New York "Valentine's" Train Rides

Published: January 30, 2026

If you’ve followed scenic railroading in Upstate New York for any length of time, you probably still catch yourself saying “Adirondack Scenic Railroad.” That name is part of the line’s modern identity and legacy—but today, the operation is branded simply as the Adirondack Railroad, offering everything from short family-friendly excursions to long, bucket-list runs that push deep into Adirondack Park.

At its best, the Adirondack Railroad delivers exactly what railfans and casual riders alike hope for: vintage coaches, classic depots, rivers and forests right outside the window, and a sense that you’re traveling through one of the most storied transportation corridors in the Northeast—because you are.

For Valentine's Day in 2026 the railroad is hosting a special event, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, a dinner train tailored just for couples celebrating this holiday.

This view of the then-Adirondack Scenic Railroad features RS3 #8223 with a photo runby on "Railfan Day" on June 14, 1997. The train is at Lotus Siding heading northbound to Carter Station. Bill Doerrer photo.

The Route

The Adirondack Railroad operates over former New York Central trackage in the Remsen–Lake Placid Travel Corridor, with its modern excursion base historically centered around Utica, Thendara (Old Forge), and now expanded service reaching Tupper Lake. The organization behind the trains is the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society (ARPS), a not-for-profit that has spent decades advocating for, restoring, and operating passenger experiences on a line that once faced long periods of dormancy and uncertainty.

This isn’t “just” a tourist train laid over a short branchline. The corridor itself was once a vital northern route, then later a politically and culturally important asset—purchased by New York State in the 1970s and tied to major regional transportation goals, including the Olympic-era revival of service toward Lake Placid.

A Brief History

The Adirondack line’s post-classic era story is one of revival, setbacks, and persistence. According to the railroad’s own history, the state purchased the line after Penn Central-era abandonment efforts, and the route saw a short-lived return to passenger operations in the late 1970s tied to Olympic-related service before going dormant again.

The modern tourist operation began in the early 1990s when enthusiasts proposed restoring and operating a small segment—work that grew into a sustainable excursion business and a broader preservation mission. Over time, service footprints shifted as debates over rails-versus-trails reshaped the northern end of the corridor; regardless, the railroad’s present-day experiences focus on the portions where passenger trains can deliver the most compelling combination of scenery, communities, and reliable operations.

Notable Excursions

Plenty of scenic railroads offer pleasant countryside. The Adirondack Railroad’s magic is that it brings you into a landscape that looks and feels like the Adirondacks are supposed to feel—long stretches of wilderness, waterways, and forested terrain—paired with the satisfying rhythm of rail travel.

One of the signature offerings is “The Gateway” experience from Utica to Old Forge (Thendara), designed as an immersive day outing: you roll north through changing scenery, then get time in Old Forge to explore town before returning. The railroad pitches it as a full Adirondack day-trip—part rail journey, part Adirondack village adventure.

For travelers who want the “go big” version, the schedule also highlights longer runs like the High Peaks Limited, extending farther into the corridor toward Thendara and Tupper Lake. (Offerings and names can vary year to year, but the direction is clear: longer, destination-style trips are part of the modern Adirondack Railroad identity.)

Stations and gateways into Adirondack Park

A big part of the Adirondack Railroad’s appeal is that it doesn’t just loop around a yard—its stations are real gateways to real places.

Utica’s Union Station area serves as a major southern anchor for many events and dining trains.
Thendara (Old Forge) is the classic Adirondack vacation gateway: the place many riders associate with summer woods, lakes, and that “we made it to the mountains” feeling.
Tupper Lake now appears prominently as the northern end for select experiences, reflecting restored/renovated segments and the railroad’s evolving operating footprint.

In other words: you’re not just riding for the ride (although you can). You’re riding to places.

The Adirondack Valentine’s Day Dinner Train (February 2026)

If you want a Valentine’s experience that feels like an occasion—one with atmosphere baked in—the Adirondack Railroad’s Valentine’s Day Dinner Train is built for it: white-tablecloth energy, a curated menu, and the gentle motion of the train turning dinner into an event.

The Train Itself

The railroad describes it as a romantic dinner and round-trip train ride departing from Utica’s Union Station area and traveling to Remsen, with dinner service onboard. Rather than “snacks on a train,” this is positioned as a chef-driven dining experience—specifically noting local chef Patrick O’Connor (Feast & Festivities by O’Connor’s).

Dates and timing (for February 2026)

The current listing shows three dates in February: February 9, 10, and 14, with a 6:00 p.m. start time and a 3-hour duration. That makes it especially attractive for couples who can’t (or don’t want to) do Valentine’s night itself—because you’ve got options leading into the holiday, plus the big date.

Seating classes and pricing snapshot

The Valentine’s Dinner Train page lays out multiple seating choices across First Class and Diamond Class, including options for general seating (where you may be seated with another party) and private tables for groups of 2–4.

A few examples from the listing (always worth re-checking at booking time):

First Class general seating: $139
Diamond Class general seating: $159
Private tables scale upward depending on class and party size, reaching the upper tier for a Diamond Class private table for four.

The page also notes the experience includes one complimentary drink. To learn more about this unique event please click here to visit the railroad's website.

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