PENINSULA, Ohio – The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has resumed its National Park Scenic Excursions and special events for 2025.
This year the scenic railroad will run a longer section of track – from Akron Northside to Rockside Station, according to the railroad website. The railroad’s lineup of events includes scenic excursions, murder mysteries, dinner trains and themed rides for families. For all excursions, passengers are asked to arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled departure time.
National Park Scenic excursions
Suitable for passengers of all ages, these excursions take passengers on a two-hour trip through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Excursions are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the 2025 season. Tickets range from $25-$38 per person.
Hale Farm Maple Sugar Express
These family-friendly excursions coincide with Hale Farm & Village’s Maple Sugar Festival events (March 8-9, March 15-16 and March 22-23). Tickets range from $20-$30 per person for the three-hour trip departing at 10:45 a.m. from Akron Northside Station, located at 27 Ridge St., Akron. Festival admission must be purchased separately.
Murder Mystery: Shamrocks in Old Chicago
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a whodunit story with an Irish twist on March 14. One of four scheduled Murder Mystery train experiences, Shamrocks in Old Chicago features Irish whiskey samples. Tickets range from $62-$107 for guests ages 21 and older, which includes whiskey samples and a charcuterie box. Purchase tickets. The excursion departs from the Rockside Station at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m. Rockside Station is located at 7900 Old Rockside Road., Independence.
Breakfast Along the Cuyahoga
The scenic railroad’s Breakfast Along the Cuyahoga event departs from the Peninsula Depot on March 16 at 9:30 a.m. The excursion features an assortment of freshly prepared items paired with coffee and fresh juices. Passengers ages 21 and older can choose a mimosa or bloody mary. Tickets are $55. Purchase tickets. The Peninsula Depot is located at 1630 Mill St. W., Peninsula.
Ales on Rails
The scenic railroad’s popular Ales on Rails excursions feature a curated selection of craft beers and ales. Tickets range from $57-$102 per person for passengers ages 21 and older and include tastings of four unique ales, a souvenir glass and a charcuterie box. Designated driver tickets are also available. Ales on Rails events are scheduled for March 21 and April 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and depart from Rockside Station. The railroad is also offering Grape Escape and Cocktails on Rails excursions this year.
Rail Rover
The railroad’s Rail Rover series is geared toward families with younger children. Park guides will identify wildlife that call the park home and share information about their habitats. The first Rail Rover event is scheduled for March 23 from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Peninsula Depot. Tickets range from $27-$32 per person…