New York Scenic Train Rides On The A&A!
Published: January 9, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Tucked into the rolling farmland and wooded hills of Wyoming County in western New York, the Arcade & Attica Railroad (A&A) is one of those rare places where railroading’s past isn’t staged behind velvet ropes—it’s alive, working, and loud enough to rattle your ribs. The A&A is both a common-carrier short line moving freight and a heritage railroad hosting popular excursion trains, all on the same storied right-of-way.
For visitors, that means you can step into a historic small-town depot, climb aboard vintage coaches, and roll out into the Tonawanda Valley behind classic diesel power—or, on many signature dates, behind a genuine steam locomotive. For the community, it means a hometown railroad that has repeatedly reinvented itself to survive floods, economic shifts, and the long decline of branchline traffic—while still doing what it was built to do: connect local industry to the outside world
A Quick Overview
Today’s passenger rides typically operate out of Arcade, New York, and travel to Curriers Station and back—about a 14-mile round trip through open countryside, gentle grades, and classic Western New York scenery.
It’s the kind of route that feels deliberately “railroady”: farm crossings, tree lines, small creeks, and the steady click of jointed rail under vintage equipment. The railroad emphasizes that it remains an authentic operation—running freight and passenger service—a distinction that helps explain the place’s “real railroad” atmosphere.
A Brief History
The A&A’s story stretches back to the late 19th century, when a patchwork of small companies tried—often unsuccessfully—to stitch rail connections across this part of New York. In the A&A’s own telling, the rails riders travel on today were first spiked down in 1881, and the line was later standardized in 1895, reflecting the era’s push toward compatible, connected rail networks.
The modern Arcade & Attica Railroad Corporation dates to 1917, when local stakeholders organized to keep rail service alive. Facing the prospect of closure under prior operators, residents and businesses raised money by selling stock widely—365 people contributed $79,000 to purchase the line and form the company, which still owns the railroad today.
That detail matters: the A&A is not just a tourist attraction that arrived decades later—it’s a community railroad that became a heritage operation to survive.
Like many valley railroads, the A&A’s route has never been immune to weather. The defining crisis came in January 1957, when floodwaters from Tonawanda Creek destroyed track. Repairs were estimated at $72,000, a cost the stockholders couldn’t absorb; the board suspended operations on the washed-out segment, and with permission from federal regulators, the line from North Java to Attica was abandoned.
And yet the railroad endured, leaning on what freight business it still had—and taking advantage of a surprising mid-century opportunity. The A&A notes that it handled a wide mix of commodities over time, and it even purchased boxcars for shipping Borden’s Cremora nationwide while the Arcade plant operated.
Steam Excursions: Back From The Brink
By the late 1950s, freight alone wasn’t enough. The solution was bold and, in hindsight, visionary: bring back steam-powered passenger excursions. In 1962, the railroad purchased steam locomotive No. 18, a 1920-built 2-8-0, along with passenger coaches, and launched its new era of tourism. The inaugural run took place July 27, 1962, followed by regular summertime excursions that August. In just 27 days, the A&A carried 17,000 paying passengers—a staggering proof that nostalgia and scenery could supplement (and sometimes rescue) a working short line.
The following year the railroad acquired locomotive No. 14, a Baldwin 4-6-0, plus more coaches, and the excursion route gained its enduring nickname: the “Grand Scenic Route.”
The A&A Experience Today
Modern visitors are often surprised by how “complete” the A&A feels. You’re not just riding a track segment in a park; you’re visiting a railroad with a depot, shops, equipment, and a calendar full of themed trips. The railroad highlights that excursions can be powered by steam or diesel, using vintage coaches (they note WWII-era equipment on their ride pages).
A major part of the experience is the midpoint stop at Curriers Station on many trips—giving passengers time to stretch their legs, grab food, and participate in event activities depending on the ride. The A&A also makes it clear that refreshments are typically available (at the station, on the train, and/or at Curriers depending on the event).
Most popular excursions and signature events
The Arcade & Attica’s strength is variety: there’s a “classic steam ride” option, plus a rotating lineup that draws families, railfans, and groups looking for a themed outing. Here are the standouts they promote most prominently:
Steam Engine Train Rides
If you want the purest A&A experience, start with the standard Steam Engine Train Ride (and the related Season Opener). These emphasize riding behind steam on one of the railroad’s hallmark round trips, with the classic rhythm and whistle echoing off the hillsides.
