Adirondack Railroad in Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake, New York

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake, New York · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesScheduled excursions from Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake; check the departure schedule

The Adirondack Railroad runs excursion trains over the former New York Central Adirondack Division, linking Utica's Union Station with Thendara near Old Forge and Tupper Lake through forest country that roads do not reach.

  • Operating since 1992
  • Former New York Central Adirondack Division
  • Departs Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake
  • Short rides from $22
  • Bikes ride free
  • Signature Dome car

Adirondack Railroad at a glance

Hours
Train departures vary by route and season; see the departure schedule
Admission
Fares vary by trip; short Explorer rides from $22, Adirondack Mountaineer from $55
Train rides
Scenic excursions from Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake, from about 1 hour to 11 hours round trip
Seasonal events
The Fall Gateway, Pumpkin Train, Family Halloween Train, The Polar Express, Princess and Superhero train, Beer and Wine Train Series, Tupper Lake Trivia Train
Plan for
1 hour to a full day, depending on the trip
Best for
Scenery lovers, families and cyclists heading into the Adirondacks
Best ages
All ages; short Explorer trips for toddlers
Parking
Easy-access parking at stations
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible on most trips; railcars have restrooms.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Adirondack Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Bringing trains back to the Adirondacks, one stretch of track at a time

When the Erie Canal and the New York Central opened up the state in the 1800s, the Adirondacks drew loggers, trappers and hunters, and then wealthy families who built wilderness estates known as the Great Camps. Names like Vanderbilt, Carnegie, J.P. Morgan and Collis P. Huntington built there. Roads through the mountains were hard to build, so the railroad became the way in for people and goods.

Today's Adirondack Railroad is operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, a membership-based, volunteer nonprofit. Starting in 1992 with a four-mile excursion near Old Forge, the society has worked step by step with the New York State Department of Transportation to grow the service. Volunteers have given more than 400,000 hours along the way, and the railroad has carried almost two million passengers. Trains now run from the Mohawk Valley at Utica north into the Adirondack Park.

In 2022, the society's 30th anniversary year, the railroad returned excursion trains to Tupper Lake for the first time since 1980, creating what it calls the longest excursion scenic railroad east of the Mississippi. Volunteers helped restore the Thendara station as a working piece of railroad history, and the community group Next Stop! Tupper Lake built a replica of the Tupper Lake depot in 2007 to welcome the trains back.

Three stations, many trips

Trips start from Utica's Union Station, Thendara Station near Old Forge, or Tupper Lake Station. The long-haul High Peaks Limited leaves Utica at 8:30 am, or Thendara at 11 am, for Tupper Lake, a full day from Utica. The Gateway, including a Fall Gateway in foliage season, carries riders from Utica up to Old Forge in about five and a half hours round trip, and the Adirondack Mountaineer runs from Thendara to Tupper Lake.

Shorter rides suit families: the Otter Lake Explorer rolls over the Moose River for about an hour, the Big Moose Explorer heads north from Thendara, and the Tupper Lake Explorer runs to Sabattis. The vintage fleet includes climate-controlled coaches, café and table cars, open-air cars and a signature Dome car, and you can bring bikes, kayaks, canoes and camping gear on board.

Don’t miss

  1. Utica Union StationRiders often mention the grand, well-kept station as the first impression of the trip, and it is home to the railroad's gift shop.
  2. The Dome carThe railroad's signature car gives the widest view of the forest, lakes and rivers on the line.
  3. Thendara StationVolunteers helped restore this station near Old Forge, and it is the base for many shorter family trips.
  4. The High Peaks LimitedThe longest trip on the line runs from Utica through the Adirondacks to Tupper Lake, with a layover before the return.
  5. The open-air carIncluded with a train reservation, it lets riders feel the mountain air and hear the train.

Short rides, pumpkin trains and room for bikes

For young kids, the one-hour Otter Lake and Big Moose Explorers from Thendara are a better fit than the all-day trips. In October the Pumpkin Train runs from Thendara to Carter Station and Wally's pumpkin patch, and children in costume get a free pumpkin. A Family Halloween Train departs from Holland Patent, and the railroad also lists a Princess and Superhero train and The Polar Express.

Cars have restrooms and most trips are wheelchair accessible. Bikes ride free if you add a comment when booking, so older kids can pair a train ride with a ride on the trails.

Plan your visit: tips for Adirondack Railroad

  • Pick your station first: Utica, Thendara (Old Forge) or Tupper Lake.
  • Add a booking comment to bring your bike at no extra cost.
  • Arrive early if you are loading bikes, kayaks or camping gear.
  • Foliage trips are popular, so reserve early.
  • Groups of 25 or more get discounted pricing on most excursions.

Fall is the busiest season, with the Fall Gateway foliage trip from Utica, a Pumpkin Train from Thendara to Wally's pumpkin patch, and a Family Halloween Train from Holland Patent. In winter the railroad lists The Polar Express. See our guides to Halloween train rides in New York and Christmas trains across New York for more.

The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society

The railroad is operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, a volunteer-based nonprofit whose members have contributed more than 400,000 hours. Monthly board meetings are open to members. You can support it by becoming a member, donating, buying a gift card, or chartering a car for a birthday, wedding or company outing.

