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A Murder Mystery Dinner Train Ride On New York's Arcade & Attica!

Published: October 22, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling farm country of Western New York, the Arcade and Attica Railroad is one of those rare short lines that has managed to be both a working freight carrier and a beloved heritage attraction for more than a century. Based in the village of Arcade, the line offers a relaxed, nostalgic way to experience railroading as it once was—complete with vintage coaches, rural scenery, and the sounds and smells of historic locomotives. While its regular excursions are popular with families, railfans, and casual travelers alike, the railroad’s themed experiences—especially its Murder Mystery Dinner Train—have made it a standout destination for visitors seeking something memorable and a little bit different.

A brief history and why it matters
The Arcade and Attica traces its roots to the patchwork of rural railways that once stitched together small towns and farms across upstate New York. Incorporated in 1917, the modern railroad survived when many others didn’t, thanks to a pragmatic mix of freight service and, later, public excursions. Over the decades it hauled agricultural products, lumber, and feed for local businesses, becoming an economic lifeline in Wyoming County. In the 1960s, as passenger rail faded elsewhere, the A&A began inviting the public aboard for weekend rides. The gamble paid off. Those seasonal excursions helped preserve the line, its equipment, and its stories, turning the railroad into a living museum that still pulls its weight in the community.

What a ride on the Arcade and Attica feels like
A typical excursion departs from the historic Arcade depot and ambles north through fields, woodlots, and creek crossings at a pace that makes it easy to disconnect. The run usually features a stop and locomotive runaround at a country station—often Curriers—where you can stretch your legs, snap photos, and browse a small gift shop or concession area. When a steam locomotive is in service, you’ll hear the chuff of the exhaust and the whistle echoing across the valley; on other days, a classic diesel leads the consist. Either way, the experience is more about savoring the journey than racing to a destination.

The coaches are vintage—refurbished but authentic—so expect the charm of period details rather than modern commuter-train amenities. Conductors and onboard staff share snippets of local history, point out landmarks, and answer questions. It’s very much a hands-on, human-scale operation, which is exactly why people keep coming back.

Popular excursions throughout the year
- Steam or diesel excursions: The bread-and-butter trips, running on select weekends from late spring to fall, are ideal for first-timers. They’re family-friendly and pair well with a day spent exploring small towns, ice cream stands, and farm markets in the area.

- Fall Foliage runs: If you can visit in October, do it. The route’s tree-lined stretches light up with color, and photographers line the right-of-way to catch the train snaking through reds, oranges, and yellows. These dates sell quickly.

- Santa and holiday trains: During the holiday season, the railroad transforms into a cozy, festive experience with visits from Santa, seasonal treats, and decorations that delight kids without overwhelming them. These trips are short, spirited, and focused on family fun.

- Themed food and beverage trips: Wine-and-cheese, craft beer, and dessert-focused outings occasionally pop up on the calendar. They’re a relaxed way to sample local flavors while soaking in the scenery.

- Special events and charters: From school field trips and group charters to occasional photo specials and railfan days, the A&A keeps things fresh with limited-run offerings. If you’re a photographer or history buff, keep an eye on the schedule for these.

Spotlight on the Murder Mystery Dinner Train
The railroad’s most talked-about experience is its Murder Mystery Dinner Train—an immersive evening that blends vintage rail travel, live theater, and a multi-course meal into one rolling whodunit. Here’s what makes it special:

- A rolling stage: Professional actors weave among the coaches as your train departs Arcade, staying in character as the story unfolds across the ride. Clues drop, motives sharpen, and suspects squirm as you rumble through the countryside. Passengers are part of the show—asking questions, noting inconsistencies, and comparing theories with tablemates.

- Dinner with a side of intrigue: Dinner is typically catered by local partners and served either onboard at your table or during a station stop, depending on the date and format. Expect a thoughtfully prepared menu with options you select in advance at booking. Soft drinks are usually included; beer or wine may be available where permitted. If you have dietary restrictions, the railroad encourages early contact so they can coordinate with the caterer.

- Social seating and atmosphere: You’ll be seated at tables for two or four in vintage coaches set up for dining. The setting is intimate enough to feel like a private event, yet lively enough to spark conversation with fellow sleuths. Dressing up to match the mystery’s era or theme is totally optional but adds to the fun.

- Solve the case: As the train glides through fields and forests, you’ll piece together alibis and motives. Near the end of the evening, passengers submit their best guess. A small prize sometimes awaits the most astute detective, but bragging rights are the real reward.

- Timing and audience: Murder Mystery Dinner Trains typically run on select Friday or Saturday evenings in the warmer months and early fall. Because of their themes and length, they’re tailored to adults and older teens. These events are among the first to sell out—advance reservations are essential.

Planning tips to get the most from your visit
- Book early: Popular dates, especially fall foliage and murder mystery nights, fill weeks in advance.

- Arrive with time to spare: Plan to check in 30–45 minutes before departure. Parking is usually adjacent to the depot, and early arrival gives you time to explore the station and settle in.

- Dress for the season: The coaches are comfortable, but weather outside affects the experience—especially during station stops. Layers are your friend.

- Bring a camera: The combination of historic equipment, pastoral scenery, and golden-hour light on evening trains makes for outstanding photos.

- Mind the details: Review your confirmation for boarding times, seating assignments, and meal selections if you’re booked on a dinner train. If you have accessibility needs, call ahead so the crew can assist.

- Check the official calendar: Schedules, equipment, and offerings can change due to maintenance, weather, or operational needs. Always confirm dates and details on the railroad’s website or by phone before traveling.

Why the Arcade and Attica endures
Heritage railroads succeed when they do more than run old equipment—they curate experiences that connect past and present in meaningful ways. The A&A accomplishes this by:

- Keeping it local: Partnering with nearby businesses for catering and events, and spotlighting the agricultural heritage still visible from the windows.

- Educating without lecturing: Crews share just enough history to enrich the trip while letting the ambiance do the heavy lifting.

- Offering variety: From kid-friendly holiday rides to adults-only mystery dinners, there’s a reason for every type of traveler to come aboard.

- Preserving while operating: The line’s ongoing freight work underpins its authenticity. This is not a theme park; it’s a living railroad that still serves its community.

The bottom line
If you’re planning a Western New York getaway, the Arcade and Attica Railroad deserves a place on your list. The standard excursion delivers a timeless, scenic ride that’s both relaxing and enriching. Seasonal trips add festive flair. And the Murder Mystery Dinner Train elevates everything with a dose of theatrical fun that you simply won’t find behind a steering wheel or in a typical restaurant. It’s part history lesson, part dinner party, and part countryside escape—rolled across steel rails that have been carrying stories for more than a hundred years.

Check the railroad’s current schedule, pick the experience that fits your style, and book early. Whether you come for steam, scenery, or sleuthing, you’ll leave with the same conclusion as generations of riders before you: some journeys are best measured in memories, not miles.