EnterTRAINment Junction-Cincinnati's Dream Factory

Family and Travel

Giles Kennedy

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By Giles Kennedy

Family and Travel Columnist

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In Partnership With Ohio Valley Rails

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Basic Info for Visiting and Tickets

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https://entertrainmentjunction.com/

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7379 Squire Court, West Chester, Ohio 45069 | Cincinnati: 513-898-8000

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Toll-Free: 877-898-4656TRAIN JOURNEY

Train Journey – the World’s Largest Indoor Model Train display
Imagination Junction – children’s interactive play area
American Railroading Museum – how railroads have changed our lives
Expo Center – The World’s Most Complete Collection of Marbles, Neil Young’s Lionel Traveling Train Display, the Greater Cincinnati Railway Society’s historical library and more.

Adult $16.95
Senior (65+) $14.95
Children (3-12) $12.95
2 and under FREE!

https://entertrainmentjunction.com/about/faqs/

Regular hours are 10am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday, and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday.

Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31.

Special extended hours; check website throughout the year for further details.

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History Per the Website

https://entertrainmentjunction.com/about/history/

Our History

EnterTRAINment Junction owner, Don Oeters, a successful Cincinnati businessman and train hobby enthusiast, had an idea that turned into the World’s Biggest Model Train Layout in the country.

Bruce Robinson, local architect, took Don’s ideas and developed concept drawings that brought them to life in what can only be called an “indoor theme park” so Don quickly decided to move forward and create this major attraction. The attraction would be home to the world’s largest model train display which takes you on a virtual train journey. Additionally, it would include an indoor kid’s playground, a railroad museum, as well as a gift shop, hobby shop, snack bar, private rooms for birthday parties and events, and eventually, an old style fun house to give it the feel of a nostalgic Cincinnati amusement park.

Don’s dream was simple: make it about the history of railroading, have it be interactive and for all ages. In early 2007, construction began, which was led by Larry Koehl, the Greater Cincinnati Garden Railway Club, Miami Valley Club, and other volunteers. They planned the train display area and began to lay track, construct mountains and build miniatures. After a hectic year of construction, EnterTRAINment Junction opened in August of 2008.

To develop and create a world class museum, Don enlisted the help of Dan and Ruth Britt of Hamilton, OH. They were able to take mountains of information to create interactive and educational displays that are enjoyed by all.

EnterTRAINment Junction continues to be a dream come true for the whole family – from children to railroad aficionados. Don continually upgrades the attraction with new additions including new structures and train controls.

Timeline:

2007: Construction began
August 2008: EnterTRAINment Junction opens!
October 2009: Hobby Shop opens
March 2010: Kid’s area expansion
June 2010: New outdoor kid’s train ride opens
March 2011: Grand opening of A-Maze-N Funhouse: The Greatest FunHouse on Earth
March 2012: New funhouse walkthrough – Crazy Caper
June 2013: Phase 2 of train display completed on the mezzanine which includes amazing replica of Cincinnati’s Coney Island
2014-2015: Additions in the Imagination Junction kid’s play area with 20% expansion
2015: Escape the Room Challenge Opens
2016: Complete redesign of the computer train control systems began
2019: Addition of It’s a Marbleous Life: The World’s Most Complete Collection of Marbles!
2020: Expansion of the kids climbing structure.
2020: Escape the Room Challenge closes.
2022: Addition of the World’s Largest Collection of Thomas & Friends Memorabilia.

Don Oeters has literally become the “Walt Disney” of Model Railroading.

When I met up with him, he was engaging with guests. He is blessed to have so many families visit EnterTRAINment Junction.

I was graciously invited by him and Lindsay Thompson, their marketing director. The behind the scenes tour took place on Saturday May 20th. This amazing facility has the world’s largest model railroad display. Within the display; it has artifacts throughout the “Great Train Journey”. It also houses the American Railroading Museum, two workshops for employees and volunteers, a replica of Cincinnati’s Coney Island, a children’s play area and so much more.

The video by my YouTube channel, Crossroads OVR YouTube Channel features a virtual tour. The behind the scenes tour and the model railroad tour is in each link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKn8jXHFL1I&t=72s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7SQaANSvtw&t=31s

Whether you are a train enthusiast or not, there is plenty to do.

The gift shop, Junction Hobbies and Toys, and events throughout the year are hosted.

The A Maze N Funhouse has great mazes to travel through for kids big and small.

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https://entertrainmentjunction.com/funhouse/

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