Dennison’s rail legacy lives on among the village’s peaceful streets
Dennison has a long history as a railroad town. It was once a central hub for steam locomotives traveling between Columbus and Pittsburgh and an integral stop on the Strategic Corridor for National Defense during World War II. Even after the village's railroads declined, the community held fast to its roots. Today, a few industrial trains still pass through, and people visit the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum to explore historic equipment and enjoy seasonal train rides. The village works with its neighbor — Uhrichsville — to provide residents with shopping, dining, employment and schools. "Our cost of living down here is a bit cheaper, so you have many people who were born and raised here who move to the big cities and then move back," says Beth DiDonato, village native and executive director of the Twin City Chamber of Commerce. "It's a safe and quiet place to live, and everybody knows your name."
Housing ranges from spacious New Traditionals to shaded Foursquares
Most neighborhoods have wide roads, sidewalks and short staircases leading up to shaded porches. Front lawns are often small or nonexistent, and neighbors live close together. American Foursquare homes are prevalent, but there are also bungalow, Craftsman-style and ranch-style houses. Residential areas north of Highway 250 have sprawling lots, mature trees and New Traditional architecture. Prices typically fall in the $95,000 to $185,000 range, but homes north of Highway 250 can be outliers, costing between $240,000 and $685,000.
Holey Moley beer flights, farmers markets and historic train rides
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is the village's main attraction. The museum offers various exhibits, historical films and seasonal events. Its most notable event is the Polar Express train excursion. "We pay Warner Brothers for the official licensing, so Dennison is the only place in Ohio that can truly call it The Polar Express," DiDonato says. Storytellers immerse riders in the original story through songs, snacks and a visit from Santa. "People from around the country descend on Dennison like crazy for the ride," DiDonato says.
A commercial hub clusters around Grant and Center streets. Pangrazio's Pizza & Spaghetti and Dennison Yard are the village's beloved Italian restaurants, locally owned for decades. Holy Moley Brewing serves craft beer flights inside a converted 19th-century church, still with its original brickwork and stained-glass windows. More options — like Mako's Market, fast food chains and other small businesses — are located 1 mile over in Uhrichsville. Every Friday from June to August, people browse fresh produce and craft stalls at the Twin City Farmers Market. Vendors also sell locally produced honey, leather goods and pastries.
The Polar Express and Light Up Dennison draw big crowds
Dennison has many railroad-themed events. The Polar Express train is always busy, and the Annual Dennison Railroad Festival celebrates the community's history through live music, a parade and competitions. In 2026, the village will host special events throughout the year for the nation's 250th birthday. "Dennison has been designated as a stopping point for America250," DiDonato says. "There will be passenger trains in April from Columbus and Newark to Dennison, and during Fourth of July weekend, we'll have planes flying in, a vintage car show and more train rides." Every winter brings several Christmas-themed events, from the Light Up Dennison & Christmas Parade to the Mistletoe Market.
Claymont schools are well-known for wrestling wins
Although Ohio offers open enrollment, most kids attend Claymont City Schools. Claymont Primary and Elementary earn B-minus scores from Niche, while Claymont Intermediate and Middle have C-plus and C ratings. Claymont High has a C-plus score and successful athletic programs. "Claymont has always been a notorious wrestling school," DiDonato says. "We've won state championships, and we've always had state qualifiers."
The village has local employers and highways to big Ohio cities
Dennison does not have much industry, but many locals work for Trinity Twin City Hospital, Claymont City Schools and Novellis, a manufacturer in Uhrichsville. Commuters also head to employers in New Philadelphia, Strawsburg and Canton, which are all within 20 to 40 miles. The village is nearly equidistant from Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. State Route 800 and Highway 250 are the village's primary throughfares, and drivers are roughly 12 miles from Interstate 77. The closest airport is the Akron-Canton Regional Airport 45 miles away.
Two train lines pass through the city — one for scenic trips and another for freight trains. The lines only occasionally stop traffic along Route 800.
People enjoy waterslides, ice skating and Stillwater fishing
Recreation options include McCluskey Park's ball fields and Dennison Stadium, where high school football games draw crowds. Thornwood Park offers a playground and a basketball court. Hikers and cyclists access the Panhandle Trail, while anglers and kayakers explore the Stillwater Creek. In summer, Uhrichsville Water Park opens its lap pool, waterslides and splash playground. When temperatures drop, the Dennison Ice Rink is open every Thursday through Sunday throughout winter.
