For Father’s Day this year, Beth and the boys treated me to three things I love best: breakfast, trains, and time together as a family. They accomplished this all with a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s Breakfast Along the Cuyahoga!
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a non-profit railway that operates in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio. They offer a variety of itineraries throughout the year, including themed family rides, trips focused on different destinations within the park, and other specialized nights featuring cocktail or beer tastings, romantic dinners, even murder mystery nights.
And as of July 20, 2022 they’re reintroducing their Explorer program, which allows you to hike, bike, or kayak through the park, then hitch a ride on the train back to your starting point. Brilliant!
Breakfast Along the Cuyahoga is offered most Saturdays and Sundays through September. Our trip began at Rockside Station, at the very northern end of the park, although the updated itinerary seems to start at Peninsula Station now.
The two-hour excursion is $45-55/person and includes breakfast (of course!). For an upgraded experience, you can book seats in the Silver Solarium of the dome car, which gives you an elevated view while you enjoy your meal.
We parked at the station and the train came rolling up a few minutes later. Helpful volunteers guided everyone to the appropriate train car.
The dome cars are old California Zephyrs, and include downstairs seating plus a small bar.
The tables in the dome car are meant for four, which fit our family perfectly. (But keep that in mind if you’re booking with a group larger than that!)
The train got rolling, and shortly after the volunteers came down the aisle with drinks. Everyone gets water and a fruit cup; kids can order juice while adults have the option for mimosas or Bloody Marys.
And it wasn’t soon after that breakfast arrives at your table!
The menu is pre-set for each trip, and no substitutions are offered. On our trip we were treated to a filling plate of huevos rancheros!
While you enjoy breakfast, the train rolls through the park, following the course of the Cuyahoga River. One of the guides occasionally got on the loudspeaker and shared points of interest and other fascinating bits of history about the park and surrounding region.
With breakfast finished, the boys and I set off to explore the rest of the train. The full train features multiple types of seating.
Towards the front of the train is even a small cafe car with snacks, drinks, and a gift shop!
Halfway through the trip, we paused so they could change out crews and we could reverse direction, arriving safe and full back at Rockside Station!
Breakfast Along the Cuyahoga is a real treat. It gives you a great overview of the park, offers a flavorful meal, and is the perfect start to a day exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We spent the rest of our day hiking, chasing waterfalls, wading in creeks, and generally trekking through the park.
For more information, visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s website.
Web: csvr.org
FB: @CVSRailroad
T: @CVSRR
IG: @cuyahogavalleyscenicrailroad
Disclaimer: this trip was hosted by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Photos and opinions are our own.
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