Introducing the 250 Buckeye Train and Transportation Celebration – April 25-26, 2026
By Wendy Zucal, Executive Director of Dennison Depot and 250 Buckeye Train Project Manager
The 250 Buckeye Train: Wings, Wheels & Rails and Transportation Celebration, an America 250-Ohio’s Signature Event, is set to bring history to life with a unique and commemorative experience that combines transportation heritage, Ohioan pride and innovation, with a nod to the past.
All Aboard for a Journey Through Ohio’s Historical Hubs
Inspired by the iconic Freedom Train of 1975-76 (a rail experience that traveled across America during the American Bicentennial), this ambitious two-day event will feature a celebratory train that moves guests through portions of Central and Eastern Ohio, retracing historical steps while forging new connections between rail, air, and cultural landmarks.
Columbus to Dennison, Ohio Round Trip – April 25, 2026
Starting from Columbus, the AM250-OH Buckeye Train will embark on a journey toward the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark with deep roots in World War II history.
Did You Know? Dennison’s Canteen was one of the last stops for servicemen and women during the war, serving 1.5 million soldiers or 13% of all armed personnel.
Traveling upon a former strategic national defense route on your way to Dennison, this destination will honor our veterans’ contribution with a variety of interactive experiences. Onboard the train, passengers will enjoy storytelling, historic anecdotes, music and entertainment, while seeing beautiful Ohio from a passenger car window.
The train’s route also features a historic connection to Ohio’s aviation legacy. En route, the 250 Buckeye Train will pass the John Glenn Columbus International Airport—named after Ohio’s legendary astronaut, where passengers can celebrate the pioneering spirit of air travel.
Once in Dennison, nearby Harry Clever Field, where John Glenn learned to fly, will be one of the two airfields where vintage planes will take off for flyovers. This journey will illustrate Ohio’s rich contributions to both rail and air travel, creating a fitting tribute to the state’s role in American transportation history.
Newark to Dennison, Ohio Round Trip – April 26, 2026
The fun doesn’t stop on April 25. The following day, April 26, 2026, the 250 Buckeye Train will set off on another full-day excursion departing from Newark, Ohio to Coshocton to Dennison, continuing the exploration of Ohio’s transportation history and providing another opportunity for Ohioans to engage with this one-of-a-kind experience.
More Than Just a Train Ride: A Celebration of Ohio’s Cultural Heritage
The 250 Buckeye Train event is much more than a train ride. Alongside the journey, a series of projects and celebrations are planned to showcase Ohio’s dynamic cultural and historical heritage.
One of the highlights will be the 250 Car Show, featuring 250 automobiles from different eras that have strong connections to Ohio’s automotive legacy. From vintage models to more modern vehicles, the display will capture the state’s contributions to car manufacturing and innovation.
A tribute to Ohio’s World War II history will also be on full display. Attendees will have the opportunity to view authentic World War II vehicles, interact with costumed reenactors, and immerse themselves in educational exhibits provided by transportation museums and historical sites across the state. These experiences will connect visitors with Ohio’s vital role on the American Homefront during the war.
At the heart of the Dennison stop, the event will come to life with 1940s music, military reenactments, and even a lively USO show—a fitting tribute to the spirit of wartime entertainment. Museum docents, historians, and performers will create a festive atmosphere, transporting visitors back to the 1940s and showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s success during World War II. Whether you travel to Dennison by train or by car, you will enjoy this event.
A Spectacular Finale and Aerial Showcase
The 250 Buckeye Train’s return journey to Columbus will be capped off by a rare and thrilling World War II-era flyover and airshow. This aerial spectacle will serve as a fitting salute to Ohio’s aviation history and a grand finale to the day’s celebrations.
Bringing Ohio Communities Together
One of the project’s key goals is to foster a sense of community engagement and pride along the train’s route. Through partnerships with organizations like Operation Lifesaver, local residents will have opportunities to get involved in the festivities, learning about rail safety while celebrating their heritage.
A comprehensive Ohio Timetable will keep communities informed of the train’s schedule, encouraging widespread participation and allowing residents to welcome the train as it passes through their towns.
The 250 Buckeye Train and Transporation Celebration is not just a reflection of Ohio’s past—it’s a celebration of the state’s ongoing contributions to the country’s transportation and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a car lover, or simply someone looking to be part of a uniquely Ohioan experience, this event promises to be a journey through time that you won’t want to miss.
Get Ready to Jump on Board!
As Ohio prepares to celebrate this significant milestone, the 250 Buckeye Train is poised to become a symbol of the state’s semiquincentennial legacy. With its blend of history, culture, and community, this project will not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to appreciate Ohio’s vital role in shaping the nation’s transportation landscape. So, mark your calendars for April 25 and 26, 2026 for a memorable journey of a lifetime and experience Ohio’s history in motion!
More information about tickets and details to be shared in 2025 – sign up for America 250-Ohio’s e-news for all the latest updates
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