How to Quest

Quest clues and maps—created by 

teachers, volunteers, and/or park 

staff—will help you discover the 

natural and cultural gems of the 

Ohio & Erie Canalway. At the end 

of each quest is a hidden treasure 

box. Sign your name in the logbook, 

stamp this page, and return the box 

to its hiding place.

The questing season runs from 

April 15 through November 15.

Notice a problem or have 

suggestions for improving this 

quest? Contact Arrye Rosser at 

440-546-5992 or arrye_rosser@nps.gov.

About This Program

I’m Arrye Rosser, interpretive and education specialist at Cuyahoga 

Valley National Park. I’d like to thank everyone who helped fulfill my 

dream of bringing questing to Ohio. This project was made possible 

by the generous support of a 2010 Parks as Classrooms grant from the 

National Park Service and is a partnership between many organizations.

So far, more than 70 teachers, volunteers, and park staff have been 

involved in writing and field testing our initial series of Canalway 

Quests. Our plan is to create many more in the years ahead. If you 

would like to volunteer, contact me at 440-546-5992 or 

arrye_rosser@nps.gov.

Special thanks to Emily Bryant and Steven Glazer.

The Ohio & Erie Canalway celebrates the rails, trails, landscapes, 

towns, and sites that grew up along the first 110 miles of the canal 

that helped Ohio and our nation grow. 

For more information and to get copies of other quests, 

visit www.nps.gov/cuva and search for keyword “questing.”

Looking east on Main Street, circa 1915. NPS COLLECTION

Canalway Quest

Pondering Peninsula Quest

Ponder the past as you stroll around this 

historic village.

Stamp here 

This quest was written by Kelly Goodpasture and John Dombrosky, 

both Akron Public School teachers.

To the end of our quest you have almost come.

We hope you are still having lots of fun.

Turn back toward town to finish this link,

Passing the Lizard that offers plenty to drink.

Return to a place you have been before:

The steps leading to the red art gallery’s door.

Left, follow the stones in a winding line.

Take an immediate right down the paved decline.

A dead end? Not quite! Look left for the prize—

Inside a red pottery ring and under a stone guise.

When you find the treasure, use some stealth.

Log in, make stamps, put it back, share the wealth!

Find a relaxing spot to sit. Is it time to dine? 

As you grab a bite, fill in our time line.

Clues Continued...
Pause in a safe spot with the river at your back.

See the original peninsula where tree cover lacks? 

In 1880, to avoid building trestles, the Valley Railway 

Changed the Cuyahoga’s route to what you see today.

On July 4, 1827, the Ohio & Erie Canal opened from 

Cleveland to Akron.

As you make your descent into the past,

Consider why the canal was not built to last— 

Destroyed by the Great Flood of 1913, 

Whose water’s force had never been seen.

Cross the parking lot to the trailhead,

Past the wooden stairs, into the lock instead.

As you enter Lock 29, mason’s marks abound—

Carved in the stone, now waiting to be found.

Some blocks came from nearby Deep Lock Quarry, 

a major sandstone supplier by the 1830s.

Turn and go back from whence you came.

Does the scenery appear different or the same?

Back over the train tracks and to the right

Until you have the red “art house” in sight.

This was originally the Bigelow Supply Company, 

established in the early 1900s.

If the door is open, go in and say hello.

The potter is a very nice fellow.

Now go back outside and left down the road

Until you see STOP—still in adventure mode?

Past the sign, turn right toward the steeple.

Methodist Episcopal can house many people. 

Now is not the time to be caught in a fight—

Police are across from the church so white.

The town hall also served as the schoolhouse when it was 

built in 1857.

Right toward the WEST 303 sign—cross at the light.

Can you still find Dolly hiding at the Emporium, right?

Peeking from the window, she’s quite the snake, 

Like the Peninsula Python that caused many to shake.

In summer 1944, many tried to capture this mysterious 

creature with no success.

Pass the old Peninsula Nite Club, still full of tunes,

And beyond the bike shop, once Garvey’s Saloon. 

Trek onto the roadway bridge with sides of green.

Pause before heading uphill to a change of scene.

Four transportation arteries that brought Peninsula trade 

are the river, canal, railroad, and road.

Some things to look for as you move hence:

A red pump, quarry stone, and an iron fence. 

What’s your favorite building along Main Street? 

The historic architecture is quite a treat!

The Trading Company was Beers’ General Store.

Under the parking lot ran a tunnel of yore. 

Did the Beers Brothers help hide slaves running away—

Or is this just something that people say? 

As you travel along to the top of the hill,

Look right to see where high schoolers got their fill. 

Straight across the street, another building of blue—

G.A.R. Hall was once used for students, too!

The former schoolhouse dates to circa 1850 and the 

former high school to 1887.

Planning Ahead

This treasure hunt takes about 50 minutes. Most surfaces are paved, 

but there is a hill. The village can be congested with vehicles, bikes, 

and pedestrians on the weekends. A hat and/or sunglasses are 

recommended. You will need a pen or pencil to sign the logbook. Some 

people prefer using their own signature stamp and ink pad or marker. 

If you want to extend your Peninsula visit, allow extra time. Go to

www.explorepeninsula.com for information about art galleries, 

restaurants, shops, and special events.

Getting There

Start outside the Peninsula Depot Visitor Center, 1630 Mill Street, 

off Akron Peninsula Road, north of SR 303, Peninsula, Ohio 44264. 

We suggest parking at the Lock 29 Trailhead, just past the depot and 

across the railroad tracks. Overflow parking is available just north of 

this lot. Visitor center hours vary seasonally; check www.nps.gov/cuva 

for details. This quest is entirely outside; indoor stops are optional.

Clues

To ensure that you enjoy this Peninsula hike,

Please be careful of car traffic and bikes!

Start outside the depot, also a visitor center.

If you need assistance, feel free to enter.

In 1967 the Boston depot was relocated here 

for its preservation.

Let’s begin, now is as good a time as any.

During this quest, you’ll solve clues a-many.

Turn so that you face the river’s flow.

Doesn’t the Cuyahoga put on a good show?

Across the river are the remains of the Moody and 

Thomas Mill, which burned down in 1931. 

Walk in the direction that the water streaks,

Cross the tracks and stop to take a peek. 

Walk past the red building with white—

Left on the path to trailhead parking lot in sight.