All aboard! From historic railroad museums to exciting train shows, get ready to experience all things trains in New York State. Walk through vintage subway cars at the New York Transit Museum, ride through Catskill Mountain views aboard the Delaware & Ulster Railroad, or spend the night in a restored vintage train caboose in Central New York. Don’t miss your stop! Check out this ultimate lineup of attractions and experiences for train lovers to visit across New York State. Photo Credit: @rachelmurray.photography on Instagram.

EXPLORE THIS ARTICLE:

1. Railroad Museums in New York State
2. Explore New York’s Scenic Railroads & Themed Train Rides
3. Dine at New York Restaurants in Former Train Stations or Rail Cars
4. New York State Train Shows and Exhibits
5. Rail Bikes, Train Tours & Unique Experiences in New York State
6. Train-Themed Stays in New York State
7. Rail Trails in New York State

Railroad Museums in New York State

Ready to dive into railroad history? Whether you’re looking to walk through real historic train cars, model train displays, or intriguing exhibits, New York State has it all!

New York Transit Museum (New York City)

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm

Housed in a preserved 1936 subway station, the New York Transit Museum (pictured) in Brooklyn is a must-visit for all transit enthusiasts. The largest museum in the country dedicated to urban public transportation history, you can explore over 20 authentic vintage rolling stock, including subway and elevated cars dating back to as early as 1904!

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum (Finger Lakes)

Location: Rush, NY

Hours: Open during scheduled train rides

The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum is home to one of the largest collections of historic trains and exhibits in the state. As a bonus, you can climb aboard one of the vintage trains for a 1.5-mile round trip ride throughout the grounds.

New York Museum of Transportation (Finger Lakes)

Location: West Henrietta, NY

Hours: Sundays, 11am-4pm

Step back in time as you explore a collection of antique trolley cars, a steam locomotive, operating model railroad, and photographs and artifacts pertaining to local transportation history. Don’t leave without taking a scenic trolley ride!

Oyster Bay Railroad Museum (Long Island)

Location: Oyster Bay, NY

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm-4pm (April-November)

Housed in a station building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, journey through Long Island railroad history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, an operating O gauge model train layout, and witness the area’s most famous commuter, President Theodore Roosevelt, come to life with a free augmented reality app. Head out to the expansive display yard to admire full-size vintage rail cars and experience the thrill of riding a turntable used for turning locomotives.

Medina Railroad Museum (Greater Niagara)

Location: Medina, NY 

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm, Sunday, 12pm-4:30pm

Located in the old New York Central freight depot, the Medina Railroad Museum (pictured) features the largest railroad and toy train display in New York State coming in at 200-feet long, alongside a vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia.

Hopewell Depot Museum (Hudson Valley)

Location: Hopewell Junction, NY 

Hours: Saturday, 10am-1pm

Originally built in 1873, the Hopewell Train Depot was a part of the Hopewell Junction railroad hub, which once was essential to transportation in Dutchess County. Today, you can explore the restored station-turned-museum and check out local artifacts and exhibits.

Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier (Greater Niagara) 

Location: North Tonawanda, NY 

Hours: 11am-2pm on the first Saturday of the month November-May; Saturdays, 11am-4pm April-October; or by appointment

Celebrate the rich heritage of railroading in Western New York at this museum housed in the historic Erie Railroad Freight Depot. Check out the two cabooses and two industrial locomotives on display outside and find wooden train models and electric trains for little train lovers to play with inside.

Railroad Museum of Long Island (Long Island)

Location: Riverhead, NY and Greenport, NY

Hours:  Riverhead location open Saturdays through December 27, 10am-4pm. Greenport location open on weekends, 10:30am-4pm

Celebrate Long Island’s railroad history at this museum’s two locations in Greenport and Riverhead. Explore 20 rail cars and locomotives, railroading artifacts, a real life LIRR locomotive turntable, and a gigantic historic Lionel train layout.

