
LM&M Railroad Lebanon
Experience the magic of train travel with LM&M Railroad's themed excursions, especially the beloved Polar Express holiday ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive atmosphere

LM&M Railroad Lebanon
Best Time
Festive atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of train travel with LM&M Railroad's themed excursions, especially the beloved Polar Express holiday ride.
"A hit with kids, but adults often find the high cost and lack of amenities disappointing."

🎯 Manage Expectations for Adults
Focus on the child's experience; adult extras are costly & limited.
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Snacks, drinks, and photos are often cash-only and can be pricey.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Polar Express Experience
Lebanon, Ohio
A festive holiday train ride based on the classic book, featuring characters and a journey to the North Pole.

Scenic Train Rides
Lebanon, Ohio
Enjoy a leisurely journey through the Ohio countryside, offering a glimpse of local landscapes.

Special Themed Excursions
Lebanon, Ohio
Beyond holiday themes, LM&M offers various themed rides throughout the year, often with unique activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Special Events
Plan for Amenities & Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Train themed things to do in columbus/central ohio area
🎯 Manage Expectations for Adults
Focus on the child's experience; adult extras are costly & limited.
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Snacks, drinks, and photos are often cash-only and can be pricey.
🚽 Use Restrooms Before Boarding
No restrooms on the train; station facilities are limited.
📸 Consider Photo Packages
Professional photos are available for purchase, but can be expensive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Manage Expectations for Adults
Focus on the child's experience; adult extras are costly & limited.
💰 Bring Cash for Extras
Snacks, drinks, and photos are often cash-only and can be pricey.
🚽 Use Restrooms Before Boarding
No restrooms on the train; station facilities are limited.
📸 Consider Photo Packages
Professional photos are available for purchase, but can be expensive.
🚗 Arrive Early
Allow ample time for parking and check-in, especially for popular events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
LM&M Railroad offers themed train rides, particularly popular for holiday events like The Polar Express, which children often enjoy. However, many reviews highlight significant concerns regarding the high cost of tickets and extras, with adults frequently feeling underserved and the overall value for money being questionable. The lack of onboard restrooms and potentially uninspiring scenery also detract from the experience for some.
"Typical money trap.. you pay $40-$50 for a seat on the polar express just to watch absolutely nothing. Kids at least may have a good time but adults get ignored. You get nothing free in the ticket price as an adult unless they have time to make you a balloon animal.
They have an adult beverage cart which is cool but you pay $5 for tiny bottles.. hot chocolate is $5 for a tiny cup. Also if you need to use the restroom I’d go before you even get to the place the train has none and the restrooms they do have only have 2 stalls so you wait in line forever to go.
Honestly paying that much money for a seat everybody should get something included..like a hot chocolate? That or adult tickets should be cheaper considering you don’t get anything out of it.
Wouldn’t have been such a disappointment if the adults were included more.. yes the polar express is for children but even Disney includes things for adults to have fun."
Kimchi “Kimchiinii”
"This was an extremely disappointing experience. We got on the train and the girl who came around asking if we needed to use the restroom had a terrible attitude. Just a fair warning: DO NOT go if you are a group of adults. You will be ignored the entire time. As an adult there is nothing to do except sit there and wait for the experience to be over. This may be fun for the little kids but it is not adult friendly. The only worker who gave us any attention were those collecting trash. They do come around with goodies for adults which you have to pay for and can only pay cash. When the bar cart came to our side of the train there was absolutely nothing left. I had so much hope for this and was highly disappointed. And don’t bother trying to get any kind of refund if you're unable to make it. These pricey tickets are non refundable."
Kayla Huber
"It's nice to have a variety of entertainment locally, but at what cost? 2 adults, 1 senior and 2 children tickets were $206!!!! Who can afford that? Checking in changed your tickets from phone/print out to an index card....what's the purpose? The assumption was there would be hot chocolate and cookies ...sure....$5 for hot chocolate and $6 for 1 cookies. The vendors were grossly overpriced!!! The elves and Santa did a very good job. The kids received a jingle bell from Santa and a Polar Express ticket from the conductor. Pictures were for sale...at $20 each. I as the grandma wasn't even handed one to look at. Since the tickets are double and then some from the "plain everyday ride", I think we all should have received free hot chocolate and a cookie. Improvements are needed"
Starla Patton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
LM&M Railroad is located in Lebanon, Ohio. The most common way to reach it is by car. Use GPS navigation to 16 E. Main Street, Lebanon, OH 45036. Parking is available near the boarding station, but can fill up quickly during popular events like The Polar Express.
Public transportation options directly to LM&M Railroad in Lebanon are very limited. It's primarily a destination reached by private vehicle. Travelers often combine a visit with other activities in the greater Cincinnati or Dayton areas.
Parking is available, but can become congested during peak times and special events. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot. Some reviews mention the parking area can be a bit of a walk to the boarding area.
Yes, Lebanon, Ohio, and the surrounding areas offer various hotel options. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially if visiting during a popular event.
