Visiting Szalay’s Farm and Market in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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Szalay’s Farm and Market is one of my favorite places to visit in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s quite a unique farm since it’s positioned within a national park. Because of its location, right next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Towpath trail, many visitors ride their bikes to the farm to spend the afternoon relaxing, eating and mingling with friends. You can always expect a big crowd and a lot of fun! With live music, a market, a weekend eatery, and so much more it’s no wonder it’s a fan favorite, not just for locals but also visitors exploring the national park.

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History

Szalay’s Farm and Market began as a vegetable farm in 1931. Generation after generation has made updates as well as added unique touches to the farm. Today its specialty is sweet corn, which they pick and sell right along Riverview Road from June to October. Corn has actually been growing in the Cuyahoga Valley for almost 1,500 years! You’ll also find an old-fashion market where you can pick up fruits, vegetables, flowers, snacks, and local handmade treats.

Insider Tip: Szalay’s Farm and Market is dog friendly. Pack the pooch and head to the farm.

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Weekend Eatery

One of the best reasons to visit Szalay’s Farm and Market is the Weekend Eatery. From June to October 31st, every weekend you can spend some quality time down on the farm letting your mouth water over the delicious, fresh, sweet corn. You can also select from fresh fruit, ice cream sundaes, salmon and turkey burgers, fresh squeezed lemonade, and deli dogs. Sit back, fill your belly, and enjoy the live music. Dates and hours here!

Insider Tip: The Weekend Eatery currently only takes cash. But there is an ATM on site if you forget your cash.

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Szalay’s Farm in the Fall

In the Fall, Szalay’s Farm and Market transform into a pumpkin galore. Stocked with gourds, corn stalks, pumpkins, fresh pressed cider, home-grown apples, maple syrup, and straw barrels the farm gets fully into the autumn spirit. This is also the prime time to select your pumpkin for carving! I mean they have literally 100’s to choose from! Families also enjoy the three-acre corn maze, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Dates and hours here!

Insider Tip: Little apprehensive about the maze? Don’t worry you will be provided with a map of the maze if you’d like!

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Hiking and Biking to Szalay’s Farm and Market

Because of the prime location next to the CVNP Towpath Trail, a lot of people hike and/or bike the area around Szalay’s Farm and Market. Here are a few options for your next hike or bike!

Hiking: Hunt House/Szalay’s Farm and Market to the Beaver Marsh on the Towpath Trail

This hike starts at the historical Hunt House. Check out the house and exhibits that tell the story of what it was like growing up in Cuyahoga Valley in the 1920s. Starting here also means an easy trip to Szalay’s Farm and Market. You can check out the route on AllTrails. Once you’ve explored the Hunt House exhibits and checked out Szalay’s, it’s time to head to the Beaver Marsh on your 3.0 mile out and back dog friendly hike. The Beaver Marsh is a popular spot to soak up nature and peek some of the wildlife in the park. Here, you might see birds, turtles, frogs, and various types of flowers. This is one of my favorite locations to view wildlife. I especially enjoy birdwatching around the Beaver Marsh. Stay a while, no rush, enjoy nature, and submerse yourself in everything the Beaver Marsh has to offer.

Biking: Peninsula to the Hunt House/Szalay’s Farm and Market

This is another longer option, 6 miles out and back. If you don’t have a bike, you can easily rent one in Peninsula at Valley Bike Rental. This bike ride will take you from the historical canal village of Peninsula to Szalay’s and the Hunt House. Peninsula was established in 1824, and this small village became popular with canal workers and travelers. At its peak, it featured 14 bars and five hotels. Today, you can observe well-preserved buildings, thanks to the Peninsula Valley Heritage Association. Check out the Trail Mix store for your CVNP souvenirs before you end out on your ride to Szalay’s. Check out more information on this section of the Towpath Trail from the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Insider Tip: If you go on the weekdays and the eatery isn’t open, check out the market. Serving fresh produce, jams, chips, crackers, snacks, popcorn, and more. I guarantee you’ll find something to take home in your belly!

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Enjoy the Rest of CVNP

• CVNP is incredibly dog-friendly, check out the best dog friendly activities in the park
• Make sure to get hiking and biking information at the Boston Mill Visitor Center.
• Headed to CVNP in the spring? Track the wildflowers.
• If you’re looking for a unique stay, check out Valley Overlook.
• The best hikes in the park.

Down on the Farm. Adventure awaits!