North Creek Depot Museum (Adirondacks)

Location: North Creek, NY 

Hours:  Reopening Memorial Day Weekend 2026

Once the site of the Adirondack/D&H Depot, built in 1872, The North Creek Depot Museum (pictured) is steeped in history. Admire exhibits exploring the Adirondack Railroad’s impact on the region, Theodore Roosevelt’s midnight ride to the Presidency, the history of the Snow Trains, a scale model of “North Creek and the Adirondack Railroad, and more.

Empire State Railway Museum (Catskills)

Location: Phoenicia, NY

Hours: Weekends Memorial Day-Columbus Day, 10am-4pm

Learn about the history of the Catskill Mountain railroads at the Empire State Railway museum. Take curated tours of historic Phoenicia Station, built in 1899, to view the three interior rooms of the building packed with artwork, photographs, artifacts, maps, and more on display.

Roscoe O+W Railway Museum (Catskills)

Location: Roscoe, NY

Hours: Saturday 11am–3pm, Sunday 12pm–3pm Memorial Day-Columbus Day

Nestled along Beaverkill Creek, the Roscoe O+W Railway Museum offers a glimpse into the history of the New York Ontario & Western Railway that ran through Sullivan County more than 60 years ago. The building that houses the museum was originally a stable, automotive dealer and feed store and showcases interactive exhibits, model trains, and more.

Hyde Park Railroad Station Museum (Hudson Valley)

Location: Hyde Park, NY

Hours: Open by appointment only

Step into the golden age of railroading within the 110-year-old former Hyde Park Station. Admire displays like the original waiting room, ticket office, and baggage room, then make your way to the model railroad dioramas, where you can operate a locomotive through a miniature Hudson Valley.

Piermont Historical Society Museum (Hudson Valley)

Location: Piermont, NY 

Hours: Check the website or call ahead before visiting as the museum is only open on select Sundays each month

Dedicated to preserving the history of Piermont’s legacy as a railtown, this museum is found in the community’s train station. Learn about the history of the area and the characters who played a role in how it came to be, and admire exhibits about trains in the Hudson Valley.

Explore New York’s Scenic Railroads and Themed Train Rides

Credit: @rachelmurray.photography on Instagram

One of the coolest ways to unlock stunning views of New York’s mountain peaks, sprawling countrysides, and winding river valleys is aboard a scenic train ride.

Take a ride back in time with the Arcade & Attica Railroad (pictured), home to the last operating steam train excursion in the state, open-air cars, and Murder Mystery train ride. 

The Adirondack Railroad offers themed rides from Utica’s Union Station, Thendara Station in Old Forge, and Tupper Lake Station, taking you through the magnificent beauty of the six million acre Adirondack Park.

In the Hudson Valley, the Catskill Mountain Railroad (pictured) runs up Hurley Mountain from historic Kingston, where river views and mountain vistas are right out your window.

Originally built in 1869, the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad offers an unparalleled journey through the Susquehanna River Valley aboard vintage rail cars and locomotives with themed Fall Foliage, Pumpkin Patch, Santa Claus and Train Robbery themed rides.

The newly-reopened Delaware & Ulster Railroad takes you along the East Branch of the Delaware River from Arkville, showcasing amazing views of the Catskill Mountains and wildlife that inspired Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle.

Dine at New York Restaurants in Former Train Stations or Rail Cars

Credit: @stationbarandcurio on Instagram

Delicious meals are served with a side of history in these restaurants found in former train stations! Originally built in 1900 as a stop along the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, today, Station Bar & Curio (pictured) is a Woodstock staple that serves up New York state spirits, craft beers, and bar bites.

Station 45 American Chophouse calls Binghamton’s historic Lackawanna Train Station home, where they offer a chic, modern vibe and upscale menu with prime beef, fresh seafood and traditional steakhouse fare.

Once a train depot along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, D&R Depot Restaurant in Le Roy takes you back in time with homemade cooking, friendly service, and old-fashioned background music. 

Credit: @roc.beer on Instagram

Little Gull Cafe on Long Island is located in Speonk’s decommissioned LIRR station, where you’ll find an inviting atmosphere and cozy breakfast classics like buttermilk biscuits and sourdough pancakes.

