Heritage Village Train Days
Model train displays inside a charming historic village at Sharon Woods.
Heritage Village Museum is a hidden gem tucked inside Sharon Woods Park in Sharonville. The museum features a collection of historic buildings from the Cincinnati area, relocated and preserved to create a walkable 19th-century village. I love this place, and any excuse to visit is a good one.
Train Days
Train Days is the museum’s annual model train event, now in its 10th year. The historic Chester Park Train Station houses the main display—the Great Circle Line & Points North Rail Road—where model trains chug past miniature villages, around mountains, and through tunnels.
Model trains on display in the historic train station
There are hands-on activities for kids including Morse Code demonstrations and a North Pole Hotline, plus complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, and trading cards.
What to Expect
I’ll be honest: there wasn’t a ton to see specifically for Train Days. The model train displays are charming but modest. If you’re coming purely for an elaborate train experience, you might leave wanting more.
But that’s not really the point.
The Real Appeal
The real draw is the excuse to walk through Heritage Village. On a day when the weather cooperated—more fall than winter—it was a lovely way to spend a morning. Strolling through the historic buildings, popping into the train station, and enjoying the peaceful setting of Sharon Woods made for a relaxed outing.
The charming grounds of Heritage Village
At $5 per person, it’s an affordable morning activity, and the village itself is worth exploring regardless of the seasonal event.
Practical Details
- Dates: December 17 - January 4
- Hours: 10am - 3pm (Sundays noon - 3pm)
- Location: 11450 Lebanon Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241 (inside Sharon Woods Park)
- Parking: Hamilton County Great Parks pass may be required
Final Thoughts
Train Days is a pleasant, low-key event. Come for the trains, stay for the village. If you’ve never been to Heritage Village, this is a nice excuse to visit. Just set your expectations accordingly—it’s a quiet morning activity, not a blockbuster holiday event.