Tucked into the heart of historic downtown Lebanon, Ohio, the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) offers the kind of throwback rail experience that’s getting harder to find: vintage passenger cars, a working railroad atmosphere, and a leisurely ride through Warren County countryside—often paired with themed events, food, and drink. Departing from 16 E. South Street in Lebanon, the LM&M has built a reputation as a family-friendly attraction and a reliable “weekend memory maker,” with trips operating much of the year based on the posted schedule.
While many visitors discover the LM&M through holiday favorites and character trains, the railroad’s lineup has broadened to include experiences aimed squarely at adults—especially its Food & Drink Trains. Among these, the Bourbon Train stands out as one of the most distinctive ways to enjoy a relaxing evening out in southwest Ohio: a scenic heritage train ride paired with curated bourbon samples and onboard refreshments.
About The LM&M
At its core, the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad is a classic heritage operation: you board at a small-town depot area, settle into restored passenger equipment, and let the pace of rail travel reset your day. The railroad notes that riders travel in vintage passenger cars behind a historic diesel locomotive, and that the operation is run by Cincinnati Scenic Railway, a nonprofit organization.
The LM&M also emphasizes the educational side of what it does—something that becomes apparent on their standard rides, where onboard narration often touches on local history and railroad operations. For example, their popular Turtle Creek Valley Flyer is billed as a 1 hour and 15 minute round trip through the Warren County countryside.
The Route
The LM&M runs on a corridor associated with the historic Cincinnati, Lebanon & Northern Railway (CL&N)—a line that dates to the 19th century and forms part of the region’s rich rail story. Modern excursions typically operate south from Lebanon into the countryside, giving riders a front-row view of small farms, tree lines, and the gently rolling terrain that defines this part of Ohio…