Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Many outdoor explorers may not realize that Ohio is home to a national park. But anyone who has stepped foot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park knows how special this place really is.

Situated under 30 minutes from major cities like Cleveland and Akron, the park is a key recreation and conservation hub for the people of Ohio. But unlike renowned parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, Cuyahoga Valley National Park didn’t come into existence until about 1978—when Trust for Public Land worked with local businesses and foundations to bring it all together.

Since then, we have continued working with the National Park Service and local partners to protect and improve the park. About 25 land acquisitions have taken place, covering 1,700 acres—from single lots and small farms to historic inns and businesses. One cherished example is the Blossom Music Center—home to world-class concerts and community events. When this center was at risk of sale, TPL was able to protect 578 acres of the 780-acre property by bringing them into the National Park Service.

The park is a major year-round outdoor recreation attraction in northeast Ohio, with nearly 3 million annual visits. The people of Ohio are fortunate to have such an inspiring park in their backyards, and we feel fortunate to play a part in its story.