Valhalla Crossing is jam-packed with history; a 1910 B&O caboose and 1896 Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway car are used as dining cars and the original Valhalla train station building along with its huge A-frame ceiling and wide-planked floors is the current bar. Stop by for tasty burgers, huge fresh salads, and a variety of sandwiches and wraps.

Modern on the Rails is found in a former Metro North station and serves up Italian American fare. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, The Silo Caboose in Lewiston serves up ice cream in a former Canadian National Railroad caboose.

While not a former station, the second floor patio at the Genesee Brew House (pictured) in Rochester does offer a unique view, where you might spot a train going over High Falls!

And of course, you can find some of New York City’s most iconic eats at Moynihan Train Hall, home to H&H Bagels, Magnolia Bakery, and Jacob’s Pickles just to name a few, and Grand Central Terminal, where you can dig in at the Grand Central Oyster Bar, Veselka, Doughnut Plant and more.

New York State Train Shows and Exhibits

Photo Credit: Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc.

Whether you’re a longtime train enthusiast, in the market for a new hobby, or just looking for good old fashioned fun, here’s a sampling of some of the upcoming train shows and exhibits for you to choo-choo-choose from in New York State.

Model Train Exhibit at the Roberson Museum (Central New York)

Dates: Ongoing

The Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghamton is celebrating the grand reopening of its beloved model train exhibit. The region’s largest public model train display, now TRIPLE its original size, is on exhibit at its new home in the Heritage Gallery and depicts the landscapes and railways of 1950s Binghamton, Johnson City, Owego, Endicott and parts of Northern Pennsylvania. 

The Great NYS Model Train Show (Finger Lakes)

Dates: November 1-2, 2025

Billed as the oldest and largest model train show and sale in New York State, this event features more than 25 operating train layouts, 300 vendor tables and a miniature children’s train ride at the NYS Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

Hudson Valley Train Show (Hudson Valley)

Dates: November 9, 2025

Held at the MJN Convention Center, enjoy a fun day of model trains and vendors, a kids’ ride-on railroad, fully operating model train layouts, food and more. The event will celebrate the Hyde Park Station Museum.

Grand Central Holiday Train Show (New York City) 

Dates: Opens November 13

Capture the magic of the holidays at the New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery & Store Holiday Train Show. The whimsical display features Metro-North trains, the Polar Express, and vintage subway sets traveling from a mini Grand Central Terminal, winding past New York landmarks on the way to the North Pole.

Credit: @eulises74 on Instagram

Holiday Train Show at the NYBG (New York City)

Dates: November 15, 2025-January 11, 2026

The timeless magic of rail travel fills the New York Botanical Garden (pictured) with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas to life. Make this beloved event a part of your holiday tradition 

Great Train Extravaganza (Capital-Saratoga)

Dates: December 7, 2025

Eastern New York’s largest model railroad and toy train hobby show. Held every year at the Coming to Albany’s Empire State Convention Center on December 7, this beloved model railroad and toy train hobby show features new and used trains for sale, exhibitors showing off pieces of railroad history and artifacts, and several operating model railroads in N,HO, and O gauges, LEGO, and larger. 

Keep an eye on the calendar for more train shows in New York including the Greenberg’s Great Train & Toy Show happening in March at the Dome Arena in Henrietta, the historic train exhibit during the Great New York State Fair in August, and the Thousand Islands Model Train Fair coming to Cerow Recreation Park Arena in September.

Rail Bikes, Train Tours and Unique Experiences in New York State

Credit: @behindthescenesnyc on Instagram

Level up your rail experiences with a rail biking adventure, intriguing tour, vintage train excursion, and more. 

Rail Explorers USA (Catskills and Central New York)

Experience the magic of the railroad aboard your own pedal-powered rail explorer (pictured)! With two New York State locations and pedal bikes with electric-assisted motors, Rail Explorers USA offers fun for all ages and activity levels. The Cooperstown division will lead you on the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad alongside the Susquehanna River and sprawling countryside, while the Catskills division will take you through mountain views on the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad.

