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 Just a short drive from the major metropolitan areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park encompasses 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River. Though such a short distance from urban environments, the park is worlds away. The winding Cuyahoga—the "crooked river," as named by American Indians—gives way to rolling floodplain, steep valley walls and ravines, and lush upland forests. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a refuge for flora and fauna, and provides both recreation and solitude for Northeastern Ohio's residents and visitors. Park trails, from rugged backcountry hiking trails to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a graded biking and hiking trail, offer something for everyone.
The park has a rich cultural legacy as well. Remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which traveled through the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer a glimpse into the past. Sustainable farming ventures help preserve the valley's agricultural heritage.
Whether you want to hike, bike, birdwatch, picnic, golf, fish, ski, ride Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, explore the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal, or attend national park ranger-guided programs, concerts, and art exhibits, Cuyahoga Valley National Park has it all. Come experience the park today!
Facilities
Museums
Boston Store - The building that housed the Boston Land and Manufacturing Company Store was constructed circa 1836. It has been used as a warehouse, store, post office, and gathering place. The building is now a canal boatbuilding museum featuring exhibits on all aspects of that business. The Boston Store is located 0.1 miles east of Riverview Road on Boston Mills Road in Boston, Ohio. (216) 524-1497.
Frazee House - The Frazee House was constructed in 1825 and 1826, the same years the northern section of the Ohio & Erie Canal was built. It is a fine example of an early Federal-style Western Reserve home and features exhibits relating to architectural styles, construction techniques, and the Frazee family. Frazee House is located on Canal Road, 3.5 miles south of Rockside Road in Valley View, Ohio. (216) 524-1497.
Visitors Centers
Canal Visitor Center - The Canal Visitor Center serves as both information center and museum. Located at the northern end of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it is an ideal stop for maps and other information about the park. Permanent exhibits illustrate 12,000 years of history in the valley, including the history of the Ohio & Erie Canal. This canal-era building once served canal boat passengers waiting to pass through Lock 38. Canal lock demonstrations are conducted on summer weekends by National Park Service staff and by volunteers wearing period costume. The Canal Visitor Center is located in Valley View, Ohio. It is 1.5 miles south of Rockside Road on Canal Road where Canal and Hillside roads intersect. (216) 524-1497.
Happy Days Visitor Center - Happy Days Visitor Center offers information and a variety of activities. Here you can attend concerts, lectures, plays, and ranger-led special events. Hiking trails are also nearby. The Happy Days building was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 and 1939 as a day camp for Akron children. (330) 650-4636.
Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center - The Hunt Farm property is typical of the small family farms that dotted the Cuyahoga Valley in the late 19th century. Here you can get information about park activities and see exhibits about the area's agricultural history. Next to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, it is an ideal starting point for a hike or a bicycle ride. Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center is located on Bolanz Road between Riverview and Akron-Peninsula Roads in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. (216) 524-1497.
Peninsula Depot - The Peninsula Depot, originally the Boston Mills Depot, was moved to Peninsula in the early 1970s. It currently stands on property where there historically was a train depot. The Depot is used as an information and orientation center for people on foot, bike, and rail. The Peninsula Depot can be found from the intersection of Akron-Peninsula Road and State Route 303 by following signs for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It is the boarding site for CVSR train rides. (216) 524-1497.
Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake - Ski and snowshoe instruction is available by advanced registration at (216) 524-1497. Cross-country ski, snowshoe, and skate rentals are available first come, first served (including children's cross-country skis). The center is located on Truxell Road, 1 mile east of Akron-Peninsula Road.
Getting There:
Cuyahoga Valley National Park can be accessed by many different highways, including I-77, I-271, I-80 (Ohio Turnpike), and State Route 8. Park signs are visible from each of these freeways as you get close to the valley.
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