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Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides In Ohio At The LM&M!

Published: October 23, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad (LM&M Railroad) is one of Ohio’s most approachable and charming heritage railways, offering a nostalgic, small-town rail experience from the heart of historic Lebanon, about 30 miles northeast of Cincinnati. For families, railfans, and anyone who enjoys immersive experiences, LM&M pairs authentic rolling stock with themed excursions year-round. Among its most popular adult-oriented offerings is the murder mystery train—an interactive, live-theater ride that blends vintage rail ambiance with a whodunit you help solve. On some dates, this experience is presented as a dinner train; on others, it’s paired with appetizers or desserts. The exact format varies by season and schedule, so always confirm details when booking.

A brief history and sense of place
Lebanon’s rail heritage stretches back to the late 19th century, when regional railroads stitched together Cincinnati, Lebanon, and northern communities for freight and passenger travel. The line that LM&M uses today once formed part of the Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern Railway, later absorbed by larger systems during the era when railroads were the backbone of Midwest commerce. Modern freight operators still serve parts of the corridor, while LM&M preserves local rail history through excursions that typically run south from Lebanon’s depot through the tranquil landscape of Warren County. You won’t find towering mountain trestles here; the route’s charm is its tree-lined right-of-way, glimpses of small-town life, and the relaxed pace that lets you soak in the scenery.

What to expect on a typical LM&M excursion
LM&M’s standard trips generally run 1 to 2 hours roundtrip, departing from Lebanon’s downtown station. The railroad operates vintage, climate-controlled coaches with assigned seating. Friendly crew members and onboard hosts handle boarding, safety briefings, and light narration or event-specific storytelling, depending on the theme. Family-focused rides are a mainstay—think Easter Bunny Express, Pumpkin Patch, Fall Flyer, and the holiday-favorite North Pole Express—each designed to delight kids and grandparents alike. The railroad also schedules craft beverage rides, date-night departures, and special events with local partners throughout the year. Tickets are timed, seating is assigned, and capacity is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended.

Spotlight: the murder mystery train
The murder mystery experience is LM&M’s crowd-pleasing blend of interactive theater and rolling scenery. It’s designed for guests who like a bit of intrigue paired with the timeless novelty of riding the rails.

While themes and troupes vary, the core elements are consistent:
- You board at Lebanon’s station and are seated at a table—usually with space for couples and small groups. As the train departs, actors playing the suspects and sleuths circulate through the cars, staging scenes in the aisles and at the ends of the coaches.
- The narrative unfolds in acts, punctuated by the rhythm of the train. You’ll overhear arguments, discover motives, and encounter red herrings. Guests are encouraged to ask questions, compare notes, and jot down clues as the story develops.
- Near the midpoint of the trip, the train pauses for operational reasons (such as a locomotive runaround). This brief stop often serves as a breather—an intermission of sorts—before the final act and big reveal.
- Before returning to the station, you submit your best guess at the culprit and motive. Some runs award small prizes or shout-outs for the most accurate or creative solutions.

Format and dining
Whether dinner is part of the experience depends on the specific event:
- Some murder mystery dates are billed as dinner trains, with a plated or boxed meal provided either onboard or as part of the overall event. Entrées may require selection at booking, and caterers can sometimes accommodate common dietary restrictions with advance notice.
- Other dates feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert service, or a la carte snacks, rather than a full dinner.
- Beverage service often includes a cash or card bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks. Valid ID is required for alcohol, and outside beverages are typically not permitted.

Because menus, service style, and inclusions change by date, check the event listing before you buy. If dinner is important to your group, confirm in advance that your chosen departure is specifically listed as a dinner train.

Themes and tone
Murder mystery scripts are written to be entertaining rather than frightening. Think high-spirited, tongue-in-cheek intrigue rather than gritty crime drama. Common themes might include a 1920s speakeasy caper, a glamorous old-Hollywood scandal, or a quirky small-town whodunit. Light costumes—flapper dresses, fedoras, or era-inspired accessories—are sometimes encouraged but never required. Many departures are best for teens and adults; if you’re considering bringing younger kids, review the event description for age guidance.

Practical tips for your ride
- Book early: Murder mystery trains often sell out weeks in advance, especially dinner departures and Saturday evenings.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure: This makes check-in, parking, and settling at your table stress-free.
- Seating: Expect tables of four. Couples may be paired with other guests unless you purchase all seats at a table. Groups should book together for guaranteed seating.
- Accessibility: Heritage equipment has space and access constraints. If anyone in your party uses a wheelchair or needs assistance, call ahead to discuss options and available seating.
- Dress and comfort: Cars are climate controlled, but layers are wise. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be seated most of the time, though you may stand to interact with performers.
- Safety and etiquette: Stay seated when the train is moving unless instructed; keep aisles clear for actors and crew; and follow all crew directions. Smoking and vaping are typically prohibited.
- Bring a pen: It’s handy for tracking clues and making your final guess.
- Parking and downtown perks: Lebanon offers convenient parking near the station and a walkable historic district with shops, cafes, and the storied Golden Lamb Inn—perfect for making a day or weekend of your visit.

Why a murder mystery belongs on a train
The setting does a lot of storytelling work for you. A vintage coach creates closeness; suspects and sleuths are just feet away, and the movement of the train gives the script a natural cadence. Scenes can’t sprawl; they must unfold in view of the audience, which makes the plot feel immediate and immersive. The train’s gentle sway, the periodic horn, and the clack of wheels on jointed rail all add atmosphere you can’t replicate in a restaurant or theater.

Community and preservation impact
LM&M’s mission blends entertainment with preservation. Ticket revenue helps maintain historic coaches and supports the continued use of a regional rail corridor that might otherwise fade from public memory. By hosting seasonal rides for families and sophisticated adult events like murder mysteries and date-night departures, the railroad keeps a wide audience engaged with local history. Volunteers and staff share rail safety information and historical context, connecting guests to the era when railroads were Ohio’s connective tissue.

Planning and booking
Schedules, pricing, inclusions, and menus change throughout the year. If you’re targeting a murder mystery dinner train specifically, verify:
- The event title clearly indicates dinner is included
- The service style (plated, boxed, or buffet), any entrée choices, and dietary accommodations
- The runtime and boarding instructions
- Age recommendations and ID requirements for alcohol
- Cancellation and weather policies

Final thought
The LM&M Railroad offers more than a train ride; it’s an experience wrapped in heritage. The murder mystery departures, especially those that include dinner, combine the convivial fun of interactive theater with the simple joy of riding a historic train through Ohio’s countryside. Whether you come in costume with friends or book a date night for two, you’ll step off with a good story—and maybe bragging rights if you cracked the case. For the latest schedules and to confirm which departures are true dinner trains, check the railroad’s official website or contact their ticket office before you go.