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 experience the transportation of yesteryears, there are five heritage train museums and excursions around Rochester offering a closer look at rail travel through the ages, from early steam engines and electric trolleys to restored mid-century passenger cars. Explore historic railway equipment, learn how trains shaped the region, and ride the rails through the countryside.
All aboard for a day trip down memory lane!
Monroe County
New York Museum of Transportation
Rush
Explore the New York Museum of Transportation‘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
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Rush
Dedicated Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum 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
Greater Rochester
Arcade & Attica Railroad
Arcade
The Arcade & Attica Railroad 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
Finger Lakes Rail Experience
Waterloo
The Finger Lakes Rail Experience offers seasonal excursions aboard restored passenger cars from the 1940s and 1950s, operating on Finger Lakes Railway tracks. Every trip crosses the Cayuga Lake Causeway, the only railroad bridge spanning one of the Finger Lakes.
The schedule includes all-ages scenic rides, 21-and-over wine and evening trains, and fall, Halloween, and Christmas excursions. Seating ranges from deluxe coach to premium and first-class accommodations.
Because the historic cars have narrow hallways, small restrooms, and tight spaces, the trains are not wheelchair accessible. Reservations and admission fee. Check the schedule before traveling, as excursions and departure times vary. 210 West Williams Street, Waterloo, Seneca County, (315) 878-2768, flxrailexperience.com
Medina Railroad Museum & Train Rides
Medina
Housed in one of America’s largest surviving wooden freight depots, the Medina Railroad 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 Edgerton 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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Which are your favorite heritage train rides around Rochester?
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See you out there!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
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.
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!!