The city built over a river

Located in north central Ohio, twenty miles south of Sandusky, Bellevue has long been known as a major railroad hub. The city was founded in the 1830s when the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad built a station in the area. Later the New York, Chicago, & St. Louis Railroad (better known as the Nickel Plate) built a rail yard in the city. Today Bellevue is home to one of the largest rail yards in the Norfolk & Southern railroad system. In addition to the railroad, Bellevue is home to many tourist attractions. Located just south of the downtown area, on Southwest Street, is the Mad River & NKP Railroad Museum. Opened in 1976, it is the largest railroad museum in Ohio. Visitors are encouraged to climb aboard the many vintage cars, locomotives, cabooses and the first dome car built in the United States. The growing collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia includes a watchman's tower, a depot and a station house. The museum is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends only in May, September and October. Step back to the 19th century at Historic Lyme Village located about three miles east of Bellevue at 5001 State Route 4. Among the village's twenty-four buildings is an 1882 Second Empire Victorian Mansion, an 1836 farmhouse used as a stop for the Underground Railroad, a one-room schoolhouse, a log church, a general store, blacksmith shop, log cabins and barns. The village is also home to the National Post Mark Museum. Historic Lyme Village is open Tuesday through Saturday in June and August. The village hosts many special events throughout the year. Seneca Caverns, known as "The Earth Crack," is located 4 miles south of Bellevue at 15248 East Township Road 178, just off State Route 269. Seneca Caverns is the only cave of its kind open to the public in the U.S. Visitors will descend 110 feet underground through seven levels arriving at the ole "Mist'ry River", the river that runs through Bellevue. Be sure to wear a jacket. The temperature is a consistent 54 degrees in the cave. The cave is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and weekends only in May, September and mid-October. The Sorrowful Mother Shrine is located six miles south of Bellevue at 1108 North State Route 269 and is the oldest pilgrimage site east of the Mississippi River dedicated to the Mother of God. Flowers, both wild and planted, mingle with 120 acres of woods and lawns, grottos, shrines, and the stations of the Cross are scattered throughout the woods. Mass is offered daily by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, who have operated the shrine since its founding in 1850. Jungle Junction is located on the grounds of the Bellevue Recreation Center at 110 Cherry Boulevard. Jungle Junction is the largest indoor play center in Ohio and features six levels of adventure and 60 play features including slides, air cannons, an obstacle course and interactive game panels. There is also a dedicated toddler tumble zone. Jungle Junctions is reserved for children 12 and under and is open year-round. When visiting the Lake Erie region, "Take a Break From The Lake" and discover Bellevue. There is something for everyone. Kevin StreckerBellevue Mayor