The Legend of Cleveland’s National Park

How close is a national park to Cleveland — and why don’t more people realize it?

In this episode of Legends of the Land, we explore The Legend of Cleveland’s National Park and uncover the surprising story behind Cuyahoga Valley National Park — a 33,000-acre landscape just minutes from downtown Cleveland that ranks among the most visited national parks in the country.

But this episode goes deeper than just location. It answers three key questions that reshape how you see this place:

In this episode:

• How far away is the nearest national park from downtown Cleveland?
• What did the Cuyahoga Valley look like before restoration — and what changed?
• How did a once-threatened landscape become Ohio’s only national park?

Host Lexi Robinson and co-host John Luteran sit down with Cuyahoga Valley National Park Superintendent Lisa Petit to explore the valley’s remarkable transformation — from industrial impact and the infamous river fire to a nationally recognized example of environmental recovery and preservation.

Along the way, you’ll discover how local advocacy helped save the valley, what stories are hidden in the landscape and how understanding its past can completely change the way you experience its waterfalls, trails and river today.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’ve explored the park for years, this episode reveals the deeper story behind one of Northeast Ohio’s most treasured outdoor destinations.

Listen now to discover the legend — and see Cleveland’s national park in a whole new way.

Learn more:

• Plan your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Explore parks and outdoor adventures in Cleveland