New York "Ice Cream Tasting" Train Rides

Published: May 18, 2026

Tucked into the Hudson Valley at Kingston, New York, the Catskill Mountain Railroad (CMRR) offers a classic heritage-railroad experience: vintage equipment, a hardworking Alco diesel up front, and a scenic round-trip ride that slips from city edges into the foothills of the Catskills. The operation is based out of Westbrook Lane Station at the Kingston Plaza—a convenient, easy-to-reach starting point just off the New York State Thruway (I-87), Exit 19.

While CMRR runs several seasonal excursions, one of the most family-friendly (and, frankly, joyfully simple) offerings is its Ice Cream Express—a summertime ride that pairs the railroad’s signature scenery with an on-board ice cream treat. Here’s a detailed look at the railroad, the route, and what to expect when you book the Ice Cream Express.

From Mountain Railroading to Preservation: The Corridor’s Backstory

The tracks CMRR operates today are part of a much larger and storied Catskills rail corridor. The line’s roots trace back to 19th-century expansion into the mountains—built to connect Hudson River communities with Catskill resorts, hamlets, and industries. The corridor later became closely associated with the Ulster & Delaware, which expanded aggressively in the late 1800s, including improvements that strengthened Kingston’s role as a gateway to the region.

By the late 20th century, as rail service receded across the Northeast, Ulster County acquired key portions of the right-of-way and the preservation story began to take shape. The modern Catskill Mountain Railroad—based in Kingston—began operations in 1982, with a mission centered on keeping the rail corridor viable through ongoing rehabilitation and public excursions.

CMRR today describes itself as a heritage railroad and a volunteer-driven organization that relies on ticket sales and hands-on effort to maintain and improve the line.

Where the Trains Depart

All Ice Cream Express trips operate as round trips from Westbrook Lane Station, located in the Kingston Plaza near Uptown Kingston’s Stockade District.
If you’re driving, CMRR notes it’s conveniently located just off I-87 (Exit 19) at 55 Kingston Plaza Road.

That location is part of what makes the railroad an easy add-on to a Hudson Valley day: you can ride the train, then head into Kingston for historic streets, food, shops, or a waterfront drive afterward.

The Ride

CMRR’s Kingston excursions share a common scenic rhythm: they leave Kingston, quickly transition into a greener, more open landscape, then roll across a signature bridge and into broad flats before beginning a gentle climb.

On similar Kingston-based excursions, the railroad describes the route like this:

Depart Kingston

Cross the Esopus Creek on the restored C9 bridge

Travel through the Hurley Flats

Then begin the climb up Hurley Mountain

Even if you’ve ridden other tourist railroads, that combination—creek crossing, open flats, and a gradual mountainward climb—gives this trip a distinctly Catskills feel. It’s not a “mountain cliff” railroad; it’s more like a slow transition from valley to foothills, with scenery that keeps changing as the train moves.

Power and Equipment

A major part of the appeal at CMRR is the equipment mix. For many visitors (especially families), the big choice is whether to ride in a coach or opt for open-air seating—perfect in warm weather when you want unobstructed views and plenty of fresh air.

For its summertime rides, CMRR notes excursions are often pulled by a 1951-built Alco RS-1 diesel, and that passengers can ride in vintage coaches or on open-air flat cars for “ultimate views.”

CMRR also maintains multiple Alco locomotives; rail-industry coverage has highlighted RS-1 No. 401 (built 1950) and S-1 No. 407 (built 1946), reflecting the railroad’s emphasis on classic first-generation diesel power.

The Ice Cream Express

The concept

The Ice Cream Express is exactly what it sounds like—in the best way. It’s a scenic ride through Catskill landscapes paired with an ice cream treat served on board. CMRR pitches it as a chance to “see the natural beauty of the Catskills” while enjoying dessert along the way.

Instead of a messy, scoop-and-cone setup, CMRR indicates it offers individually packaged selections of ice cream treats, which keeps the experience quick and easy for families (and reduces the odds of sticky chaos on a moving train).

When it runs

On its event listing for the Ice Cream Express (labeled “Ice Cream Express – Kingston”), the railroad shows a spring-into-summer schedule with specific dates, including late May and multiple June Sundays.

Because special-event calendars can shift year to year, the most reliable approach is to treat the posted dates as the official reference point and check the railroad’s current events page when you’re ready to book.

Trip length

CMRR’s Kingston summer excursions are commonly described as approximately 90 minutes (a sweet spot for families—long enough to feel like an outing, short enough to avoid restlessness).

Where it departs

All Ice Cream Express trips are listed as round trip from Westbrook Lane Station at Kingston Plaza.

Visiting The Railroad

CMRR has become a recognizable Hudson Valley attraction, regularly included in regional travel listings as a scenic train ride based in Kingston. And the Ice Cream Express, in particular, is a smart “gateway excursion”: it’s approachable for first-timers, appealing to families, and still satisfying for railfans who want to hear an Alco at work and watch the scenery change from Kingston outward. To learn more about the Ice Cream Express please click here to visit the railroad's website.

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