On the Move Ohio’s Role in America’s Transportation Story
By Brandy Gleason
Ohio doesn’t just sit in the middle of the map. It helped move a nation forward. From early roads carved through wilderness to rail lines that connected cities and industries, Ohio has long been a driving force in how people and goods travel across America. As part of the America 250 celebration, exploring Ohio’s transportation story brings history to life in a way that feels both grounded and on the move.
Railroads That Built Communities
Opened in 1976 as a bicentennial project, the Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum stands as a tribute to the transportation industry that helped shape America. Founded by a group of dedicated Bellevue residents, the museum continues to preserve railroad history while bringing people together through a shared appreciation of the rails.
Today, visitors can explore an impressive collection of locomotives, railcars, and artifacts, including the striking 757, each piece telling a story of movement, innovation, and connection. The mission runs deep here, from preserving artifacts and sharing knowledge to creating a welcoming space for anyone interested in railroading, past or present. Railroads built Ohio into what it is today, turning small towns into thriving communities and opening doors across the Midwest.
When to Visit:
Open Weekends: Friday – Monday, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Weekends only in May & September
Closed October – April
Mad River and NKP Railroad Museum
253 Southwest Street
Bellevue, Ohio 44811
419-483-2222
Pro-tip:
Make time during your visit to view the active rail at the Kemper Rail Park, an outdoor train viewing area, at 325 Monroe St., Bellevue, Ohio 44811
For more rail history sites, visit the Ohio Transportation Trail page and interactive map. The trail features 24 railroad-related sites throughout Ohio.
Innovation on Wheels
From Modern Rides to Historic Classics
Honda Heritage Center
Ohio’s transportation story doesn’t stop with rails. At the Honda Heritage Center, that evolution is on full display. From motorcycles to automobiles, the exhibits highlight how innovation continues to shape how people travel. Ohio became a key player in manufacturing, proving that the state wasn’t just part of the journey; it helped shape its future.
When to visit: The Honda Heritage Center is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 am through 3:00 pm, with extended hours on Wednesdays through 5:00 pm.
Honda Heritage Center
24025 Honda Parkway
Marysville, OH 43040
Phone: (937) 644-6888
Fun fact: Did you know that Honda is one of Ohio’s largest employers? There are approximately 4,600 associates employed at the Marysville plant. They produce an average of 1,000 cars a day and about 144,000 a year!
National Packard Museum
Visit the birthplace of Packard, prized worldwide for luxury, performance, and reliability. From the steering wheel to H-pattern standard transmission, Packard was a trailblazer in automotive technology.
More than two dozen significant Packard vehicles built between 1900 and 1956 are on display, including the second oldest Packard in existence – the 1900 Model B. Learn about the Packard Company and the Packard family’s innovative success.
When to visit: Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
National Packard Museum
1899 Mahoning Ave. NW., Warren, Ohio 44483
Phone: (330)-394-1899
Life on the Water
Waterways carried Ohio into the national spotlight long before highways stretched across the country. At the National Museum of the Great Lakes, the importance of shipping and trade comes into focus.
A massive freighter and maritime exhibits tell the story of how the Great Lakes connected Ohio to global markets. Every exhibit tells a story, and you will be surprised by what is hiding in the Great Lakes’ history books. It’s a reminder that transportation isn’t limited to land. It flows wherever opportunity leads.
When to visit:
Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Closed on Tuesdays, and November 1 – April 30
The Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio are open May–October.
Last boarding for the vessels is 4:00 pm.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front Street
Toledo, Ohio 43605
Phone: (419) 214-5000
Pro-Tip:
Visit when the museum is in full swing, and everything is open, you can spend a whole day here!
Creative Journeys and Everyday Travel
On another stop on the Ohio Transportation Trail, we welcome you to the Cardboard Boat Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to cardboard boats.
What started as an old gas station was transformed into this one-of-a-kind attraction on July 4, 2007. Inside, visitors will find an artistic collection of handmade cardboard boats, each one telling a story of creativity, teamwork, and a little trial-and-error. The museum celebrates the long-running Cardboard Boat Regatta, a 30-year local tradition that brings the community together through friendly competition.
It’s a lighthearted stop that shows how something as simple as cardboard can become floating works of art, proving that Ohio’s transportation story includes plenty of creativity, too.
When to visit: Tuesday: 4:00 pm–7:00 pm. Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Closed Monday, Wednesday-Friday.
Cardboard Boat Museum
311 Front Street
New Richmond, Ohio 45157
(513) 403-1675
Pro-tip:
Couple this stop on the Ohio Transportation Trail with Grant’s Birthplace just 5 miles away in Southwest Ohio! Make it a weekend road trip along the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
Take a Walk Through History
Step into the story at the National Road and Zane Grey Museum, where one of America’s earliest highways comes to life. Your visit begins with a quick history overview at a 3D map before moving along a 136-foot diorama that traces the National Road’s evolution through time, complete with stops to see a Conestoga wagon and a recreated tavern.
From there, the focus shifts to Zane Grey, highlighting his Zanesville roots, rise to fame, and even a recreation of his writing space, with an optional film and personal letters offering a deeper look into his life. The experience wraps up in a room filled with locally made pottery, showcasing the artistry that helped define the region. Guided tours run about an hour, or you can explore at your own pace. The last full tour starts at 3:00 pm.
When to visit:
Open seasonally, May through October
Open Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Closed Monday-Tuesday
National Road and Zane Grey Museum
8850 E. Pike
Norwich, Ohio 43767
(800) 752-2602
Pro-tip:
When you reach the recreated study of Zane Grey, slow down and really take it in; it’s one of the most personal parts of the visit. Then don’t skip the letters between Zane and Dolly in the film room; they add a layer to his story that most visitors overlook.
Bonus: The National Road & Zane Grey Museum is part of the Ohio Creativity Trail because of their pottery collection and the Zane Grey story and collection.
Time to hit the Road and Follow the Story
Ohio’s transportation story isn’t something to read about. It’s something to experience. Highways like U.S. Route 40 carry the legacy of early travel, while U.S. Routes 62 and 250 wind through communities that grew alongside these routes. These roads connect small towns, scenic stretches, and historic stops that bring the past into the present.
A road trip to check out the sites on one of America 250-Ohio’s Trails & Tales isn’t just a drive. It’s a chance to follow the tracks, trails, and waterways that helped shape America. Every mile tells a story, and Ohio invites you to be part of it.