Scenic train rides are a great family-friendly activity—especially during the fall months! These are our picks (they’re all within three hours of Syracuse):
1. Adirondack Railroad
The first option on our list also happens to be the closest (the Adirondack Railroad connects Central New York and the northern Adirondacks). From the Utica station, you can book roundtrip rides to Old Forge and Tupper Lake—or you can journey from Holland Patent to Remsen on the Halloween train.
Where: 321 Main St., Utica.
More information: adirondackrr.com.
2. Buffalo Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway
Looking for an option near Buffalo? Consider Hamburg, home of the Buffalo, Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway. Children will especially enjoy their Halloween and Santa Express train rides.
Where: 4 Scott St., Hamburg.
More information: bcjrailroad.com.
3. Catskill Mountain Railroad
If you’re in the mood for an adventure, head downstate to Kingston. There, you can explore the Catskills and take in the fall foliage aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad. The Pumpkin Express adds a fun twist: you can choose a pumpkin to take with you!
Where: 55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston.
More information: catskillmountainrailroad.com.
4. Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
The Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad began service in 1869 and is now a popular tourist attraction. For some seasonal fun, we recommend the Fall Foliage Excursions, the Pumpkin Patch Special, or the Trick-or-Treat Express. You can also pedal along the same tracks with Rail Explorers (each vehicle can fit a group of two or four).
Where: 136 E. Main St., Milford.
More information: lrhs.com.
5. Medina Railroad Museum
Located about halfway between Rochester and Buffalo, the Medina Railroad Museum houses what it calls “one of the largest model-train layouts in the country.” Visitors can ride in train cars from 1947 to 1957, too (upcoming excursions include Autumn Adventure and THE POLAR EXPRESS™).
Where: 530 West Ave., Medina.
More information: medinarailroadmuseum.org.
6. New York Museum of Transportation
The New York Museum of Transportation doesn’t quite fit with the other places on this list—it has trolley cars from the 1920s instead! Plus, if you visit on Oct. 6, 13, or 27, you’ll get a fall foliage ride with your admission ticket.
Where: 6393 E. River Road, West Henrietta.
More information: nymtmuseum.org.
7. Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Just up the road is the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Hailed by its website as the “largest operating railroad museum in New York State,” it offers rides on restored vintage trains. During the last three weekends of October, they even stop at a pumpkin patch!
Where: 282 Rush Scottsville Road, Rush.
More information: rochestertrainrides.com.
8. Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway
Rounding out our list is the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway. A short drive north of Saratoga Springs, it operates themed train rides throughout the year, like the Pizza Express, the Sunday Funday Sundae Train, the Candy Cane Express, and, during the fall, the Pumpkin Picker and the Autumn Explorer.
Where: 9 Railroad Place, Corinth.
More information: corinthtrain.com.
