THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 12:43:21 PM Eastern
The following parking lots will be closed for short periods for maintenance work: Frazee House & Jaite/Headquarters (10/5-6), East Rim Trailhead & Ira Trailhead (10/6-7), Canal Exploration Center (10/7-8), Station Road Bridge Trailhead (10/13-15), Lock 39 Trailhead (10/15-16). Scheduled dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.
Official NPS sourceClosed from Boston Trailhead to Lock 29, August 24–November 20, 2026 and March 29–April 21, 2027.
Official NPS sourceStairs are the only access for all three floors of the museum exhibits. Call the visitor center if you need assistance.
Official NPS sourceParking lots and popular destinations are crowded especially on weekends and days with warm weather between 10 am and 3 pm.
Official NPS sourceAs of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the East Rim Trail System remains open. For more information, visit the website linked below. In good conditions the mountain bike trails are open 6 am-11 pm for bikers and as posted for other trail users. In wet or hazardous conditions, the trail will close to all users to prevent damage. Be flexible; conditions may change throughout the day.
Official NPS sourcePlease visit the Guided Tours of the Taft Family Home page to review the tour times available for visitors on weekend day visits.
Official NPS sourceDo not leave valuables in your car. As a last resort, lock items in your trunk before arriving. Thieves target parking lots and break-ins can occur.
Official NPS sourceTrail closures are reported to the North Country Trail Association. Go to their Trail Alerts page for the latest information.
Official NPS source
The Miami Conservancy District and the National Park Service present a special tour of Huffman Dam with a Wright "B" Flyover.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service announces the selection of Vance Noles as the new superintendent of William Howard Taft National Historic Site. He currently serves as chief ranger at Richmond National Battlefield Park and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, Virginia, and will take on his new role this fall.
Official NPS source
Cuyahoga Valley National Park will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Boston Trailhead and Lock 29 in Peninsula from August 24 to November 20. The park anticipates re-opening the section between Lock 29 and the railroad tunnel, about 0.75 mile north of Peninsula, by early September. The rest of the section will remain closed for the duration of the project.
Official NPS source
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is hosting a volunteer open house on Saturday, February 28 at Happy Days Lodge in Peninsula. Attendees can find out more about various volunteer opportunities.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires at four locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, when conditions allow, between October 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. NPS will burn a total area of approximately 198 acres.
Official NPS source
On July 10, 2025 Cuyahoga Valley National Park opened a new access location along the Cuyahoga River, in partnership with Summit Metro Parks.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service recently awarded a contract to restore the upper plaza at Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. This significant investment from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund will address critical infrastructure and safety needs and improve the visitor experience.
Official NPS source
Cuyahoga Valley National Park will temporarily close the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between Red Lock Trailhead and Brandywine Creek from Monday, March 3, to Friday, May 2, 2025.
Official NPS source
James A. Garfield National Historic Site has scheduled its annual Presidents’ Day (also known as Washington’s Birthday) event for Monday, February 17, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Official NPS sourceThe historic home and museum at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument will resume its regular operating hours on Friday, January 31, 2025. Operations will run five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Official NPS sourceOn Saturday, December 21, 2024, a Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad train derailed near Peninsula. Three cars came off the tracks but remained upright. There were no injuries reported among the 588 passengers and crew members on board. The incident is under investigation.
Official NPS source
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and the University of Dayton Department of Music are proud to present “A Dunbar Christmas” at the Paul Laurence Dunbar House and Visitor Center.
Official NPS source
James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor is pleased to announce a special holiday-themed program Saturday, December 7. “A Winter Evening at Lawnfield” will be held in the site’s Visitor Center auditorium.
Official NPS source
The historic home and museum at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument will shift to winter hours closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting November 8, 2024. The home and museum will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday. The museum includes exhibits on the life and legacy of Brigadier General Charles Young, the third African American graduate of West Point and the highest-ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army until his death in 1922, and the Buffalo Soldiers from 1866 through the Korean War.
Official NPS sourceWright Dunbar Interpretive Center will adjust days of operation to a Wednesday - Sunday schedule while staff are supporting recovery and relief efforts as a result of the catastrophic impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Official NPS source
Starting November 1, 2024 winter hours at First Ladies National Historic Site begin. The site will be open Thursday – Saturday 9 am – 4 pm from November 1st through April 30. Click here to learn more.
Official NPS source
During the summer of 2024 Perry’s Victory and International Memorial saw the completion of the project to rehabilitate and rebuild the aging seawall that protects the Memorial. Construction work begin back in April of 2022 and concluded in July of 2024.
Official NPS source
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park will host an event at the Huffman Prairie to commemorate the International Air Races and aviation history in Dayton.
Official NPS sourceJoin us for a yoga hike with Kim Scott Sowinski, 500 RYT, in Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Power down and connect with nature while using all your senses: smelling the forest, seeing the textures and colors, feeling the breeze, listening to the birds, tasting the air while stopping to practice yoga postures (asana) and learning breath practices (pranayama) during your moderately paced hike. Lower your stress. Clear your mind. Increase creativity and cognitive function. Ideal for those ages 14 and older, yoga hikes are inclusive of all fitness and yoga abilities. This event is part of the Nature Rx program. For more details on the program, please visit www.forcvnp.org/naturerx . Additional Information What to wear/bring: Please bring a yoga mat. Wear closed-toed, sturdy shoes (such as hiking shoes or boots) that you do not mind getting dirty if conditions are muddy. Weather: This is a rain or shine event, so please dress accordingly so that you are comfortable. Cancellation Policy: In the case of severe weather (lightning, hail, storms, etc.) or unforeseen circumstances (staffing, park closures, etc.), we will cancel or postpone. Participants will be notified of any event changes via email as soon as possible.
