New York Scenic Train Rides On The A&A!

Published: January 9, 2026

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.