Fall Foliage Train Ride
The A&A explicitly calls its Fall Foliage run “Our most popular run,” timed for peak color and paired with seasonal treats like cider and doughnuts for purchase. The railroad also notes an operational reality railfans appreciate: they plan to use steam for these trips, but if locomotive No. 18 is unavailable, the ride will operate with diesel.
Santa’s Wonderland Express
Their Santa’s Wonderland Express is built around a family-friendly “North Pole” theme, with activities and a festive stop at Curriers Station. It’s designed as a full experience rather than just a ride—photos, wish lists, and holiday atmosphere included.
Haunted Halloween Train Ride
On the Halloween side, the A&A offers a Haunted Halloween Train Ride, featuring the same scenic run with a seasonal twist—and a haunted-house option at Curriers Station for those who want to lean into the scares.
Maple Weekend
For something that feels very “Western New York,” the A&A lists Maple Weekend, which includes a rare trip component tied to local maple production and a catered brunch at Curriers Station
Food, drinks, and evening themes
The A&A also leans into adults-night-out options like Wine on the Rails, Whiskey on Wheels, and Ale on the Rails, alongside special-event entertainment such as the Murder Mystery Dinner Train.
Family and themed character rides
Their schedule often includes playful, family-focused events such as the Easter Bunny Express, Royal Princess Train, Superhero Train, and “old-west” style Great Train Robbery ride—ideal for kids who may not care (yet) whether the locomotive is steam or diesel.
Special-interest experiences
For something different, the railroad even lists experiences like Train to the Stars (with astronomy-focused programming) and a combined Picnic and Cycle Tour concept that blends train travel with outdoor recreation.
Why The Railroad Endures
Plenty of tourist railroads offer a pleasant ride. The Arcade & Attica stands out because it grew from a hard-nosed survival strategy—community ownership, freight service, floods overcome, and then a pioneering move into steam excursions that proved wildly successful from day one.
In other words: you’re not just buying a ticket for scenery. You’re stepping into an ongoing story—one that began with local investors determined to keep their railroad alive, and that still plays out today every time a train rolls out of Arcade and heads into the countryside on the Grand Scenic Route. To learn more about the railroad and planning a trip please click here to visit their website.
Recent Articles
-
Kentucky Scenic Train Rides At KRM!
Jan 09, 26 11:13 PM
Located in the small town of New Haven the Kentucky Railway Museum offers a combination of historic equipment and popular excursions. -
Washington "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:53 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:21 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Kentucky's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:12 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:05 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 09, 26 12:51 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee Dinner Train Rides At The TVRM!
Jan 09, 26 12:39 PM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
New York Scenic Train Rides On The A&A!
Jan 09, 26 11:20 AM
The A&A is both a common-carrier short line moving freight and a heritage railroad hosting popular excursion trains, all on the same storied right-of-way. -
Pennsylvania Scenic Train Rides In Hollidaysburg!
Jan 09, 26 11:14 AM
Tucked into the Juniata River valley just south of Altoona, the Everett Railroad offers one of the most approachable—and photogenic—heritage-rail experiences in Pennsylvania -
Montana Dinner Train Rides Near Lewistown!
Jan 08, 26 03:03 PM
The Charlie Russell Chew Choo turns an ordinary rail trip into an evening event: scenery, storytelling, live entertainment, and a hearty dinner served as the train rumbles across trestles and into a t… -
Alabama's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 02:19 PM
There is currently one location in the state offering a murder mystery dinner experience, the Wales West Light Railway! -
Rhode Island's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 01:43 PM
Let's dive into the enigmatic world of murder mystery dinner train rides in Rhode Island, where each journey promises excitement, laughter, and a challenge for your inner detective. -
Florida's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 01:13 PM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Texas's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 12:30 PM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New York's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 08, 26 11:32 AM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
California Dinner Train Rides In Sacramento!
Jan 08, 26 11:21 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides In Woodstown!
Jan 08, 26 10:31 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Nevada's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 02:12 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
West Virginia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 02:08 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 01:53 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains.
