130505 Railroads in the Park (Kirtland, OH) Passenger Car

Cleveland’s Best Kept Secret: Railroads in the Park

130505 Railroads in the Park (Kirtland, OH)

Two weekend ago our family set out on the last adventure as a family of four. As anyone may know who follows our family adventures, trains play a key interest to our boys, as well as our travels. We know if we can incorporate a little choo-choos into our lives, we have happy youngsters.

Our family also became big fans of the Lake Farm Park several years ago, when we made it an annual tradition to visit during the Maple Sugar Festival. As I was researching this years Maple Sugar dates, I also happen to learn of an outing we had never heard or seen before, Railroads in the Park.

As part of the festivities, not only did Lake Farm Park participate, but there was also a sister activity at Penitentiary Glen.

A day at the Lake Farm Park was fairly typical, getting the boys to see all kinds of farm animals, and besides the several train layouts, you would never guess there was much of an event. However, the real key to Railroads in the Park was over at Penitentiary Glen.

The Lake Shore Live Steamers Club has a partnership with the Park District. In return for getting to use the land for the trains, they in turn are required to give rides to the public free of charge. It just so happens that Railroads in the Park happen to coincide with the same event over at the Lake Farm Parks, which was perfect.

The event at Penitentiary Glen started at noon; however train rides were only from 1-3 PM, weather permitting.

Little did we know that while the Lake Farm Park was empty, everyone was waiting to ride the trains over at the Glen. The line, arriving promptly at 1:00 PM, was long. Fortunately, the Lake Shore Live Steamers Club runs probably 10-20 different trains on the tracks, offering a smooth process for getting passengers through the line promptly.

130505 Railroads in the Park (Kirtland, OH) Band

A small band ensemble played music for guests waiting in line.

130505 Railroads in the Park (Kirtland, OH) Passenger Car

One of the passenger cars on display.

130505 Railroads in the Park (Kirtland, OH) Roundhouse

The “roundhouse” where workers could repair any of the trains.

130505 Railroads in the Park (Kirtland, OH) Trains

It was amazing to see the intricate details of the train cars. We saw everything from steam engines, diesels, ornate trolley cars, and even livestock cars with horses bouncing their heads out the windows. The boys sat in fascination as the trains and passengers rode by us.

Soon it was our turn to board, and 8 of the 9 of us got to ride on one train. Unfortunately, since Mrs. InACents was ready to burst with our third baby boy, she was not allowed to ride, as there is a possibility of the trains derailing.

Our ride lasted for approximately 7 minutes, and clipped along at a really decent pace considering all of the weight the train was pulling. The ride zips through the woods, just barely missing trees, over bridges and various train accompaniments, all situated along the edge of the scenic gorge that Penitentiary Glen is known.

Below are various other trains that we saw ushering guests on their adventure.

When we all disembarked from the train ride, we were all I think simply amazed at how spectacular this hidden gem was in our own backyard. The cost…absolutely nothing, as it is part of the park system, and per the terms of the land agreement to the club.

I am so glad we got to take our boys to Penitentiary Glen to experience Railroads in the Park, as it was a fantastic experience for everyone. Knowing it is free, I consider this event one of the best hidden secrets in Cleveland.

Rides run 1 to 3 pm, weather permitting, on the following Sundays in 2014:

  • April 27 (Earth Day)
  • May 4 (Railroads in the Parks)
  • June 1
  • June 22
  • July 20
  • July 27
  • August 10
  • August 24
  • September 7 (Bug Day)
  • September 28
  • October 5
  • December 6

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Source: InACents

5/13/13- Originally published

MCR Wednesday Cedar Fair Ticket Offer

HOT DEAL: Cedar Fair Tickets for Only 250 My Coke Reward (MCR) Points

Update: 10:00 AM: Out of Stock!

Update 9:35 AM: To redeem your codes for tickets, visit cfparkrewards.com. However, the site is currently not working when entering in the codes. Coke is aware of the situation, and is working on it. Worked at 10:45 AM.

Today is Wednesday, which means Coca-Cola discounts an item in their inventory. For today only, for 250 points, you can get a one-day ticket to any of the Cedar Fair amusement parks around the country. The promotion is in part because of a new contract that Cedar Fair signed with Coca-Cola as the new beverage provider, previously being held by Pepsi Cola.

MCR Wednesday Cedar Fair Ticket Offer

This deal will sell out this morning, so act quick!

Valid for one admission to any Cedar Fair park located in the United States (Cedar Point, Cedar Point Soak City, Carowinds, Dorney Park, Great America, Kings Dominion, Kings Island, Knotts Berry Farm, Knotts Soak City – Orange County, Knott’s Soak City – Palm Springs, Michigan’s Adventure, Valleyfair or Worlds of Fun) for a single day during regular operating hours thru Labor Day, September 2, 2013. Not valid for upgrade attractions, special ticket or private events, park buyouts or with any other coupon or discount programs.

I was able to purchase six (6) tickets with our points, allowing us to go to Cedar Point one day and Kings Island another. I love “free” summer vacations!

