Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
The legendary Steam in the Valley event is returning this spring to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. If your grandchildren love trains, this is an experience you will not want to miss and share with them. Together, you can witness the power and nostalgia of a magnificent steam locomotive as it travels through the scenic Cuyahoga Valley. The event dates are April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3 and 4. For more details and to purchase seats online, visit cvsr.org/steam.
The steam engine is the Nickle Plate’s 765 and will be pulling the Cuyahoga Valley National Park train behind it. The 765 engine is a 1944 Lima “Berkshire” type, which is owned and operated by the Ft Wayne Railroad Historical Society. The 765 is a high-stepping, 14-wheeled time machine with a height of 15 feet. It weighs 404 tons and can reach speeds of over 70 mph. The 765 remains one of only a handful of mainline steam engines that still operate in North America.
Prior to boarding, you can get up close and stand next to the massive engine. The grandkids will love the monstrous wheels and the way the engine seems to “breathe” as it vibrates. When you step onto a steam train, the first thing that hits you is the smell—the unmistakable scent of burning coal mixed with the clean, fresh air of the countryside. As the train starts moving, you will hear the iconic puffing of the steam engine. The sound is deep and steady, almost like a heartbeat, as the engine rhythmically releases bursts of steam. Each puff is a reminder of the immense pressure building inside the boiler, pushing the train forward.
This fantastic Steam in the Valley journey begins at the Rockside Road station in Independence and continues to the station in Peninsula. On the way, it will make a stop at the station across from Boston Mills. It is here where everyone onboard will disembark the train and be able to watch the train back up, then do a pass-by to be able to see this great engine’s strength and magnificence. It is amazing to feel its power as it flies past on the tracks. If you can, take a video to capture the sight and sounds.
Riding a steam engine isn’t just a fun activity; it is also a chance to connect with history. These trains revolutionized travel and were a critical part of both the industrial revolution and the expansion of rail networks worldwide. For many, steam trains symbolized the dawn of the modern age. They carried not just goods, but also dreams and possibilities, shrinking the world and connecting distant places.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, steam locomotives had become an iconic part of the landscape. They were featured in countless stories, films, and songs. Today, when you board a steam train, it’s like stepping into a living piece of that past, experiencing the magic and wonder that captivated travelers long ago.
Whether you are a history buff, a train enthusiast, or simply someone who loves unique experiences, a ride on a steam engine is an unforgettable journey.
Photos by Karen Shadrach
