Arcade & Attica Railroad

During the 1830s, railroads began to appear across the Pennsylvania and New York countryside, carrying bounties of coal and other products. Major rail lines traveled east to west, but there was cargo to transport south to north as well. So, in 1881, 56 miles of narrow-gauge track were added to connect the New York towns of Cuba and Attica.

At first, the line shuttled fresh produce and dairy as well as passengers. Then, standard tracks replaced the narrow-gauge ones in 1895 in order to link with other companies. When the railroad’s finances became dire in the early 1900s, a group of local business owners saved it. Today, the Arcade & Attica Railroad is still run under its original charter and covers 15 miles. 

It is precisely that rich history that gives the line its appeal to train enthusiasts of all ages who flock to the station at Arcade (located about 40 miles southeast of Buffalo, New York) for an up to two-and-a-half-hour trip to historic Curriers Depot that provides gorgeous countryside views along the way. During the fall, the ride through the valley lights up with changing foliage, and the glowing hills make for some of the railroad’s busiest weeks of the year, with extra trains departing on peak days.

Standard trips suit all ages, but families particularly enjoy some of autumn’s themed ones. In September, a Great Train Robbery overtakes the cars, and October brings Haunted Rides. Costumes are encouraged as passengers disembark to explore Curriers Depot, which is converted into a haunted house for the occasion. The end of the year brings the arrival of the ever-magical Santa’s Wonderland Express — a round trip to the North Pole, complete with cookies, cocoa, activities and photographs in Santa’s sleigh. 

278 Main St., Arcade, NY, 585/492-3100, aarailroad.com