Ride In Vintage California Zephyr Train Cars This Winter

This winter Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad invites you to ride the rails in our recently acquired California Zephyr train cars; the Silver Solarium and Silver Lariat. 

Dubbed “the most talked about train in America,” the California Zephyr made its inaugural eastbound run on March 20, 1949 with service between San Francisco and Chicago that covered 2,525 miles and took an average of 2.5 days to complete.

The train offered an unparalleled leisure travel experience including sophisticated dining experiences with linens and china; sleeping compartments that ranged from the elegant staterooms, to the cozier “roomettes”; and Vista Dome cars with windows on every side—including the ceiling—to provide breathtaking panoramic views of the passing mountains, rivers, and countryside.

Today, CVSR is committed to preserving the train cars and sharing the history of the California Zephyr with all who board. A ride in these restored vintage train cars will truly transport you back to an era where rail transportation was an elegant affair. Ride in the Silver Solarium or Silver Lariat on these excursions:

National Park Scenic | Every Saturday and Sunday through April

Climb aboard the train on this regularly running excursion! The National Park Scenic excursion is the best way to see the length of Cuyahoga Valley National Park from a unique vantage point. Sit back as the train weaves through Cuyahoga Valley and races along with the rushing Cuyahoga River. Passengers will see a variety of wildlife including an eagles nest, deer and other habitats. Passengers have all seating options available to them on this excursion including: Silver Solarium Suites, Silver Solarium Lounge, Silver Solarium Dome, Silver Lariat First Class or Silver Lariat Dome. Departure times vary depending on the station.

Grape Escape | Multiple Dates 

On board our premier wine tasting excursion, passengers are served five wine samples as the train weaves through the valley after dark. Guests will learn about each wine’s characteristics such as body, aroma, bouquet and finish. A selection of paired appetizers will be provided throughout the ride and a commemorative CVSR tasting glass is included. Dates include: Romantic Reds and Rosés on February 16; A Riesling to Love on February 23; A Buckeye State of Wine on March 23; and Wines of South America on April 27. Seating options are available in Silver Lariat First Class, Silver Lariat Dome or Silver Solarium Dome.  Departures are at 7:30 p.m. out of Rockside or Akron Stations (depends on date).

Ales on Rails | Multiple Dates

Climb aboard the train for an evening of beer tasting as you sit back and relax in these historic train cars. Passengers enjoy five beer samples paired with light appetizers. On board, guests will learn about each beer and where they can purchase them. A commemorative CVSR tasting glass is even included! Dates include: Rhinegeist is for Romantics on February 9; When in Akron on March 16; Kentucky Ales on March 30; and Platform Brewery on April 13. Seating options are available in Silver Lariat First Class, Silver Lariat Dome or Silver Solarium Dome. Departures are at 7:30 p.m. out of Rockside or Akron Station (depends on date).

Dinner on the Train | Every Friday night

Guests are invited to climb aboard the Silver Lariat and Silver Solarium for an elegant dining experience. At a glance, passengers will enjoy a two-hour train ride, three-course dinner prepared by an executive chef, and complimentary bar service. Seating options are available in Silver Lariat First Class, Silver Lariat Dome or Silver Solarium Dome. Each seating option offers passengers an opportunity to experience the sophistication of dining on the rails as it was in the 1950’s. Departures are every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. out of Rockside Station in Independence. Although tickets are sold out through May 30, Dinner on the Train will return for the summer with a different executive chef. Follow our Facebook page to be notified when tickets go on sale.