In addition to the beauty of numerous outstanding natural areas, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is celebrating 50 years of its existence as a national park in 2025. This means now is the perfect time for a visit or return to the national park. Created on  December 27, 1974, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers an open invitation to residents of Ohio and visitors from around the globe on a daily basis. There are many outstanding jewels to discover inside the Cuyahoga Valley National Park – here are our favourites.

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Blossom Music Center

One of the most beautiful and unusual additions to a national park is the Blossom Music Center, housed in a forest of magnificent trees, verdant native plants and greenery of all kinds. The amphitheater is popular with everyone, as music, performance art, drama, and a diverse array of unique summer entertainment is provided for visitors to the park. 

The Blossom Music Center holds a professional stage and shares a restaurant, art gallery, lush gardens and spacious picnic areas with patrons of all ages. The summer months of activity hold excitement and surprises in the venue and surrounding areas. The covered pavilion has 5,700 seats and the lawn area holds 13,500 guests and our best advice is to choose tickets based on the weather report or take a rain jacket, just in case. This special event venue is one to watch for your favorite musical artists, the Cleveland Orchestra, or new talent from your hometown. 

All Aboard On The Cuyahoga Line

The scenery absorbs you as this train slowly, majestically travels through the beautiful valleys of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition to the superb beauty of the ride, this train offers snacks and beverages for sale, along with comfortable seating for all ages, and souvenirs for collectors on board. The vintage train passes through urban areas and forested valleys during the two-hour ride. All ages are invited to board and tickets can be purchased at the train station. Check the travel schedule before arriving at the station, as trains travel weather-permitting. 

Ride A Horse On Popular Horseback Riding Trails 

There are 6 popular trails within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the favorite entry point is the Station Road Bridge Trailhead. Check the park site for open trails in the winter months before packing up and note any special closures. Popular easy-to-moderate trails include the Tabletop Trail and the Wetmore Trail. Butler’s Trail and Bedford Reservation are easy trails for all riders. Moderate to difficult trails include the Brecksville Reservation, Riding Run Trail and the Valley Trail. 

Take a Whirlpool Visit In The Springtime

In the spring, when the waterfalls are full and the landscape is dotted with vibrant blooms, you’ll want to track down the whirlpools and ponds surrounding the numerous waterfalls within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s nature’s watercolor to enjoy! Enjoy a picnic in the spring or a sunset hike in the fall season. 

Grab Your Magnifying Glass

There is probably no better place than a US National Park to discover the hidden gems of our insect and butterfly world. Identifying species of our littlest creatures continues in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as the hundreds (maybe thousands) of insects, spiders and butterflies have yet to be fully cataloged for scientific purposes.

Snap a photo of any you don’t recognize and march to the Cuyahoga Valley Visitors Center to share with a nearby ranger. We don’t yet fully know all the creatures of our world; perhaps you can help extend the knowledge of regional insects, bugs and butterflies as a result of your visit. 

The Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market

Take a trip to Howe Meadow inside the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a summer morning and you’ll find the popular Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market, featuring numerous local farmers and artisans happily sharing their freshest vegetables, fruit, meat, homemade breads, and other delicacies. Summer hours at Howe Meadow are 9 to noon and the market often includes popular cooking demonstrations, local celebs, food tastings and other delicious perks of attendance. During winter months, head to the Gym at Old Trail School during the same hours to stock up on potatoes, carrots, bakery goods and meat.  

Give Back

One of the jewels of visiting and viewing the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the gift you can offer by giving back to it. Visitors can easily jump in to help by joining the Volunteer-in-Parks program in the park. Sign up at the Visitors Center and you’ll be offered a number of various volunteer options to consider. Giving back in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park isn’t so much about giving of yourself as it is about the gifting you’ll receive in return – it’s a jewel in itself.

What In The Blue Blazes? 

A fairly-unknown fact is that the Buckeye Trail runs right through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With the signature Blue Blazes, patches of bright blue paint approximately 2-inches wide and 6-inches long on poles or tree trunks, hikers can join the famous Ohio Buckeye Trail while inside the park and follow it all the way to Lake Erie, if desired. Check area maps or pick up a park map at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Visitor’s Center for full details. 

The Canal Exploration Center

Add interesting history and factoids to your explorations by visiting the Canal Exploration Center. While common in Ohio, many visitors may not be aware of why this nation included canals in our waterways. This Center holds information about the largest canals, the Ohio and Erie Canals, and while you’re there, check out the building itself. The Canal Exploration Center has had a colorful history of use as a personal residence, a general store and a wild tavern. Check the visitor hours at the Center prior to your visit. 

The Harvest Moon Over Beaver Marsh

Beaver Marsh in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a favorite wetland home to many animals, insects, spiders, butterflies and fish. It is also a gorgeous reminder of the beauty of the valley during the autumn months as the days grow shorter. Visit Beaver Marsh just prior to sunset and witness an enormous orange/gold harvest moon to capture special memories of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.