Nelsonville’s Easter Bunny Train: diesel rails, a secret egg hunt, and two decades of tradition

NELSONVILLE TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Nelsonville’s Easter Bunny Train: diesel rails, a secret egg hunt, and two decades of tradition

A scenic roundtrip from Nelsonville that culminates in an organized Easter egg hunt—this guide distills the timing, ticketing, and accessibility details you need to plan the experience.

Nelsonville’s Easter Bunny Train: diesel rails, a secret egg hunt, and two decades of tradition.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Nelsonville
Operator
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Easter Bunny Train with a family-focused, diesel-powered outing from Nelsonville that pairs a roughly two-hour roundtrip rail ride with a stop at a secret location for an organized egg hunt where children collect candy and prize-filled eggs.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Two decades of sell-out spring runs
THE TRADITION

Two decades of sell-out spring runs

The Easter Bunny Trains are a perennial favorite in the Hocking Valley; these sell-out excursions return each spring as a holiday tradition that puts kids front and center in a staged egg hunt.

Diesel out of Nelsonville to East Logan and back
THE ROUTE

Diesel out of Nelsonville to East Logan and back

Two diesel-powered trains depart Nelsonville and run to the end of the line at East Logan before turning back; on the way back the train stops at the Easter Bunny’s secret destination for the egg hunt.

Age-grouped hunts, prizes, and candy
THE FAMILY APPEAL

Age-grouped hunts, prizes, and candy

Organizers set up separate areas by age group and, on cue, children race into their assigned zones to collect eggs that contain candy and prizes, which are claimed at a prize tent before reboarding.

What the day feels like

What it feels like

The outing unfolds like a compact holiday pageant: passengers board at the Nelsonville depot, settle into a diesel-powered coach for a scenic run to East Logan, then reboard after a brisk, organized egg hunt at the Easter Bunny’s secret stop before returning to Nelsonville—an approachable, two-hour loop built around kids and celebration.

Two decades of sell-out spring runs

THE TRADITION

Two decades of sell-out spring runs

The Easter Bunny Trains are a perennial favorite in the Hocking Valley; these sell-out excursions return each spring as a holiday tradition that puts kids front and center in a staged egg hunt.

Diesel out of Nelsonville to East Logan and back

THE ROUTE

Diesel out of Nelsonville to East Logan and back

Two diesel-powered trains depart Nelsonville and run to the end of the line at East Logan before turning back; on the way back the train stops at the Easter Bunny’s secret destination for the egg hunt.

Age-grouped hunts, prizes, and candy

THE FAMILY APPEAL

Age-grouped hunts, prizes, and candy

Organizers set up separate areas by age group and, on cue, children race into their assigned zones to collect eggs that contain candy and prizes, which are claimed at a prize tent before reboarding.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits—and when to rethink it.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal: family groups with children enjoy the structured egg hunt and short duration; age-grouped areas keep the hunt manageable for kids of different ages.
2
Toddlers & Young ChildrenWell suited: the event is promoted as a favorite for kids of all ages and organizers place children into age-appropriate hunt areas to ensure a good experience.
3
Wheelchair UsersConditional fit: wheelchair-accessible tickets are available but capacity is very limited; purchase the designated wheelchair ticket and arrive earlier to allow staff to board you comfortably.
4
Holiday CelebrantsPerfect for seasonal travelers seeking a short, festive outing: the trains run as a holiday tradition and commonly sell out each year.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring your printed, hard-copy tickets—your confirmation email is not sufficient to board. Soft drinks and food are permitted on board for the roughly two-hour outing.

Ticketing & Prices

Ticket categories include Adults (13+) $26, Children (3–12) $21, Seniors (60+) $22, and Wheelchair Tickets $22; children’s pricing is organized into age groups for hunt placement.

Timing & Arrival

Trains depart Nelsonville promptly at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and wheelchair patrons should plan to arrive 45–60 minutes early to allow boarding assistance.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Easter Bunny Train experience?

The trip lasts approximately two hours.

When and where do the trains depart?

Two diesel-powered trains depart Nelsonville on Saturday, April 4, with scheduled departures at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; passengers should arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to departure.

Where does the train go and where is the egg hunt held?

Each train travels to the end of the line at East Logan and, on the return, stops at the Easter Bunny’s secret destination where the organized egg hunt takes place.

Do I need a special ticket for wheelchair access?

Yes—if someone in your party requires wheelchair access you must purchase a wheelchair ticket; capacity for wheelchairs is very limited and earlier arrival is requested to allow staff to assist boarding.

Are printed tickets required?

Yes—upon arrival you must pick up hard copies of your tickets at the depot; a confirmation alone is not a ticket and no-shows will be charged the full price.

Are food and drinks allowed on board?

Yes—soft drinks and food are permitted on board.