America 250-Ohio Launches the 250 Buckeye Train & Transportation Celebration

Columbus, OH (June 26, 2025)— America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations and commemorations relating to America’s semiquincentennial in 2026, announced today the launch of the 250 Buckeye Train & Transportation Celebration, a train ride through central and eastern Ohio and accompanying festival that will offer passengers an immersive journey through Ohio’s rich transportation history. The train will run April 25 and 26, 2026, and tickets go on sale today. This is a Signature Event in partnership with the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. Additional supporting and programmatic partners include Norfolk Southern, Ohio Central Railroad, Operation Lifesaver, Age of Steam Roundhouse, the City of Columbus, City of Newark, and the City of Coshocton. 

Today’s event at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum included remarks from Greg DiDonato, Mayor of Dennison; Todd Kleismit, America 250-Ohio Executive Director; Wendy Zucal, Executive Director of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, and other local dignitaries and partners.

“The story of American transportation wouldn’t be complete without sharing Ohio’s contribution.” Said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the 250 Buckeye Train and associated Transportation Celebration is the perfect vehicle for showcasing Ohio’s impact on how Americans have moved across the county, throughout history, as well as in the present.” Kleismit continued, “We look forward to having you all aboard the 250 Buckeye Train as it rolls forward, carrying stories, dreams, and a celebration of the history that connects us all as Ohioans and as Americans.”  

250 Buckeye Train Experience
Starting from Columbus on April 25 and from Newark on April 26, the 250 Buckeye Train will embark on a four-hour journey (eight roundtrip) toward the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark with deep roots in World War II history. Passengers will travel aboard vintage railcars, enjoying scenic views of central and eastern Ohio. The journey includes live storytelling, historical anecdotes, and musical entertainment that bring Ohio’s transportation legacy to life. 

The route passes significant landmarks, such as the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, highlighting Ohio’s contributions to aviation history. Upon arrival in Dennison, guests will experience a three-hour layover featuring the Transportation Celebration, complete with 1940s music, military re-enactments, a USO-style show, 250 vehicle car show and vintage plane flyovers, food trucks, and an Age of Steam locomotive on display.

Ticket Information:

• Sale Date: Tickets go on sale today, June 26, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
• Purchase Locations: Available through the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum 
• Price: 
  • Tickets for Coach seats start at $150 per person on April 25 and $135 per person on April 26, with First Class and Deluxe upgrades available. Snacks are included. Group rates and veteran discounts are available. 
  • Victory Passes are $20 (included with First Class ticket) and include admission to the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 10% off in the Museum’s Whistle Stop Railway Gift Shop, a Sampler Pass for four free samples at the Transportation Celebration food trucks, and a collector’s souvenir.
• Event Dates: April 25–26, 2026
• Routes:
  • April 25: Columbus to Dennison
  • April 26: Newark to Coshocton to Dennison

Transportation Celebration Festival
The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum will host the Transportation Celebration, a free event open to the general public as well as 250 Buckeye Train passengers. The building is a National Historic Landmark known for its role during World War II as a canteen serving over 1.3 million servicemen. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including a WWII Hospital Car and an Interactive Children’s Car, providing a hands-on educational experience for all ages. Additional highlights include:

• 250 Car Show: Featuring 250 automobiles from various eras, showcasing Ohio’s automotive heritage.
• WWII Reenactments: Authentic World War II vehicles and costumed reenactors will immerse visitors in the era.
• Aerial Showcase: Vintage planes will perform flyovers, celebrating Ohio’s aviation milestones.

Tickets for the 250 Buckeye Train can be purchased here. Photos and video clips from today’s announcement can be downloaded here.

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About America 250-Ohio:
In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.

About Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum sits halfway between Columbus and Pittsburgh on the National Defense Railway route. Dennison was known for having the best rail yards and shops in the country with over 20 passenger trains coming through each day. During WWII over 1.3 million servicemen were served at a Salvation Army trackside canteen. Dennison was given the nickname Dreamsville, USA by those soldiers because of the emotional impact it made with its homefront hospitality. Today, the National Historic Landmark Museum offers a fully restored 1873 Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, an extremely rare WWII Hospital and Surgery car, a model train display and several interactive exhibits.