The railroad is situated in the charming town of Lebanon, Ohio, which has a historic downtown area. However, the train route itself may pass through more industrial or less scenic areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the event. Special events like The Polar Express can be quite expensive, with family packages costing upwards of $200. Standard rides are generally more affordable. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
Tickets are typically purchased directly through the LM&M Railroad's official website. For special events, it's highly recommended to book well in advance as they often sell out.
According to reviews, tickets are generally non-refundable. It's crucial to confirm the refund policy when purchasing, especially for special events where plans might change.
A standard ticket usually includes the train ride itself. For special events, the inclusions can vary widely. Some reviews indicate that extras like hot chocolate and cookies are not included and must be purchased separately at a high cost.
While some sources mention printing tickets, others note that tickets can be converted to index cards upon check-in. It's always a good idea to have a digital or printed copy readily available.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The experience varies by event. For The Polar Express, expect costumed characters and a festive atmosphere. However, some reviews mention the scenery can be underwhelming, often passing industrial areas rather than picturesque landscapes. The duration of the ride is typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
No, there are no restrooms on the train itself. Passengers are advised to use the facilities at the boarding station before departure.
There is an adult beverage cart and options for hot chocolate and cookies. However, these are typically sold separately and can be quite expensive. Some reviews mention that items can sell out quickly.
Reviews suggest that the experience is primarily geared towards children. Adults may find it less engaging, with limited activities beyond sitting on the train. Some reviewers felt adults were largely ignored unless purchasing extras.
Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. For holiday events, dressing up in festive attire can add to the experience. Consider layers as train temperatures can vary.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, especially during special events like The Polar Express, there are often themed decorations and characters for photos. Professional photo packages are usually available for purchase.
Passengers are generally allowed to take their own photos and videos during the ride. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid obstructing views.
During special events, the decorations and characters provide the best photo opportunities. For general rides, daylight hours will offer the most natural light.
During events, look for designated photo areas set up by the railroad. The boarding station area often has festive displays.
Professional photos are typically offered as a package and can be quite expensive, with prices around $20 per photo mentioned in reviews.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
However, parents should be prepared for the cost of extras and the lack of onboard restrooms. It's wise to bring your own snacks and drinks if you want to save money, and ensure children use the facilities before boarding. Managing expectations regarding the scenery and the adult experience will help ensure a more positive outing focused on the child's enjoyment.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you do opt for a special event, focus on the core experience and be prepared to skip the expensive extras. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a must. Consider if the joy the event brings to your children outweighs the financial cost for your family.
💑 Couples & Adult Groups
If you are a couple or group of adults interested in trains, consider looking into historical railway museums or scenic day trips that offer a more mature and informative experience. The themed events at LM&M are best enjoyed through the eyes of a child.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding The Polar Express Experience
However, reviews indicate that the execution can be hit-or-miss. While children often enjoy the characters and the novelty, adults have frequently expressed disappointment with the overall value. The train itself may not be elaborately decorated, and the scenery outside can be industrial rather than picturesque. Extras like hot chocolate and cookies are sold at a premium, and some guests feel that adults are not sufficiently catered to, leading to a feeling of being ignored.
For families considering this event, it's crucial to set expectations. It's primarily a child-focused experience. If you're looking for a truly immersive and magical journey for adults, or expect significant value for money beyond the child's enjoyment, you might find it underwhelming. Researching specific package details and current reviews before booking is highly recommended.
Navigating Costs and Value
Adding to the expense are the numerous add-ons. Hot chocolate, cookies, and beverages are typically sold separately and at inflated prices. Some reviews mention paying $5 for a small cup of hot chocolate and $6 for a single cookie. Professional photos are also an additional cost, often around $20 per picture. This pay-as-you-go model for extras can quickly escalate the total cost of the outing.
Many reviewers suggest that the value proposition is questionable, especially for adults. They feel that for the high ticket price, more amenities or inclusive offerings should be provided for all passengers. If you're on a budget or looking for an experience where most elements are included, carefully consider the total potential cost and compare it to other entertainment options.
Practicalities: Restrooms and Amenities
The station's restroom facilities themselves have also been noted as limited, with only a few stalls, potentially leading to long wait times, especially during busy periods. This lack of convenient facilities can add a layer of stress to the experience, particularly if the train ride is delayed or extended.
Beyond restrooms, other amenities like food and drink are also managed with a 'purchase separately' approach. While an adult beverage cart and snack options are available, they are not included in the ticket price and can be costly. Availability can also be an issue, with some guests reporting that items were sold out by the time the cart reached their section of the train.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit