PENINSULA, Ohio – The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad had begun its 2002 season, and will be running a spring schedule of Saturday and Sunday excursion trains through May.
Spring excursions will include a 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. departure from the Independence/Old Rockside Road boarding site for the Scenic Limited, a 1 hour and 45 minute round trip, narrated ride through Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Peninsula.
There will also be an 11:15 a.m. departure from Peninsula for a round trip excursion to the Canal Visitors Center.
Summer season. The summer season will begin June 12, when the trains will began running Wednesday through Sunday.
During the summer northern excursions include, The Scenic Limited, Canal Limited, Bike & Hike and two brand new trips, The Peninsula Explorer and Trains & Trails: Boston & Beyond.
Southern excursions, or Akron trains, will run Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Akron trips. Several new downtown Akron area destinations that may be added to the schedule, such as the Akron Zoological Park, Akron Art Museum, and Menches’ Brothers Restaurant.
The scenic railroad will also be departing from its new Akron Northside Station every Saturday at 10:15 a.m.
Passengers will have the option of an hour-and-a-half round trip ride to the Village of Peninsula, or of making a day of it with a layover at either Hale Farm and Village, The Village of Peninsula, or the Canal Visitors Center.
On Sundays the southern scenic trip, a round trip scenic ride to The Village of Peninsula, will depart from Akron Northside Station at 12:30 p.m.
Special events. Wine Tasting trains will run on Fridays from 7-9 p.m., beginning April 12 with a different theme for each trip. Scheduled events include: April 12, departing from Akron Northside Station; June 14, departing from Boston Mill Station; July 12, departing from Independence Station; Aug. 16, departing from Boston Mill Station; and Sept. 13, departing from Independence Station; Oct. 11, departing from Boston Mill Station; and Nov. 8, departing from Boston Mill Station.
“The Maple Sugar Express” is now each Saturday and Sunday to Hale Farm and Village, and will continue through March 10. Passengers will experience an pioneer family historical reconstruction of the ancient process of maple sugar production, including tree tapping, sap collecting and syrup tasting.
There will also be a pancake breakfast along with a tour of the farm.
The Maple sugar train departs Independence Station at 10:15 a.m.
Easter trip. On March 23 and March 24, the Easter Bunny will ride the train visiting all the children and passing out a special treat.
This train will depart the Independence Station at 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m.
A complete list of special events is available by calling 800-468-4070 or visit the scenic railroad Web site at www.cysr.com.
