Quite a few folks were riding the rails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park last year. Records show that the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad had record ridership of 210,347 passengers during 2012.

That number is up from 160,009 passengers in 2011, the year the railroad was closed due to necessary track repairs, and 195,662 passengers in 2010.

CVSR operates trains all months of the year, with a varying schedule and numerous special events. Scenic Excursions are offered all year long and run between the Rockside Station in Independence and the Akron Northside Station.

During the summer months, service between Akron and Canton is also available. Special events offered include beer and wine-tasting excursions, Bike Aboard!, Day Out With Thomas™, Underground Railroad, Student Explorer Educational Field trips, and the popular The Polar Express™, which alone accounted for 38,305 of the passengers.

"We are very pleased with the support CVSR received from the community in 2012. Service for 2013 has resumed and we are working hard now to plan even more fun events this year, including a new Membership program," said Craig Tallman, president and CEO of the railroad.

The next big event on the railroad's busy schedule is Day Out With Thomas™, coming the last two weekends in May. Tickets go on sale the first week of February.