Lebanon, OH
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
4.1· 1,101 Google reviews
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-23- TypeNonprofit heritage railroad excursions from historic downtown Lebanon, Ohio
- LocationLebanon, OH
- Rating4.1 ★1,101 Google reviews
- UpcomingSat, Oct 10
- Tickets & faresAll sales are final; prices vary by event and peak date and include an additional $2 rail-line operation and repair charge
- AccessibilityThe operator states its historic equipment is not handicapped accessible; call before purchase when mobility access is essential
About Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad is the public excursion brand operated by the independent nonprofit Cincinnati Scenic Railway. Trains leave historic downtown Lebanon and normally travel about 4.4 miles south toward Hageman Junction on a surviving portion of the Cincinnati, Lebanon & Northern route. The standard 75-minute Turtle Creek Valley Flyer uses vintage passenger cars behind historic diesel power, while the calendar adds family, dining, holiday, rare-mileage, and visiting-steam events.
Choose an LM&M Rail Experience
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies, first-time riders, schools, scouts, and shorter outings
Turtle Creek Valley Flyer
Take a 75-minute countryside round trip, currently from $15 coach or $20 deluxe.
Steam fans and special-event travelers
Summer Steam Train
Ride one of four published September dates behind visiting steam power; service and locomotive vary by departure.
Families choosing a dated character or holiday event
Holiday and themed trains
Use the live calendar for Princess, dinosaur, pumpkin, galactic, trick-or-treat, and North Pole departures.
Dining, history, and overnight visitors
The Golden Lamb
Walk about two blocks to Ohio's longest continually operating business for dining, history, or an overnight stay.
Upcoming Events
Official schedule information
2026 special-event calendar
Schedule information was checked against the linked official source. Dates, availability, and operating conditions can change. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree public lots are at Main and Mechanic and Main and Sycamore; two accessible spaces are beside the ticket office
- AccessibilityThe operator states its historic equipment is not handicapped accessible; call before purchase when mobility access is essential
- Regular RideTurtle Creek Valley Flyer is a 75-minute round trip with fares currently starting at $15 coach and $20 deluxe
- Check InArrive at least 30 minutes early and collect the boarding card at 16 E South Street
- TicketsAll sales are final; prices vary by event and peak date and include an additional $2 rail-line operation and repair charge
- SeatingReserved means selected seats; general admission assigns a car, and day-of seat or car changes are not available
- Food And PetsNo pets or outside alcohol; selected events may involve peanuts, latex balloons, food, or onboard concessions
- EquipmentHistoric equipment can be changed or substituted; regular service is diesel and steam is limited to specifically dated events
- RouteMost rides use 4.4 miles of the approximately 16-mile Lebanon-Mason-Monroe line
- OfficeWednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekend office opens only when a train runs; Monday and Tuesday closed
- TimezoneAll published times are local Eastern Time
Find the Depot
The Trains
The current roster includes historic EMD diesel locomotives and vintage passenger equipment. Primary cars 101-104 began as 1930 Delaware, Lackawanna & Western electric multiple-unit coaches designed with Thomas Edison's involvement and later converted for locomotive haulage. The deluxe Montgomery coach served earlier owners including the Louisville & Nashville, while Queen City Tavern began as a U.S. Army kitchen car. Regular public descriptions promise historic diesel power; the September 2026 steam weekends specifically list visiting Jeddo Coal No. 85 and Little River Railroad No. 1.
History
The first passenger train arrived in Lebanon on the future CL&N route.
The railroad converted from 36-inch narrow gauge to standard gauge.
The primary Lackawanna coaches were built for electric commuter service.
Regular passenger service to Lebanon ended after Cincinnati Union Terminal opened.
Indiana & Ohio began passenger excursions in Mason and Monroe.
The excursion operation became the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad.
Independent nonprofit Cincinnati Scenic Railway began operating LM&M.
See full history
The line traces the Cincinnati, Lebanon & Northern, whose first passenger train reached Lebanon in 1881. It was converted from narrow to standard gauge in 1894, joined the Pennsylvania system, and lost regular Lebanon passenger service after Cincinnati Union Terminal opened. Lebanon later purchased track to preserve rail service. Excursions began under Indiana & Ohio in 1988, returned to Lebanon after track work, took the LM&M name in 2006, and have been operated since 2015 by nonprofit Cincinnati Scenic Railway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cincinnati Scenic Railway the Cincinnati Dinner Train?
No. Cincinnati Scenic Railway is the nonprofit operator behind the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. The Cincinnati Dinner Train is a separate operation.
How long is the regular ride?
The Turtle Creek Valley Flyer is listed as a 75-minute round trip.
Are regular LM&M trains steam powered?
No. The official home page describes regular rides behind historic diesel power. Steam appears only on specifically dated visiting-locomotive events.
When should I arrive?
At least 30 minutes before departure, with enough time to park and collect the boarding card at the ticket office.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The current terms state that the historic equipment is not handicapped accessible. Call 513-933-8022 before purchase if access is essential.
Can tickets be refunded?
The operator states all ticket sales are final. If LM&M cancels, its notice explains exchange or credit options.
Where can I park?
Use limited South Street parking or the public lots at Main and Mechanic and Main and Sycamore. Two accessible spaces are next to the ticket office.
How many 2026 dates remain?
The checked booking calendar contains 47 distinct event dates and 130 departures after August 23, led by 24 North Pole dates.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official LM&M hub for public brand, nonprofit operator, regular ride description, contact, and schedule policy
- Official train-rides hub and linked FareHarbor calendars for current products, dates, times, and prices
- Official terms for check-in, refunds, fees, seating, pets, accessibility, and equipment substitutions
- Official parking page for public lots, street parking, and accessible spaces
- Official history page for route, predecessor railroads, excursion chronology, and milestones
- Official equipment roster for locomotives and passenger-car history
- Official community page for Cincinnati Scenic Railway identity, city track ownership, and safety rules
- Official contact page for address, phone, email, and ticket-office hours
- Official FareHarbor booking calendar for exact remaining 2026 availability
