Columbus Crossroads: Discovering Rail History
Columbus Crossroads: Discovering Rail History
In partnership with Ohio Valley Rails
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
Columbus Wired
Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, Columbus has been a transportation crossroads.
Even before the mighty iron horses and horseless carriages, canals and the National Road connected Franklin County to the young United States.
Here are some prime places where you can see active rail lines as well as static displays throughout Central Ohio.
Ohio Railway Museum-Worthington
Located in Worthington, Ohio, the Ohio Railway Museum is open every Sunday from May through December from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come visit us & take a train ride on one of their historic trains.
990 Proprietors Rd, Worthington, OH (Off St.Rt. 161, west of I-71, east of Downtown Worthington; along the CSX and NS Mainlines)
$10-Adults, $9- Seniors/Military(with ID) $8.00 Children (4-12) Children Under 4-Free
https://www.ohiorailwaymuseum.org/
This attraction is literally in the heart of the Northside mainlines where nearby, a great city park offers a great vantage point.
McCord Park/Worthington
333 E Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington, OH 43085
(Between Worthington/Galena Road and US Route 23, off Wilson Bridge Road)
https://www.worthington.org/2115/The-Train-Observation-Station
This is the most exciting news for any railfan old and new.
As part of the McCord Park Renovation Project; the Worthington Rotary Club and the Parks and Recreation Department are heading up the train observation area.
The link has information for those who want to continue progress.
There are a few spots on the North Side you can check out. Please see the Ohio Valley Rails “The Sandusky District-North Columbus Trifacta”
https://ohiovalleyrails.godaddysites.com/f/the-sandusky-district-north-columbus-trifecta
As for something for the train geek and others in your family and friends; there are various great places to explore
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/scioto-audubon
6:30am to 10pm April through September
6:30am to 8pm October through March
Phone: 614.202.5197
Just south of Downtown Columbus; off Front and Whittier Streets, sits Scioto Audubon Metro Park.
The really nice thing about this park; it is not just for railfans at all.
It was developed shortly after the demolition of what was once the Lazarus and Company’s large warehouse facility.
You can very easily pack up the family, get a picnic lunch, and camp out the portion of the park to see CSX and NS trains roll by.
If you are an average hiker, bicyclist or runner; you make this easily a fitness and railfan stop as well.
The park has a nature center, several trails linking to the Scioto Mile, a climbing rock wall area, playground, and several wetlands pond areas.
So, where’s the best place to catch the trains?
Panoramic views can be caught via the recycled Lazarus Water Tower with observation decks.
Two closest views to the mainlines can be found either near the dog park before the I-70/I-71 overpass (less scenic).
Also, the hiking trail between the Obstacle Course and the Park Office on the eastern side of the park is a great vantage point and a great view of Downtown.
Downtown
Easiest thing to do is park at any parking garage near North Bank Park.
North Bank is right next to the Scioto Greenway for walking or biking.
https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/event-venues/north-bank-park-pavilion/
The two bridges crossing the Scioto River are great photo ops.
McPherson Commons, near Nationwide Arena, offers major green space for parents and kids to run and play.
https://www.sciotomile.com/parks/mcferson-commons/
Westside
Another Metro Park few railfans have used is Battelle Darby Creek.
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/battelle-darby-creek/
It is on the far west end, south of West Broad Street/US 40.
The Camp Chase Trail goes right along the Camp Chase Industrial Railroad’s right of way.
From either vantage point; you are not far from eateries as well as my favorite Westside haunt, Toney’s Coneys West Broad.
https://www.facebook.com/TonysConeys51
Hillard recently rebuilt their Station Park near the CSX Columbus Subdivision.
https://hilliardohio.gov/our-parks/
It features a splash pad and an amphitheater.
It is in close knit Olde Towne Hillard; featuring restaurants and coffee shops
https://hilliardohio.gov/visit/old-hilliard/
Not far from Hillard; but not on a rail line is Homestead Metro Park.
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/homestead/
Originally a township park; Homestead features two restored cabooses and a mock up railroad station. The park grounds have hiking trails connecting with the Heritage Rail Trail. It connects Hillard with Plain City.
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/heritage-trail-park/
Canal Winchester
The small village has had many events in the past. Their biggest draw is the Ribs and Blues Festival.
The Canal Wigwam, a local diner; is an excellent place to grab a bite. Basic diner fare brings folks in.
https://www.facebook.com/canal.wigwam/
If you want to visit them or any of the restaurants in the area, a great place to explore and have a picnic meal is the grounds of the Canal Winchester Historical Society.
https://www.cwhistory.org/
The restored C&O/Hocking Valley depot, C&O and Southern Railway cabooses, old school house and old mill make a great backdrop for a day getaway stop.
Very little traffic on the current owner of the rails; Genesee and Wyoming (Indiana and Ohio Railway) has traffic between downtown Columbus and Lancaster.
There are many model railroad clubs in Central Ohio as well.
Simply stop by our partners at Ohio Valley Rails. Every article and the main page features listings of active model railroad clubs in Columbus.
The listings are below the main page and every article.
https://ohiovalleyrails.godaddysites.com/
Again, Columbus has so much to explore.
Life’s an adventure. Get out there and live it!
