Last updated: November 17, 2021
Place
Peninsula Depot
NPS / Erin Sparks
Quick Facts
Location:
1630 Mill Street, Peninsula, Ohio 44264 with nearby parking at Lock 29 Trailhead.
Significance:
Painted a characteristic red, Peninsula Depot is the only original train station remaining in the Cuyahoga Valley. At one time, thousands of these standardized, small depots could be found throughout the United States.
Designation:
Peninsula Village Historic District; Ohio to Erie Trail; Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area; Ohio and Erie Canal District; Valley Railway Historic District; Industrial Heartland Trail Network
Amenities
12 listed
Audio Description, Baby Changing Station, Benches/Seating, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
Peninsula Depot is a ticketing office and boarding location for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It is also the only historic depot remaining in the valley. However, even it has gone through change.
When the Valley Railway opened in 1880, every community along its route through the Cuyahoga Valley had a depot. A fire destroyed the original Peninsula Depot in the 1960s. In 1968, local designer and historic preservationist Robert Hunker purchased the depot in the village of Boston and moved it two miles to this location. Thus, today’s Peninsula Depot started its life as the Boston Mill Depot.
The Peninsula Depot is a typical combination station that served passengers and freight. Railroads were among the first companies to standardize business practices, including building architecture. A station agent operated the depot from the middle office, selling tickets, planning travel itineraries, and reporting freight and express movements.
Shops, restaurants, and trails are a short walk from the depot. To reach restrooms and the Towpath Trail, cross the tracks at the designated crossing and walk the path along the river to the right. Follow the blue blazes to the east and up an old road to access the Valley and Buckeye trails. The Cuyahoga River Water Trail has an access point in the Lock 29 area.