Explore Cuyahoga Valley and Indiana Dunes with our audio tour. Discover nature, history, and adventure in two stunning Midwest parks.
Explore Cuyahoga Valley and Indiana Dunes with our audio tour. Discover nature, history, and adventure in two stunning Midwest parks.
Cuyahoga National Park
Lock 39 Trailhead - The Lock 39 Trailhead serves as one of the many entry points to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
During the canal era, boats were pulled by teams of mules or horses along this path.
By heading south on the towpath trail for a quarter mile from the parking area, visitors will arrive at Lock 39….
Cuyahoga National Park
Lock 39 Trailhead - The Lock 39 Trailhead serves as one of the many entry points to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
During the canal era, boats were pulled by teams of mules or horses along this path.
By heading south on the towpath trail for a quarter mile from the parking area, visitors will arrive at Lock 39.
Additionally, from the southern end of the parking lot, a bridge crosses the Cuyahoga River.
This bridge leads to the Rockside Station of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Canal Exploration Center - The Canal Exploration Center is located in a historic canal-side tavern, with a reconstructed canal lock outside. The center is open from Wednesday to Sunday, June through October.
It features interactive exhibits that are enjoyable for all ages and detail the canal’s history.
Tinkers Creek - The Tinkers Creek Overlook, the first of three overlooks on this tour, offers a view into the Tinkers Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark.
Bridal Veil Falls - Bridal Veil Falls is a gentle, cascading waterfall that can be viewed from a boardwalk and bridge over the creek.
Visitors can follow the creek downstream for a quarter-mile to reach the Lower Deerlick Creek Falls.
Egbert Picnic Area - This spacious picnic area includes tables, grills, a shelter, restrooms, and nature trails.
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek - Located in Viaduct Park, the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek is a stunning sight. A viaduct is a type of bridge supported by arches or columns.
Frazee House and Trailhead - The Frazee House, one of the first brick structures in the valley, was built in the 1820s in the Federal style by Stephen and Mehitable Frazee.
At the time, it was considered a dream home, but since Ohio was still a frontier, skilled laborers were scarce.
The family constructed it themselves, even making the bricks from mud and clay in their backyard. Today, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chippewa Creek Gorge Overlook - The Chippewa Creek Gorge was carved by glaciers during the last major ice age.
The top layer of rock consists of Berea Sandstone, which was also used in the construction of the nearby Brecksville Nature Center.
Brecksville Nature Center - Situated on the western edge of the National Park, the Brecksville Nature Center offers exhibits about the area’s plants, animals, and history.
It includes a kids’ corner with activities for children and rocking chairs for enjoying the view through a wall of windows.
The center also features a park, picnic area, nature trails, and a program center for educational events.
Jaite Trailhead - The Jaite Trailhead provides access to a highly recommended section of the Buckeye Trail.
A mile-and-a-half walk from the trailhead leads to old-growth trees that have stood for hundreds of years.
Red Lock Trailhead - At this trailhead, visitors can explore Lock 34, also known as Red Lock. A half-mile walk south on the Red Lock Trail leads to the remains of the old Jaite Paper Mill.
Brandywine Falls - Standing at 60 feet, Brandywine Falls is Ohio’s tallest waterfall. Several boardwalk viewing areas and the remains of an old appliance factory are located nearby.
Boston Common Visitor Center - Opened in 2019, the Boston Mill is a state-of-the-art Visitor Center.
Visitors can speak with a park ranger, obtain trail maps, use the restroom, shop at the bookstore, or board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad from the center.
The Boston Store next door offers souvenirs and food.
Lock 29 Trailhead - Visitors can park at the Lock 29 Trailhead to explore the Peninsula on foot.
The area features the National Park’s Trail Mix store, as well as local restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, and more.
Lock 29 is the only canal lock that visitors can walk into, and it also serves as a parking area for boarding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Ledges Trailhead - The Ledges Trail is the most highly recommended trail on the tour.
This easy, 2-mile loop trail circles the base of a plateau, showcasing rocky ledges, crevasses, caves, and overhangs. The rocks here are up to 400 million years old!
Kendall Lake - Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, Kendall Lake is a favorite spot for birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts.
Great Blue Heron Viewing Area - From Valentine’s Day to Independence Day, this area is popular for spotting Great Blue Herons nesting nearby.
Hale Farm & Village - The Hale Farm & Village is a living history museum where visitors can interact with volunteers in period attire and explore 32 historical structures.
Beaver Marsh - Beaver Marsh is a wetland created by beavers who dammed a section of the old canal.
Remarkably, this wetland was once an auto salvage yard in the 1970s.
Volunteers from a local Sierra Club branch cleaned it up in the 80s, and nature took care of the rest.
Hunt House Visitor Center - The Hunt House offers child-friendly nature exhibits and information about nearby attractions.
It serves as a resting place for those hiking the Towpath Trail, and a popular farm market is open next door during the summer and fall.
Everett Covered Bridge - Originally built in the 1800s, the Everett Covered Bridge is the last surviving covered bridge in Summit County.
After being damaged by floods, it was rebuilt in 1986.
Some say the bridge is haunted by the ghost of a farmer who drowned while trying to cross the creek.
Oak Hill Trailhead - The Oak Hill Trail is a flat, easy-loop trail that circles Sylvan Pond. Even in summer, visitors might find themselves alone on this trail.
Tree Farm Trail - Named for its past as a tree farm, the Tree Farm Trail still boasts many evergreen trees.
Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park - The final stop on the tour, located just below the town of Peninsula, offers at least two notable features.
First, there’s Lock 28, known as Deep Lock, the deepest lock on the Ohio and Erie Canal at 17 feet.
Second, there’s an old sandstone quarry. Berea Sandstone from this quarry was used to make millstones and construct parts of the canal.
Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps used this quarry to build local structures.
Indiana Dunes National Park
- Tours never expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips, and music
- Audio narration plays automatically as you drive
- Tours never expire
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips, and music
- Audio narration plays automatically as you drive
- Private transportation
- Meals and refreshment
- Parking Fees
- Entrance Fees
- Private transportation
- Meals and refreshment
- Parking Fees
- Entrance Fees
Experience the stunning landscapes of the Midwest with our Cuyahoga Valley and Indiana Dunes Audio Tour Bundle! Explore the verdant forests, picturesque waterfalls, and historic canals of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as our guides share fascinating tales about its history and wildlife. Next, visit Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can stroll…
Experience the stunning landscapes of the Midwest with our Cuyahoga Valley and Indiana Dunes Audio Tour Bundle! Explore the verdant forests, picturesque waterfalls, and historic canals of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as our guides share fascinating tales about its history and wildlife. Next, visit Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can stroll along sandy beaches, majestic dunes, and diverse ecosystems by Lake Michigan. Discover the unique geology and conservation initiatives in both parks. Ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers, this bundle offers a rewarding journey through two of the Midwest’s most breathtaking parks. Just download, plug in your headphones, and embark on the adventure!
Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours
- Cuyahoga Valley Optional Starting Points: • Interstate 77 North & South • Interstate 480 East & West
- Indiana Dunes Optional Starting Points: • I-94 West, next to the town of New Buffalo • 80/90 West, near Sherwood Forest Paintball • US 421 North, near the Bed & Biscuit Pet Resort
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.