's meeting was held April 19th, 2008 in Sugar Creek, OH - the largest attendence ever. We were guests of the Ohio Central Railroad System. Thanks to Matt Dietrich Executive director of the Ohio Rail Development Commision, Bob McCarthy of McCarthy Railroad Insurance Co. and Mike Hocker, Executive Director of the Lincoln Highway State Byway for their outstanding presentations. The highlight of day was a steam ride to OC's Morgan Run maintenance facility with a fantastic photo run-by. Click here to see the video. We were pulled by #33, beautifully rebuilt, powerful.
Click here to veiw the awesome run-by.

Special thanks to the hard working meeting organizers Mary Marshall and Lynda Nelson. Instrumental: Ken Baldwin, Sandy & Bill Engel, Bill Linebaugh and Kurt Teschendorf. And, a big thanks to Jerry Jacobson for OC's support.

ORTA members and train enthusiasts start making your plans for 2009!

Roll over the dots to view the railroads and museums that are members of the Ohio Rail Tourism Association. Click on the name of the railroad or attraction to go directly to their website.

April 13, 2008
Young at Heart: Civilian Conservation Corps
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway www.cvsr.com

April 26, 2008
TLEW Motor Car Rally, Waterville, Ohio
Toledo, Lake Erie & Western RW

May 3, 2008
TLEW opens it's
2008 Passenger Service Season!
Toledo, Lake Erie & Western RW

May 4, 2008
Young at Heart: Railroad Legend and Lore
www.cvsr.com

May 10, 2008
"Grape Escape" Wine-Tasting Express
Wonderful Wines A Toast to Moms
Departs at 4:00 pm, returns at 6:00 pm
www.cvsr.com

May 11, 2008
Mother's Day Tea Express.
One Train Only 7:00 pm
Toledo, Lake Erie & Western RW

Starting May 17
Day Out With Thomas
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad www.cvsr.com

June 14 & 15
Opening weekend of Ashtabula, Carson & Jefferson Scenic Railroad Father's Day
Dads ride half fare with their children

June 28 - 29
Brad the Great, Magic on the train
Kids oriented weekend
Ashtabula, Carson & Jefferson Scenic Railroad

July 12 & 13
Civil War Train Raid "A Journey In Time"
Ashtabula, Carson & Jefferson Scenic Railroad

August 23-24 10am - 5pm
Train Festival at The Depot
Ohio Railway Museum and The Depot