Monroe Chat

Tourist trains returns to Lebanon
By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer
9:59 AM Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The trains of the Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad are finally returning to their Lebanon station after seven months away from home.

A welcome home celebration for LM&M Railroad is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, near the South Street railroad tracks in downtown Lebanon.

The Lebanon tracks were shut down in December after being found to be unsafe along two bridges on the five miles of track LM&M uses for its tourist theme rides. The city paid $350,000 to repair the track. Since that time, LM&M has been operating its tours out of Mason.

“There was a lot of press when the trains left Lebanon,” said Jim Bliss of Historic Downtown Lebanon Inc., one of the organizers of the “Welcome Home” festivities. “Now we need to get the word out that the trains are coming back.”

Bliss said the train rides were missed by local businesses. LM&M said it averages 50,000 riders annually.

Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Historic Downtown Lebanon, Inc., and the Warren County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau will be at the welcome back celebration.

The LM&M Railroad will be open for one hour train rides at 10 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, July 22. They will then run Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26 with tours scheduled throughout the day. More information on rides can be found at http://www.lebanonrr.com or by calling (513) 933-8022.


Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

When my Son was about 2 years old, we took him to meet Thomas the Tank Engine in Lebanon - he cried with joy!!! I want to say that we also took a Christmas ride on the train...... so glad they're back!!