March 2008 Issue

A Night to Remember - The Caboose at Steep Woods

It’s a train-obsessed Ohioan’s ultimate fantasy.

Between the trees, travelers can easily spot the big, red Caboose at Steep Woods from winding and wooded St. Rte. 56. But we have to admit, the anticipation of spending the night in such a fun little spot had our excitement level jumping every time we glimpsed a flash of scarlet or ruby along the way.

The destination is a fully converted railroad caboose, complete with a kitchenette (including a microwave, small refrigerator and coffeemaker), shower, TV/DVD player and heat and air conditioning. While the history of exactly how the caboose wound up nestled near Ash Cave State Park has, unfortunately, been lost over time, a photo album of the renovation process still remains on the kitchen table. So does a guest book filled with testimonies from every Tommy, Dickie and Harry –– suggesting this place scores big with the 12 and under set.

Older travelers should take note: With five single beds (four of them bunks), this is hardly considered a romantic retreat. But for train fans of any age, a stay at the crimson caboose is guaranteed to leave them feeling like a kid again.