Revolution Rail Biking (Adirondacks)

Pedal your way through stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains on a six-mile round trip ride with Revolution Rail Biking. Explore the historic railroad tracks that were once part of the Adirondack Branch of the D&H Railroad which brought summer visitors and in the 1930s winter ski trains from New York City and Schenectady.

NYC Underground Subway Tour (NYC)

Learn about the world’s largest subway system on a guided subway walking tour with Untapped New York! Explore underground where you’ll dive into the origins of the NYC subway system through archival photos, discover the remnants of forgotten stations like Chambers Street, which was once known as the “Grand Central of Downtown.”

Credit: @chief.jakobe on Instagram

Grand Central Terminal Tour (NYC)

Embark on a journey through Grand Central Terminal’s 150+ year history on an Official Grand Central Terminal Tour. Your guide will lead you on a 90-minute tour where you’ll get to admire architectural wonders, uncover hidden gems, and more. 

Pomeroy Family Railroad in Taconic State Park (Hudson Valley)

Did you know that there’s a full-scale railroad in Taconic State Park? This family-friendly train ride runs on a 950-foot loop throughout the park and was built to replicate the narrow-gauge railroad that once transported iron ore from the nearby mine, now known as the Ore Pit Swimming Area. Open Saturdays and Sundays 2pm to 4pm, from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October. 

Moodna Viaduct (Hudson Valley)

At 3,200 feet long, the Moodna Viaduct is one of the longest and highest railroad trestles east of the Mississippi River! A view of this scenic structure, featured in the film “Michael Clayton” starring George Clooney, can be seen from nearby hiking trails at Schunnemunk State Park or take Metro-North’s Port Jervis line out of Penn Station to ride over it yourself. 

Nostalgia Train Rides with the New York Transit Museum (NYC)

Experience transit history firsthand with a ride on one of the New York Transit Museum’s vintage trains. Offered at select times throughout the year, you’ll get to experience these historic trains as New Yorkers did decades ago, complete with original seats, old handholds and leather straps, and vintage advertisements. 

Hudson River Rail Excursions (NYC and Capital-Saratoga)

Ride into history aboard a beautifully-restored 1940s railroad car from the long-lost New York Central Railroad with Hudson River Rail Excursions. Originating in New York City, experience one of the 7.5-hour day trips, where you’ll journey along the Hudson River towards Albany in one of the three historic railroad cars. Stewards in period-accurate attire are on hand to serve guests and the trip is lightly-narrated. Two and five day overnight excursions from New York City to Chicago are also available. Note: Hudson River Rail Excursions’ trips are on hiatus at this time due to Amtrak construction.

Train-Themed Stays in New York State

All aboard for your dream stay! Tucked away on 50 acres of farmland in Canojahorie, you can settle in at a restored vintage train caboose and adjoining train station that hosts up to six guests. You’ll enjoy mountain views, friendly farm animals, modern amenities and convenient access to the Secret Caverns, Fenimore Farm and Country Village, and other local attractions.

In nearby Cooperstown, The Railroad Inn (pictured) offers 22 railroad-themed rooms and suites, located just a 15-minute walk to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In Accord, a 1902 train depot from the New York, Ontario & Western Railway has been reimagined with a modern design and historic touches that pay homage to its storied past. Train enthusiasts will love the original ticket window and waiting room benches, sleeping car-inspired bunk room, and 1940 caboose resting on 100 feet of track, complete with a breakfast nook, napping area and photo booth.

Walk, bike, roll, or ride the scenic routes of former railroads. The 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail runs from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, following the path of the historic New York Central Railroad. It’s open year-round and can even be enjoyed by cross-country skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts in winter.

On the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, part of the Empire State Trail, discover beautiful Hudson Valley views from New Paltz to Kingston on the rail bed of the former Wallkill Valley Railroad.

The Walkway Over the Hudson (pictured) in Poughkeepsie is a former railroad bridge built in 1888 that spans 1.26 miles and stretches 212 feet above the Hudson River, making it the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world!

Check out New York City’s High Line Park, built on a historic freight line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. 

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