Volunteers at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum actively acquire, restore, and preserve New York’s most extensive collection of historic railroad equipment. Spend a day riding the train during special events from May through October and exploring their Rochester-centric collection.
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Themed Events at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Each excursion has a different focus and combination of equipment, so it’s a slightly different experience every time. The themes include Rails & Ales, Trains & Trolleys at Twilight, Princess & Superhero, Classic Car Show, Pumpkin Patch, and Real Steam Train Rides.
Erie Railroad Industry Depot
Enter through the restored 1930s depot to purchase your timed train ticket, with departures every half-hour. Once on board, you can ride up to the restoration shop and back to the depot as often as you’d like throughout the day. For an additional $5.00 donation, patrons aged four and up can ride round-trip with the engineer in the locomotive.
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Enjoy a 1.5-mile train ride
To fully experience the train museum, take an hour to ride the train, wander the yard, and explore the exhibits. You can sit and relax or stand at the back of the caboose for an open-air view.
Otto Vondrak, President of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, showed me some of the pieces the museum members and volunteers are most excited about.
40+ pieces of historic railroad equipment in its collection
A passionate group of 200+ volunteers authentically restores everything. Admission to the museum goes directly to the historic preservation of trains on site and the procurement of new equipment.
There are diesel-electric and steam locomotives, cabooses, snowplows, trolleys, signs, switches, signals, and other machines around the property currently undergoing restoration or patiently awaiting their turn.
Rochester Subway Car 60
Rochester Genesee Valley Train Museum is home to the only remaining trolley car from the Rochester Subway, which ceased operation in 1956. It was recently re-acquired, and volunteers are restoring it to its original 1916 condition. The ultimate goal is to have it fully operational to transport passengers through the museum campus.
More information about Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
Visit Rochester Train Rides for ticket information
Located in Rush, roughly 20 minutes / 18 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: rgvrrm.org
Are you a train enthusiast? Become a member or volunteer your time and talent!
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When is your favorite time of year to visit the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
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