Seneca County’s Seasons & Stories – Monthly Blog | July 2025
Each month, we bring you stories and inspiration shaped by what makes that time of year special in Seneca County. From seasonal events and local traditions to unique places and hidden gems, our themes highlight what’s most relevant to the month.
This July, we’re headed down a track of a different kind—a steel one—to celebrate a place where summer sounds like a distant horn and the thunder of trains shakes the earth. Welcome to Fostoria’s Iron Triangle Rail Park, where engines roll and stories unfold.
In 2013, the City of Fostoria transformed a unique geographical advantage into a haven for train lovers from around the world. The result? A 5.6-acre park nestled at the epicenter of three intersecting double-track rail lines, creating what’s known as the Iron Triangle.
It’s not just a nickname—it’s a spectacle. On any given day, more than 100 trains rumble through this tight corridor. From sunrise to well past sunset (and every hour in between), you’ll see freight cars loaded with goods speeding past in synchronized rhythm. Trains don’t sleep, and neither does this park—open 24/7, just like the railroads it celebrates.
The Iron Triangle gets its name from the three major mainlines that crisscross through town:
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CSX, operating the former Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) line (east-west) and Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) line (north-south),
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Norfolk Southern, formerly the Nickel Plate Railroad, completing the triangle with an additional east-west line.
This junction isn’t just a pretty map feature—it’s a logistical marvel. Railroads here are so active, enthusiasts call it the “I-75 of the rails.” Thanks to efficient connections and transfer lines, trains can shift directions and routes with ease. It’s a ballet of steel and signal lights that railfans travel the world to see.
Believe it or not, people plan entire vacations around this park. Just last month, Mark Shelley of England made his annual two-week pilgrimage to Fostoria, joined by friends from New Hampshire, Alabama, and Arcadia, Ohio. On another visit, travelers from Australia and Austria were spotted sharing stories and swapping train schedules.
Many choose to camp out right at the Rail Park, RVs parked beside the tracks, watching trains pass day and night. There’s no fee to stay, and soon, two 30-amp electric hookups will be installed—completely free to use (though reservations are a smart move—just call the Mayor’s Administrative Assistant to claim a spot).
Nearby, hotels in Fostoria and Tiffin offer even more lodging options, perfect for weekenders or full-blown rail excursions.
The excitement surrounding this attraction isn’t just for summer, it’s all an season experience. This September, Fostoria will host the 23rd Annual Fostoria Rail Festival, a one-day celebration of everything trains. Held at the Fostoria Jr/Sr High School, the event features vendors, memorabilia, and elaborate model train layouts that fill entire gyms. Around 1,000 visitors attend each year, spending the day between the festival and the Rail Park itself. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s no better way to experience the community and culture of railroading.
The Iron Triangle isn’t just about trains—it’s about connection. It’s where past meets present, where history is heard in the hum of engines, and where strangers become friends over shared fascination. You can learn more here about the Iron Triangle Rail Park and the Fostoria Rail Preservation Society.
So this July, take a detour. Follow the tracks to Fostoria. You might arrive a visitor—but you’ll leave with a story.
