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Cuyahoga Valley National Park to get $5.9 million visitor center

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park bald eagle

Cuyahoga Valley National ParkĀ plans to open a $5.9 million visitors center in 2019.

The existing visitor center is based atĀ 1836-built Boston Store, 1550 Boston Mills Road. However, it is notĀ big enough, Ā according toĀ The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio’s only National park, Cuyahoga Valley National ParkĀ protectsĀ the rural landscape along theĀ Cuyahoga River betweenĀ AkronĀ andĀ ClevelandĀ in the Northeast part of the state.

Wildlife found in the park includes coyotes, skunk, beavers, river otters and bald eagles.

Visitors canĀ hike or ride bikesĀ alongĀ the park’s many trails. These take inĀ numerous attractions, including the crushed limestone along sectionsĀ of the 20 mile Towpath Trail.Ā This trail follows a former stretch of the 308-mile Ohio and Erie Canal.

Other attractions at the park include Waterfalls, caves and the lushĀ scenery along the river. Steep narrow ravines and farmland form a contrast acrossĀ the park. The Ledges provide an ideal spot for visitorsĀ to relax and take in theĀ Ā sunset over the forestĀ below. In winter, Sled-riding is also popular at Kendall Hills.

In addition, the park hasĀ a variety of restored displays of 19th and early 20th century farming/pastoral equipment. There are alsoĀ art exhibits, outdoor concerts and special event railroad tours on theĀ Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Visitors canĀ hike or ride bikesĀ alongĀ the park's many trails. TheseĀ visit numerous attractions,  including the crushed limestone along sectionsĀ of the 20 mile Towpath Trail.Ā This trail follows a former stretch of the 308-mile Ohio and Erie Canal. Other attractions at the park include Waterfalls,  caves and the lishĀ scenery along the river. Steep narrow ravines and farmland form a contrast acrossĀ the park. The Ledges provide an ideal spot for visitorsĀ to relax and take in theĀ Ā sunset over the forestĀ below. In winter,  Sled-riding is also popular at Kendall Hills. In addition,  the park hasĀ a variety of restored displays of 19th and early 20th century farming/pastoral equipment. There are alsoĀ art exhibits,  outdoor concerts and special event railroad tours on theĀ Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. visitor center

Land Purchased for the New Visitor Center

AĀ nonprofit friends of the park group, The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, will manage the fundraising, planning and constructionĀ of the new visitor center. On Monday, Ā the board, havingĀ already raised $4.9 million, voted to buy buildings and landĀ on the southeast corner of Riverview and Boston Mill roads.

This property will be designedĀ to beĀ a central hubĀ for visitors. It will enable them toĀ plan their trips in the park and Ohio & Erie Canalway. About 20% of park visitors come from out of town.

Park Superintendent Craig Kenkel thoughtĀ the project was a fitting end to 2016’s National Park Service Centennial. “This new Visitor Center will help us better serve the next century of park visitors.”

Images: top Bald eagles courtesy US National Park service, visitor center rendering courtesyĀ Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

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Charles Read

Charles is managing director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.

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