Official NPS sourceHave you ever wondered about the research that supports our Nature Rx events? Then join the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park to learn about what inspires our Nature Rx programming! Dr. Saira Ismail, family physician and Nature Rx Advisor, will share some of the most recent studies behind time in nature. What is it about time in nature or green spaces that effect our wellbeing? Why do you feel better after spending time outdoors? What causes your heart rate to lower? Find out the answers to these questions (and more)! About Dr. Saira Ismail: Dr. Ismail is a board-certified family physician with over 30 years of clinical experience. She is a graduate of NEOMED and spent her career in NEO. She was in private practice for over 25 years and is also the past medical director of NEOMED’s Free Clinic where she continues to mentor medical students and provides medical services for the under and uninsured patients. During her career she has learned how the natural environment impacts health and is enthusiastic about sharing her experience and knowledge with the Conservancy through the Nature Rx program. This program is part of the Nature Rx program. For more details on the program, please visit www.forcvnp.org/naturerx . Additional Event Details Parking/Directions: Parking is available at the Hines Hill Campus, 1403 W Hines Hill Rd, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. We will meet in the event tent. Accessibility Note: The tent is a short distance from the driveway through grass. Restrooms are available in the Conference Center and Stone Cottage but are not fully ADA accessible.
Official NPS sourceJoin expert and novice birders to search for migrating birds at the Beaver Marsh. This 2-mile walk on the firm, flat Towpath trail is wheelchair accessible.
Official NPS sourceEnjoy a morning in the park while delving into some of the stories of Cuyahoga Valley on these ranger-led hikes. This program will explore the Oak Hill area of the park. Learn about the plants and animals that call this area home. Approximately 1.5 miles, on a mostly flat, unpaved trail.
Official NPS sourceThe Peninsula Foundation presents Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Held in the historic G.A.R Hall, Voices in the Valley celebrates roots music from local, national and international touring artists. Kick back, relax and join in for unforgettable performances! October 22 - Larry & Joe
Official NPS sourceJoin expert and novice birders to look for late fall migrants and early northern visitors along the firm, flat Towpath Trail.
Official NPS sourceThe Peninsula Foundation presents Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Held in the historic G.A.R Hall, Voices in the Valley celebrates roots music from local, national and international touring artists. Kick back, relax and join in for unforgettable performances! November 21 - Driftwood
Official NPS sourceStep back in time with us for a special candlelight tour of the Saxton House! As you explore the house, you'll discover how newly forming traditions and presidential expectations shaped the holiday season for this tight-knit family over the years. But hurry, tickets are limited. Tours are limited to 12 people per tour and reservations are required. The story of the Saxton and McKinley family involves difficult topics like illness and death; we recommend tour participants are at least 12 years old. Please arrive at least ten minutes before your tour time.
Official NPS sourceNational Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Dakota · Washington · West VirginiaNational Scenic Trail
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers 10,000 years before. Clear-flowing water, red/gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, open prairies, and distant horizons paint the land. Historic sites along the way tell how America settled and grew as a nation. From North Dakota to Vermont, adventure is never far away.
Michigan · Minnesota · New York · North Dakota · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Vermont · WisconsinNational Monument
Throughout his life, Charles Young overcame countless obstacles in his ascent to prominence. In spite of overt racism and stifling inequality, Young rose through the military ranks to become one of the most respected leaders of his time. A well-rounded man with a steadfast devotion to duty, Young led by example and inspired a generation of new leaders.
OhioNational Park
Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
OhioNational Historical Park
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park was established to honor the lives and achievements of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar and aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Through perseverance and dedication Orville, Wilbur and Paul were able to overcome obstacles in their lives and leave their respective marks on history. Start your visit at one of our locations today.
OhioNational Historic Site
First Ladies National Historic Site consists of two properties in downtown Canton, Ohio - the home of First Lady Ida Saxton-McKinley and our Visitor Center. Come learn about how the position of First Lady has evolved over time to include a public role.
OhioNational Historical Park
Nearly 2000 years ago, Native Americans built dozens of monumental mounds and earthen enclosures in southern Ohio. These earthwork complexes were ceremonial landscapes used for feasts, funerals, rituals, and rites of passage associated with a Native American religious movement that swept over half the continent for almost 400 years. Come walk among the earthworks and experience the past.
OhioNational Historic Site
A front porch can serve many purposes. For some, it is a place to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer night. For others, a perch from which to keep eyes on what's happening in their neighborhood. In 1880, James Garfield used his front porch as a platform to greet thousands of well-wishers during his presidential campaign. Today, the porch serves as a gateway to the story of the Garfield family.
OhioMemorial
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. The Memorial, a Doric column, rising 352 feet over Lake Erie is situated 5 miles from the longest undefended border in the world.
OhioNational Historic Site
High atop one of Cincinnati's most prominent hilltops stands the two-story Greek Revival house where William Howard Taft was born and grew up. Hard work, a good education, and an interest in civic duty are attributes that made the Taft family outstanding leaders over the years. The environment that shaped Taft's character and philosophy is highlighted on a visit to the site.
OhioDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory