Whether you’re looking for a date night, a family fun activity or a day out with friends, a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is the ticket.
The retro train cars (most date back to the 1940s) offer a comfortable ride with modern amenities and views of Cuyahoga Valley National Park that you can’t find on foot.
“Having a train ride in a national park is something very special,” says Kelly Koehler, director of events. “There’s only a handful like that in the United States.”
With stations stretching from Independence to Akron, the railroad resumed rides for the season May 1 with a crowd-pleasing roster of events and themed rides.
Couples looking for a romantic evening can check out Dinner on the Train, an elegant, chef-cooked meal served in vintage California Zephyr train cars with music and a complimentary bar. Or try the Grape Escape or Ales on Rails rides, complete with beer or wine and appetizers.
“They get to talk to representatives from breweries and wineries that are local to our area,” says Koehler. “It’s our way of trying to connect the community.”
Families should check out the National Park Scenic daytime rides, which often include sightings of beaver, otters and eagle nests, or the Family Fun Loop, which features themes and activities.
Adventurers of all ages will appreciate the Explorer ride series which lets you bike, hike or kayak one-way through the park and take the train back to your car (CVSR employees load your kayak or bike).
“We do the heavy lifting for you,” says Koehler. “You can just stop and get on the train and relax.”
More info: cvsr.org
Looking for more great ways to have fun this summer in Cleveland? Click here.
