Historic Big Four Railroad Journey from Cincinnati to Greensburg
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the trip involves mostly sitting with short walking periods during the layover.
Overview
Travel 10 hours aboard the Queen City Tavern car from Cincinnati to Greensburg, following the historic Big Four Railroad route with stops in charming Midwestern towns and a scenic 2-hour layover in Greensburg.
Return to the Big Four
9.5 Hours • All Ages
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 10-hour journey from Cincinnati to Greensburg, tracing the historic Big Four Railroad route. Experience charming towns like Cleves and Batesville, and enjoy a 2-hour layover in Greensburg with dining options nearby. Indulge in a variety of refreshments aboard the Queen City Tavern car for a memorable adventure.
Come along for a scenic trip from Cincinnati, OH to Greenburg, IN and return!
Duration
10 hours
About
Come along for a scenic trip from Cincinnati,OH to Greenburg,IN and return. This route was originally built for the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, also known as the Big Four Railroad. In 1906, the Big Four was acquired by the New York Central Railroad, which operated it as a separate entity until around 1930. The Big Four's lines were later incorporated into Penn Central in 1968 with the merger of New York Central and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Penn Central declared bankruptcy in 1970, and in 1976 many of Big Four's lines were included in the government-sponsored Conrail. Along the way we will travel through the towns of Cleves, Morris, and Batesville. While in Greensburg, passengers will be allowed to disembark the train for a 2 hour layover. Limited dining options are available within walking distance in Greensburg. . We will have full concessions with a wide array of options available for purchase in our Queen City Tavern car.
Total Mileage: 120
Layover: Yes.
Adventure Tips
Book tickets early
This popular 10-hour journey fills quickly, so reserve your seat well in advance.
Dress for comfort
Wear layers and comfy shoes for the long trip and varied temperatures inside the vintage railcar.
Bring a camera
Capture the rural Midwestern landscapes and historic railway scenes along the route.
Plan the Greensburg layover
Use the 2-hour stop wisely to visit the courthouse tower or grab a meal nearby.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red-tailed hawks
- White-tailed deer
History
The Big Four Railroad was instrumental in linking smaller Midwestern communities to larger markets in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Conservation
This journey supports heritage conservation by maintaining awareness of historic rail corridors and their cultural significance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cincinnati
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable clothing
Layered clothing ensures comfort over the long duration in a vintage railcar.
Camera or smartphone
To capture historic scenes and landscapes along the route.
Cash or card
Useful for purchasing refreshments onboard and dining during the Greensburg layover.
Sunscreen
May be helpful if you spend time outside during the layover or at stations.
spring specific