Oswego is rarely mentioned in people's list of New York destinations, but this small town on the northern border of the state is a unique spot that your average tourist would typically pass over. But this town, which sits on Lake Ontario, is full of history and is a great place to stop and explore if you're in the area. Here are some of our favorite parts of this unique city.
Nicknamed the "Port City of Central New York," this upstate gem gives visitors an incredible view of Lake Ontario and a peek into some fascinating New York history.
The first European settlement in Oswego was established in 1722 as a fur trading post by the British and French. Fort Ontario was built in 1727. The last of British forces left the fort in 1796, and settlers from New England began moving into the region in greater numbers.
Head to downtown Oswego for a night of great food and drinks. Head to Wade's diner for a delicious breakfast or Red Sun Fire Roasting Company for fantastic wood-fired pizza.
Oswego's Riverside Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a remarkably scenic spot with beautiful hills, forests, and views of Lake Ontario.
The West Pierhead Lighthouse, which is located a half-mile out onto Lake Ontario, was built in 1934 and is the fourth fort to be built at the mouth of the Oswego River. The town's first and original lighthouse offshore was built in 1822.
Oswego is also only a short drive from Syracuse, a vibrant city full of fun restaurants, shops, and bars. Or head to Lake Oneida, the largest lake located entirely within New York and one of its best destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Fall foliage train rides in New York are delightful. One of the greatest ways to enjoy a bit of nostalgia in New York is to hop on board one of our charming train rides that are still operating throughout various regions of our state. Taking you to secluded corners of our state during the most colorful time of the year, the best fall train rides in New York offer a unique way to see the vibrant scenery all without having to do anything except sit back and relax. From up in the Adirondack Mountains to out in Western New York, discover these amazing pieces of history and go for a ride on one of our vintage locomotives this year.
If there's going to be a train ride in that's going to steal your breath away, it almost certainly will be the one that takes you from Thendara to Otter Lake. Brought to you by the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, this 1 hour and 1/2-long train ride takes you over the Moose River and through the Adirondack Park to Otter Lake. Leaving from Thendara Station, this ride will give you a look at our foliage and areas of the park that you've never quite seen before. The vintage train car features a Cafe cart where you can get some light fare, and of course, you can do some shopping at the gift shop in the Thendara train station. This is one of the most scenic train rides in New York, so check it out this season.
Learn more about the Adirondack Scenic Railroad today. There are so many train rides to choose from, and while we love their fall foliage rides, they also have amazing dinner train rides!
Another amazing railroad to ride, the Catskill Mountain Railroad offers amazing train rides during the fall season. There are two different train rides to choose from. You can enjoy the Fall Foliage Adventure from late September to mid-October, and for the Pumpkin Express, take a ride in late October. Hop onboard any one of these rides and you'll get to enjoy being in a vintage coach that'll fill you with nostalgia. For the Catskill Mountain Railroad Pumpkin Express rides, you'll actually get to stop and pick your own pumpkin to take home with you! Between the pumpkin picking and the views of our fall foliage, does it get any better than this? If you’ve ever wondered about scenic train rides near me in New York, this is the railroad for you.
If you don't have the time to enjoy a long train excursion, then visiting Sunnyside Gardens in Saratoga Springs might be the perfect train ride for you. Looping around the pumpkin patch several times, this is one small-town stop you won't want to miss out on this season. During their fall festival in September and October, you can enjoy the charming little train ride, go for tractor-pulled hay rides, explore a whimsical pumpkin patch and taste amazing cider donuts that families have been enjoying for over 30 years. This is definitely one of the most charming New York train rides.
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Learn more about Sunnyside Gardens and then enjoy a sweet train ride here.
train rides to take each year, residents of Western New York get the luxury of having this amazing railroad right in their backyard. Arcade & Attica runs the last operating steam train excursion in New York State. They are proud to be one of the last "common carriers," which runs both freight and passengers. The Fall Foliage tour is a 2 and 1/2-hour train ride that you'll wish you never had to get off. This stunning fall ride brings you through the gorgeous scenery of Wyoming County's countryside.
