The Halloween Express You’ve heard of the Polar Express, but what about the Halloween Express? Each fall, the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation operates a non-scary Halloween train ride for kids and adults. The volunteer group operates quarter-scale steam and diesel locomotives (which are used for the rides), and also has a museum and displays of full-size railroad equipment. Continued from page 27
and a number of other state parks. Visit parks.ohiodnr. gov/calendar for more information.
Escape From Blood Prison (Ohio State Reformatory) Scary haunted house attractions are everywhere in October, but few could boast the ambiance of the shuttered Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield. For the past several years, the 19th-century prison, which closed in 1990, has hosted an intense haunted house attraction from late September through early November. Visitors wind their way through the cell blocks of the massive facility for a roughly 30-minute tour that includes encounters with axe-wielding maniacs, ghost inmates, and scary clowns. There is usually a live band playing outside, and this year the haunt also features the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Review, which includes circus performers, magicians, and modern-day “freaks” like the tattooed Lizard Man. The reformatory also offers private and public ghost hunts on select Fridays throughout the year, as well as both guided and self-guided tours. Escape From Blood Prison, Sept. 27–Nov. 3, Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield. Tickets are $25. www.bloodprison.com
28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • OCTOBER 2019
Guests ride on a scale model 1950s steamliner called the Riverside Train (owned by the Hancock Historical Museum) and can view Halloween-themed light displays and other types of holiday displays along the tracks. The train operates from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The group also offers a Trick or Treat Halloween Train (afternoon and evening runs) on Oct. 19 and 26 that includes stops around the track so costumed riders can collect treats. Halloween Express, Oct. 5–Oct. 26, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 12505 C.R. 99, Findlay. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. A Pumpkin Train ride on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 20 includes a stop for pumpkin picking (for an additional charge). www.nworrp.org