PENINSULA, Ohio — Steam in the Valley is returning and for train aficionados, this year could be more memorable than in the past.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society have partnered to host Steam in the Valley for 10 years

  • Both organizations are celebrating 50 years in operation this year

  • Steam in the Valley return to the Cuyahoga Valley May 13-15 and 20-22

  • The train will be powered by historic steam locomotive No. 765, a 14-wheeled steam engine weighing 404 tons

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society have partnered for nine years to bring historic steam locomotive No. 765 to the Cuyahoga Valley, enabling locals to take a ride in rail cars pulled by a 14-wheeled steam engine weighing 404 tons.

As the train winds through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the rumble on the tracks and the steam whistle can be heard for miles. 

In addition to being the 10th year for Steam in the Valley, 2022 is the 50th anniversaries of both railroad-centric organizations.

To celebrate the milestones, Steam in the Valley will be held this spring on two consecutive weekends — May 13-15 and 20-22 — kicking off the first major event of the season for both the scenic railroad and the train historical society.

Riders are asked to don their favorite 1950s get-up, and prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed passengers. Riders can choose day, or night excursions, or dinner on the train, Murder Mystery trains and Cocktails on Rails. Photo sessions will also be available.

The scenic railroad runs on what once was the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and draws about 150,000 visitors a year, the scenic railroad said.

Built in 1944, the steam engine was retired in 1958 and restored by an all-volunteer group in 1979. (Courtesy of Joe Prekop)

“Steam locomotives ran on the same tracks through the Cuyahoga Valley as early as the 1880s, and a steam locomotive was an integral part of CVSR’s early years, which is fitting as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary year,” said Joe Mazur, president and CEO for the scenic railroad. “We look forward to bringing part of that history back again this year.”

With headquarters in Cleveland, the Nickel Plate Railroad ran steam locomotive No. 765 between Chicago and Buffalo, New York. Built in 1944, the steam engine was retired in 1958, according to the train historical society.  It was restored by an all-volunteer group in 1979 and is one of the last locomotives of its kind still running.

Since coming to the Cuyahoga Valley, steam locomotive No. 765 has drawn more than 6,000 visitors from 34 states, the organization said.

"These events not only fulfill our dream to enrich people's lives with unique and educational experiences, but align perfectly with the mission of CVSR to blend recreation and education with railroad history,” said Kelly Lynch, vice president of the train historical society. “The Cuyahoga Valley is one of our favorite venues."

Passengers will be required to wear masks unless eating or drinking. To learn more or to book a trip, visit the scenic railroad website.

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