Experience the allure of train travel from when journeys were as much about the ride as the destination onboard a heritage train or trolley. Listen to the rhythmic chugga-chuggas and whistling choo-choos while you relax and enjoy the scenic rural landscape passing by on a Rochester-area train ride.
If you want to relive the transportation of yesteryears, there are four heritage train museums around Rochester offering a unique and immersive experience. Each museum takes you back in time to witness the evolution of rail transportation through the ages, from early steam engines to modern electric trains. You will get to ride on some of the well-preserved vintage trains that were once the backbone of the transportation industry. These museums are perfect for train enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a fun and educational experience.
All aboard for a day trip down memory lane!
Monroe County
New York Museum of Transportation
Rush
Explore NYMT’s vast collection of train and trolley cars, buses, signs, photos, model railroad displays, and two Midtown Plaza monorail cars. During special events, enjoy a scenic two-mile round-trip ride on a 90-year-old electric trolley car—the only trolley ride in New York State. Admission fee. 6393 E. River Road, Rush, (585) 533-1113, nymtmuseum.org
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New York Museum of Transportation
Enjoy a scenic two-mile round-trip ride on a 90-year-old electric trolley car at the New York Museum of Transportation.
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Rush
Dedicated RGV volunteers are expanding, restoring, and preserving New York’s most extensive collection of historic railway equipment. Visit the restored 1930s Industry Depot to purchase a ticket and hop aboard a train departing every 30 minutes. You can sit back and relax or grab a spot at the back of the caboose for an open-air view. Enjoy a 1.5-mile round-trip ride to the restoration shop as often as you desire. Admission fee. 282 Rush Scottsville Road, Rush, (585) 533-1431, rgvrrm.org
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Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Spend a day riding the train during special events from May to October at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.
Greater Rochester
Arcade & Attica Railroad
Arcade
The steam train excursion lasts two and a half hours, including a 45-minute ride to Curriers Station, a 30-minute break to explore the yard and have lunch, and a 45-minute return to the depot. Enjoy the scenic countryside from your assigned seat or the open-air car. From June to December, the train offers themed events such as Murder Mystery, Great Train Robbery, Father’s Day, Civil War, World War II, Superhero, Haunted Halloween, and Santa’s Wonderland Express. Admission fee. 278 Main Street, Arcade, Wyoming County, (585) 492-3100, aarailroad.com
Medina Railroad Museum & Train Rides
Medina
Housed in one of America’s largest surviving wooden freight depots, the museum contains one of New York State’s most extensive HO-scale model train layouts and a vast collection of freight-related artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy a train ride during special events such as Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine, Autumn Adventure, and Polar Express. Admission fee. 530 West Avenue, Medina, Orleans County, (585) 798-6106, medinarailroadmuseum.org
More Train-Themed Day Trips
Edgerton Model Railroad Room
You’ll love visiting the detailed model railroad room if you’re a fan of transportation heritage and Rochester history. Each of the four season-themed layouts showcases a different story from the 1950s, featuring operating model trains touring throughout the scene. You can explore the intricate details of each display during open house tours held on the last Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during special hours throughout December. 41 Backus Street, (585) 428-6769, edgertonmodelrailroadclub.com
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Rochester’s railfans can appreciate the remarkable structures preserved by dedicated preservationists who recognize their value.
Transformative Travel Destinations
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes, Genesee River, Erie Canal, and Finger Lakes on one of these Rochester-area boat tours.
Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
Experience the beauty, history, and community of the Erie Canal through activities that offer a unique perspective of life along the canal.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each canal town along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River, with Rochester at the heart.
Which are your favorite heritage train rides around Rochester?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
Not having the opportunity to take modern day trips around Rochester, I can only relate my train experience going to Rochester in December 1959.
We moved from Brighton to Short Hills, New Jersey . I missed my friends so after Christmas I made the train trip to Rochester on New York Central train from Grand Central Station in NYC. What a fun trip it was at the ripe old age of 17. Thank you New York Central!!
Jean, thank you for sharing your treasured memory of riding the train! I, too, cherish memories of riding a heritage train in Essex, Connecticut, with my grandparents and taking Amtrak to NYC for my daughter’s 16th birthday.