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Source: My Coke Rewards

Discover Ohio To Go

Discover Ohio To Go – Discounted Attraction Tickets

Discover Ohio To Go

Discover Ohio has partnered with local McDonald’s locations to offer discounts to a variety of attractions throughout the State. The program is called Discover Ohio To Go! Purchase a specially marked large beverage cup from McDonald’s between April 29 and June 9, 2013. Then take the cup to the appropriate venue to receive your discount.

Cedar Point – Save $15 Off Admission

Save up to $15 on a regular one-day admission ticket to Cedar Point! Present a specially marked Discover Ohio To Go cup at any Cedar Point ticket booth to receive one $15 discount on one regular one-day admission ticket between May 11 and June 30, or one $10 discount between July 1 and September 2, 2013. Not valid with any other coupon or discount offer. Cannot be used on Junior, Senior or multi-day tickets. Only one discount per ticket. Valid only through September 2, 2013.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Present a Discover Ohio To Go cup to receive $2 off All Museum Pass + OMNIMAX® + Ultimate Dinosaurs: Giants from Gondwana Exhibit ticket. Offer valid through October 31, 2013.

Great Wolf Lodge – Save 30%

Great Wolf Lodge, Mason
Use your Discover Ohio To Go cup and save. Click here to save on your stay with the Great Wolf Lodge Discover Ohio Package. Save up to 30% by receiving a $50.00 resort credit to use at any Great Wolf Lodge outlet when you book. Book April 29-June 9, and stay Sunday through Friday April 29-June 14. Start your Great Wolf Lodge adventure today! Must present cup at check-in.

Great Wolf Lodge, Sandusky
Use your Discover Ohio To Go cup and save. Click here to save on your stay with the Great Wolf Lodge Discover Ohio Package. Save up to 30% by receiving a $50.00 resort credit to use at any Great Wolf Lodge outlet when you book. Book April 29-June 9, and stay Sunday through Friday April 29-June 14. Start your Great Wolf Lodge adventure today! Must present cup at check-in.

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Save $10 on a zip line canopy tour by showing your Discover Ohio To Go cup. This promotion is valid on full price regular tours only. No other offers or discounts apply. Reservations are required. Promo must be mentioned at time of booking. Not good on previously booked reservations. Cup must be presented upon check-in. One cup per person, per promotion. Offer is valid April 29, 2013 through June 9, 2013. Also valid September 2013 Mondays through Fridays.

Kings Island – Save $10

Save $10 on an adult one-day admission ticket to Kings Island! Present a specially marked Discover Ohio To Go cup at any Kings Island ticket booth to receive one $10 discount on one adult one-day admission ticket. Not valid with any other coupon or discount offer. Cannot be used on Junior, Senior or multi-day tickets. Only one discount per ticket. Valid only through September 2, 2013.

Ohio State Parks – Save 25% or $50

  • Present a Discover Ohio To Go cup at any Ohio State Park Campground and receive 25% off one night of camping (valid Sundays through Thursdays).
    • Visitors may only redeem one cup per night. Offer available April 29, 2013 through June 12, 2013. Offer only available on a walk-in basis. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount.
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    • Show a Discover Ohio To Go cup at check-in and stay 2 or more consecutive nights at any of the above three Ohio State Park Lodges to save 20% each night! Offer valid May 1, 2013 through August 29, 2013. Valid on lodge rooms only, does not include cabins. Based upon availability and blackout dates apply. Advance reservations required. Not available for groups or during special events. One cup per visit per room.
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    • Present a Discover Ohio To Go cup upon check-in to receive the $50 lodge credit. Valid for non-discounted rooms Sunday through Thursday nights from April 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013. No other discounts will apply. Offer based on availability and reservations must be made in advance. One cup per visit per room. Refunds will not be given for unused lodge credit.

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Columbus Museum of Art – Buy One, Get One

Redeem your Discover Ohio To Go cup to buy one admission and get one free. Offer ends August 1, 2013.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium – Save $2

Present a Discover Ohio To Go cup and receive $2 off general admission tickets. Expires June 30, 2013.

Kalahari – Save $5

Save $5 on a Safari Outdoor Adventure Park Pass by redeeming a Discover Ohio To Go cup. Present the Discover Ohio to Go cup to purchase a Safari Outdoor Adventure Park Pass for $19.99 (regularly $24.99). Valid weather permitting. Limited availability on some dates. No cash value. Management reserves all rights. Offer valid May 27, 2013 through September 2, 2013.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Save $2

Present a Discover Ohio To Go cup and receive $2 off an admission ticket. Offer valid through October 31, 2013.

Zipline Safari – Save $10

Save $10 on a zip line tour by showing your Discover Ohio To Go cup. This promotion is valid on full price regular tours only. No other offers or discounts apply. Reservations are required. Promo must be mentioned at time of booking. Not good on previously booked reservations. Cup must be presented upon check-in. One cup per person, per promotion. Offer is valid April 29, 2013 through June 9, 2013. Also valid September 2013 Mondays through Fridays.

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Source: Reader Beth