Northeast Ohio is a fascinating region full of diverse wildlife. Much of our native fauna exists in waterways like Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, but these sites earned an unfortunate stigma following the Cuyahoga River Fire of 1969. Both the lake and the river were seen as irreparably polluted by skeptics and the disaster led to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the creation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the enactment of the Clean Water Act in 1972 - all of which have dramatically impacted and improved the quality of our waterways.
These days, both bodies of water are clean, safe, and intrinsically tied to summertime fun in Cleveland. From the beaches of Lake Erie to the rapids of the Cuyahoga, you'll find that summertime adventure abounds in Greater Cleveland.
Long gone are the dark days of the Cuyahoga River's past...
In June of 1969, the Cuyahoga River caught fire for the final time. Though the neglected river had caught fire on 13 different occasions prior to 1969, this final, disastrous event helped usher in an era and attitude of environmental reform.
...And an era of cleanliness is here to stay, thanks to decades of clean-up initiatives.
In 2019, the Ohio EPA lifted a restriction on eating fish caught in the Cuyahoga River. According to their research, the river's water quality has improved dramatically and is no longer a risk to our region.
Now that the river is clean and has enjoyed a half-century free of fires, there's no better way to celebrate that accomplishment than with a tubing adventure!
While you may have heard of tubing adventures in Mohican and other state parks, many Clevelanders have yet to enjoy the Cuyahoga as a natural lazy river. From headwaters to its mouth, this winding river stretches 100 miles and hides many lovely spots.
NatureVation Outdoor Adventures has transformed the Cuyahoga into a natural lazy river, and you haven't lived until you embark on this fun float.
This event returns to the area on July 13, 2019, and visitors age 8 and older can enjoy an epic adventure from 10:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m.
This tour begins and ends at Fairfield Inn & Suites, but you'll find yourself far away from luxury as you explore the rugged wilderness.
You'll be treated to elegant snacks following your adventure, but while you're on the water, you'll feel like you're in another world. The beauty and serenity of this river will contrast wildly with the visions of Downtown Cleveland that have made the river so iconic.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Address: 3750 Orange Place, Beachwood, OH, 44122
During your trip, you'll hike a short urban trail, enjoy a quick float downstream, and then repeat.
At certain times, the waters of the Cuyahoga are alive with rapids. When the flow is strong and the river is rushing, you can easily manage multiple trips. On days when the flow is slow, you’ll enjoy a much lazier experience as you drift downstream.
Are you ready to explore the Cuyahoga like you never have before?
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is filling up fast, so you'll want to reserve your spot while you still can. Tickets are $85 for adults and $49 for children. Click here to reserve your spot.
With NatureVation, the Cuyahoga River will be transformed into a natural lazy river.
Pollution was once seen as a necessary evil produced by a highly industrial region. Now, the Cuyahoga River has enjoyed absolute rejuvenation through decades of dedicated clean up. From here on out, the future looks bright, and the Cuyahoga River and summertime fun go hand in hand.
While you've doubtlessly visited a lazy river or two in your lifetime, you haven't lived until you've experienced a float trip down the Cuyahoga. Will you be embarking on this epic adventure?
If you can't get enough of outdoor adventure, you must add these 12 things to your summertime bucket list.
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