50th Anniversary Announcement

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Today the railroad announced the special anniversary and its plans for this year.

Founded in 1972 by Siegfried Buerling to preserve remnants of the steam railroad era, CVSR operates through Cuyahoga Valley National Park over what was once the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Since then, it has offered train rides and alternative transportation through the park and welcomes more than 170,000 visitors a year from all fifty states and even guests from Europe and Central America.

“We’re excited to celebrate this momentous anniversary,” said Joe Mazur, CVSR President and CEO. “The railroad started from a vision to bring passengers from the Cleveland Zoo to Hale Farm. In the past fifty years, the organization has continued to evolve. We now transport passengers from Greater Cleveland to Downtown Akron and in-between with eight stations and twenty-six miles of tracks.”

Since its founding, CVSR has become known for its scenic rides through Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and popular Explorer program, previously Bike Aboard, that helps transport guests to hike, bike, run and kayak the national park. CVSR offers year-round excursions and has introduced several excursions over the years including the Cleveland Dinner & Event Train, North Pole Adventure, Family Fun Loop and more.

The community can help celebrate CVSR’s anniversary through the following ways.

Steam in the Valley:  CVSR will host Steam in the Valley for the first time in May on the 13-15 and 20-22. 2022 will mark the 50th anniversaries of CVSR and Forth Wayne Railroad Historical Society and a decade of collaborating to bring the exciting sights and sounds of historic steam railroading to the Cuyahoga Valley. Steam in the Valley will be the first major event held this year for both organizations as they celebrate their 50th anniversaries. As part of the living history event, all riders are encouraged to dress in their best 1950s attire, with prizes available for best-dressed passengers.

Preservation for Generations: For the third year, CVSR will be hosting their annual Preservation for Generations event at the Fitzwater Trainyard on Saturday, September 24. In spirit of the 50th anniversary, guests will wear their best 50s outfit while getting an exclusive look into the train yard while enjoying activities from the 50s era.  All proceeds from Preservation for Generations 2022 will support CVSR’s preservation fund so that future generations will be able to experience the wonder of train travel in the national park.

Hale Farm & Village Exhibition: Hale Farm & Village will help celebrate CVSR’s 50th with an exhibition highlighting 50 years of history and remembering Siegfried Buerling’s accomplishments, the man behind Hale Farm & Village, and CVSR, who passed last year. The exhibition is open to guests beginning June 1.

“Because of our strong partnership with CVSR visitors have a unique option that we could not provide on our own – to leave their cars behind and experience CVNP using alternative transportation,” said Lisa Petit, CVNP Superintendent.

In addition to the events and programs above, the community can expect additional announcements throughout the year including collaborations with popular Northeast Ohio organizations. To learn more about CVSR and the excursions offered this year, please visit cvsr.org.

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About Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) is a private sector, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer supported organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and is dedicated to the preservation of passenger rail transportation in Cuyahoga Valley and the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway. CVSR has been providing excursion rail service for 50 years. For more information about the railroad, visit CVSR.org.