Toledo, OH watch spots

KG4ZPD · #1 (**permalink**) 04-16-2009, 05:15 PM

I just moved to Toledo and I'm wanting to know if there are any legit/legal areas to sit and watch trains? My kids have been asking me to take them to watch trains but with the once and a while stop and snap off a few photos, I'm wanting to find a few spots to just sit and relax and watch. Thanks.

W9RXR · #2 (**permalink**) 04-21-2009, 05:42 AM

There are a couple of Toledo trainwatching sites listed here:

Ohio Railfan Sites

Toledo is not that far from Deshler which is a great trainwatching spot. There's kind of a railfan park at the crossing of the east-west line between Willard Yard and Chicago and the north-south line between Toledo and Cincinnati.

Also, Fostoria is a nearby hot spot. Two CSX lines and an NS line cross in about the same spot. There's a working tower there. I have heard that a railfan park was being developed, but I've not been there myself in a few years.

About a month ago, I stopped in Wauseon, Ohio, which is just west of Toledo. The old depot downtown is being restored and it's a good spot to sit and watch trains.

KG4ZPD · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 06:51 PM

Thanks. I was beginning to wonder if there was any. I know where I used to live in SC, you could go just about anywhere and sit without being bothered my the local PD. Plus like I said my kids have been asking me if we could go and I promised them I would as soon as I could. Once again thanks for the help.

W9RXR · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2009, 08:08 PM

If you are interested in a bit longer trip, head down to Marion, Ohio. Near downtown, the ex-C&O CSX line between Columbus and Toledo and the ex-PRR, ex-NW NS line between Columbus and Sandusky cross the ex-NYC ex-CR CSX line between Cleveland and Indianapolis. All of these lines are double track. Sitting between the two north-south lines is the old depot which is being restored. The local preservation group saved the tower cab and moved it to the depot grounds. There's also an old caboose. It can be a busy spot, but standing on the depot platform between the diamonds can be deafening if both sets of tracks are busy.

ratboy · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 10:47 PM

Go to Holloway Rd off Airport Highway, head North, cross the tracks, take the turn to the right and park in the lot. A lot of people have been watching there for a long long time. You can check out the caboose too. Once you figure out the signals, and listen on the scanner, you will know when it's safe to make a food/bathroom run.