Akron Northside Station

Historic 1880s railroad station serving as primary boarding point for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad excursions.

Historic Railroad StationRestrooms available

Akron Northside Station's platform sits alongside tracks that have carried passengers and goods since the Valley Railway opened in 1880, now operating as the southern terminal for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad excursions. The station's brick structure and period details reflect its industrial heritage, built as part of a local partnership to compete with America's largest rail corporations. A direct connector trail links from the station platform to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, allowing visitors to combine scenic rail rides with hiking and cycling via the railroad's shuttle service. Historic exhibits inside document how this independent railway emerged from financial troubles to shape transportation across Ohio's industrial heartland.

Getting there & parking

How To Get There: Located at 27 Ridge Street, Akron, Ohio 44308. The station is on a bus line and within walking distance of downtown Akron shopping and dining. Ample parking is available for autos and RVs. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is 6.5 miles north via the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail connector.
Parking Availability: Ample parking available for autos and RVs on-site.
GPS Coordinates: 41.08960207,-81.51518484999997

What you will experience

Attraction Type: Historic Railroad Station
Main Features: Historic 1880s railroad station, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad boarding facility, connector trail to Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, interpretive exhibits on Valley Railway history, wheelchair-accessible platforms and facilities, information kiosk, benches, ample parking.

Facilities, fees & access

Restrooms Available: Yes
Interpretive Signs: Yes
Accessibility Level: Drive-up and level platform access with wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Nearby Services: Downtown Akron shopping, dining, and services within walking distance.

Safety

Safety Considerations: Active railroad operations require visitors to stay behind barriers and follow all posted safety signage. Station platforms are at grade with level, accessible boarding areas, ramps, and handrails. Lighting is adequate and restrooms are available. Staff and information kiosks provide visitor assistance.

Nearby

Nearby Attractions: Boston Mill Visitor Center, Towpath Trail network, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad shuttle service, downtown Akron shopping and dining.
Connecting Trails: Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail connector leads directly from station.

More details

Visitor Center Present: No

Location

Tinkers Creek Aqueduct

Concrete aqueduct suspends a historic canal above Tinkers Creek—engineering from the 1800s, still standing.

Everett Covered Bridge

Ohio's last Summit County covered bridge (reconstructed 1986). Walk through preserved 1869 Smith Truss timber.

Canal Exploration Center Station

Historic railroad station with access to scenic train rides and the Towpath Trail.

Lock 35

Historic canal lock with Murphy family heritage panels; walk the Towpath Trail for views of the Cuyahoga River valley.

Lock 37 and Flood Gate

Historic canal lock with floodgate and working 19th-century mill on the Ohio & Erie Canal.

Lock 38 at Canal Exploration Center

See hydraulic butterfly valves raise canal boats—Lock 38, a reconstructed 1800s canal lock. Summer demonstrations.

Sources

National Park Service
YourNPGuide Editorial

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.