This Epic Train Ride Near Cleveland Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is exactly what it sounds like! It runs from Independence to Akron. Winding through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this is the easiest way to see the park, and a day trip you won’t forget. You could even take a few days, and stay at one of the many beautiful old B&Bs along the way. The train allows bicycles on certain routes, so you can also bike parts of the trails for a different experience.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the oldest and longest tourist excursion railroads in the United States.
The train ride offers 3 hours of scenic views that will take your breath away. Make sure your phone or camera is charged! The Cuyahoga River, historic homesteads, and taverns and restaurants pop up alongside the train. There are several stations along the way for you to hop off and explore, or stay on board and take in the views.
Every ticket is an all-day ticket, so you can hop on and off at your leisure (as long as you make it back in time to get home!). The best part of this is that it means you can walk or bike some of the park's many trails. You can even bike the full trail, then relax and recuperate with a leisurely train journey back to base. Hop off for some sight-seeing, or stop off for lunch at a quaint family restaurant.
Trains leave twice a day from Rockside (Independence) and Peninsula stations, and once a day from Akron. Schedules vary depending on the time of year, so make sure to check in advance. For November, all trains run Saturdays and Sundays only.
As tempting as it may be to stay indoors as winter approaches, riding the railroad gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the glory of nature as the trees start to turn. The train runs all year, all seasons.
Explore the natural beauty of Northeast Ohio while you sit back and enjoy the scenery without having to pull out your winter gear!
Alternatively, take your extra winter gear and donate it to charity on the Polar Express! This seasonal special event includes a donation bin for any spare gloves, hats, scarves or coats. Hot cocoa and cookies are served on this 3-hour night-time trip, and pajamas are highly encouraged. We never knew trains could be so cozy! This trip does tend to sell out months in advance, so book ahead.
They also have several pun-tastic specialized tours like the Grape Escape and the Ales on Rails. Pass two hours of amazing scenery while you sip on a special selection of beer or wine, and expertly prepared hors d'oeuvres. Other special events include Cocktails on the Rails, complete with an in-carriage bartender. Is there a better way to appreciate nature?
General tickets run at $16 for an adult, and $11 for a child. Special events usually come out at around $60, and include cocoa/wine/beer/cocktails, and light fare. And, of course, an unforgettable experience!
Have you ridden the railway? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Share with your friends – maybe they’ll be inspired to join you for a cocktail or two!