Find out more information about Arcade & Attica, and then ride one of its historic trains.
5. Delaware & Ulster RailroadEditor’s Note: The railroad is currently working to restore their tracks and trains so they can operate for the 2024 fall foliage season. You can check out other epic New York train rides in the meantime, and be sure to check Delaware & Ulster’s website for up-to-date information on reopening this fall.
Another train ride that you can enjoy downstate, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad features a variety of rides throughout the year. Departing from the town of Arkville, usually in late September, you can ride a vintage steam locomotive during their Steam Weekend. You can also find Brunch, Lunch, and the Dinner Rip Van Winkle Flyer rides running during the months of September and October. If you're interested in taking a fall train ride that includes tasty dining options, then this railroad is the one for you.
Aren't these New York train rides just so wonderful? Do you have a favorite train ride to take during the fall season? To discover more ways to enjoy this amazing season to the fullest, read about how Fall Is Coming And These Are The Best Places To See The Leaves Changing in New York! Don't forget to pack some epic road trip snacks for the adventure.
With so many forms of travel and people wanting to get from Point A to Point B in the quickest way possible, it seems that the appreciation for a picturesque train ride has somewhat been lost. Whether you have a set destination in mind or are just looking to hop aboard and spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery of our state, these trains will certainly entertain you. Here are seven scenic train rides in New York that will give you an unforgettable experience.
Just under an hour away from Buffalo, the Arcade and Attica Railroad offers some of the best train rides in all of Western New York. Arcade and Attica's scenic fall foliage train rides begin the very first weekend in October and run until the end of the month. The 2.5-hour adventure takes you through Western New York's countryside, where all that's required of you is to sit back and enjoy the view.
Catskill Mountain Railroad offers a scenic train ride through the Catskill Mountains that is sure to take your breath away. lean back and enjoy the changing scenery in every season. The round trip ride to and from Westbrook station takes about an hour and fifteen minutes making it perfect for families with littles, and there are many themed rides sure to delight all sorts. Check out the website for Catskill Mountain Railroad to grab tickets and discover events throughout the year.
This amazingly nostalgic train ride that's located inside Adirondack Park was once a part of the New York Central Railroad. Purchased by New York state in 1975, the trains and tracks are now maintained by helpful volunteers. Running from Utica all the way to Remsen, a day spent on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is a day well spent! It's one of the best New York scenic train rides after all. For tickets, upcoming themed train rides, and departure schedules, visit the Adirondack Scenic Railroad website.
Filled with history and built in 1869, these vintage train cars will give you a strong sense of nostalgia. Traveling through various landscapes of New York from gorgeous farmland to luscious forests and wetlands, you can catch a memorable, seasonal train ride here throughout the year from April through December. Visit the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad website to find out when the next train departs!
5. The Santa Claus Express via Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
Usually beginning its exciting trips at the end of November, you can hop aboard these seasonally decorated vintage train cars at the Milford Depot. Taking about 2 1/2 hours, reservations are required for this unforgettable train ride. For departure dates and to buy tickets, visit the Santa Claus Express web page.
New York's largest model train museum and railroad lets you and your family explore your adventurous side in a uniquely nostalgic way. Running on a seasonal schedule, the museum funds various train trips and events that are perfect for all age groups! In June our favorite Day Out With Thomas event begins, where you can come take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and explore the Imagination Station. Visit the Medina Railroad Museum website for more upcoming events that are fun for the whole family.
Running tracks through six counties in the Finger Lakes region, this railway passes through Western New York's tranquil and rural areas. With its main line running from Syracuse to Canandaigua stretching over 76 miles, this incredible way of transport is hiding right before you. To check out the latest upcoming excursions, visit the Finger Lakes Railway website.
Have you ever taken a ride on one of these incredible scenic train rides in New York? Share with us your favorite New York train rides! And if you're looking to enjoy the New York fall foliage by rail, check out these fall foliage train rides in Buffalo, New York.