More rail stops around the Adirondacks

The North Creek Depot Museum is about 45 miles from the line, and the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway about 77 miles. Across Lake Champlain, the Shelburne Museum railroad collection is about 46 miles away. Find more on our New York train museums page.

Every train museum in New York

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

This railroad runs deep into the forest, the kind of place where the trees close in and then the train breaks out beside a lake. Rally's trip in our book has a moment like that: a dark tunnel, then a big bright light and happy cheers from everyone in the car. My kids still cheer out loud at that page, which I think my mom would have loved most of all.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Adirondack Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Adirondack Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where does the Adirondack Railroad go?

The Adirondack Railroad runs on the former New York Central Adirondack Division from Utica's Union Station north into the Adirondack Park, through Remsen and Thendara near Old Forge, and on to Tupper Lake. Shorter trips also run to Otter Lake, Big Moose, Carter Station and Sabattis.

Where is the Adirondack Railroad station in Utica?

Trains from Utica leave from Union Station, and the railroad's gift shop is at 321 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501. The railroad's office is nearby at 330 Main Street, Suite 102. Utica trips include the High Peaks Limited, the Gateway to Old Forge, and the evening Beer and Wine Train to Remsen.

Does the Adirondack Railroad leave from Old Forge?

Yes, from Thendara Station at 2568 State Route 28, Thendara, NY 13472, which serves the Old Forge area. Many shorter trips start here, including the Otter Lake Explorer, Big Moose Explorer, the Pumpkin Train and the Adirondack Mountaineer to Tupper Lake. The Gateway trip brings Utica riders up to Old Forge.

Does the Adirondack Railroad run from Tupper Lake?

Yes. Tupper Lake Station is at 37 Depot St, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. The Tupper Lake Explorer runs to Sabattis at 12 pm and 2 pm, about 1.5 hours round trip, and the Tupper Lake Trivia Train rolls past Mt. Arab and Horseshoe Lake at sunset. Excursions returned here in 2022.

How much are Adirondack Railroad tickets?

As of October 2026, prices vary by trip. The shorter Otter Lake, Big Moose and Tupper Lake Explorers, and the Tupper Lake Trivia Train, start from $22, and the Adirondack Mountaineer starts from $55. Longer trips such as the High Peaks Limited are priced on the booking pages at adirondackrr.com, or call 1-800-819-2291.

What is the Adirondack Railroad schedule?

The schedule changes by season and trip. As of October 2026, the High Peaks Limited leaves Utica at 8:30 am or Thendara at 11 am, the Beer and Wine Train leaves Utica at 6:30 pm, and the Tupper Lake Explorer departs at 12 pm and 2 pm. Check the departure schedule at adirondackrr.com for today's trains.

How long is the Adirondack Railroad ride?

It depends on the trip. The Otter Lake and Big Moose Explorers take about an hour, the Tupper Lake Explorer and Pumpkin Train about 1.5 hours, the Gateway from Utica to Old Forge about 5.5 hours, and the High Peaks Limited about 11 hours round trip from Utica or 4.5 hours from Thendara.

What is the High Peaks Limited on the Adirondack Railroad?

It is the railroad's longest trip, from Utica through Thendara to Tupper Lake. It leaves Utica at 8:30 am or Thendara at 11 am, and a Tupper Lake tourism listing describes a 1 pm arrival with a layover of about an hour and a half before the 2:30 pm return. Round trip is about 11 hours from Utica.

Does the Adirondack Railroad run fall foliage trains?

Yes. The Fall Gateway takes riders from Utica to Old Forge during foliage season in about 5.5 hours, and the shorter Otter Lake Explorer is also a colorful trip over the Moose River. The railroad says foliage season is especially popular, so reserve early at adirondackrr.com.

Does the Adirondack Railroad have The Polar Express?

The railroad lists The Polar Express as one of its trains on its contact form, and it hosts holiday trains for groups. Dates, departure station and prices for the coming season are posted on adirondackrr.com. Call 1-800-819-2291 or email info@adirondackrr.com with questions.

What Halloween trains does the Adirondack Railroad run?

The Pumpkin Train leaves Thendara Station at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 4 pm for a 1.5-hour round trip to Carter Station and Wally's pumpkin patch, and children in costume receive a free pumpkin. A Family Halloween Train departs from Holland Patent, with riders encouraged to come in costume.

Can I bring my bike on the Adirondack Railroad?

Yes, at no additional cost. Add a comment that you are bringing a bike when you book. The train also carries kayaks, canoes and camping gear, so plan to arrive early to load. The railroad's partners offer hiking, biking and paddling options in remote parts of the Adirondack Park.

Is there parking at the Adirondack Railroad stations?

Yes. The railroad lists easy-access parking at its stations. Exact lot details vary between Utica, Thendara and Tupper Lake, so check the station pages on adirondackrr.com or call 1-800-819-2291 if you are bringing a large group or an oversized vehicle.

Is the Adirondack Railroad wheelchair accessible?

Most trips are wheelchair accessible, according to the railroad, and the railcars have restrooms and are non-smoking. Because equipment can change, call 1-800-819-2291 before booking to confirm access on your specific trip and departure station. Groups can also note accessibility needs on the group request form.

Is the Adirondack Railroad good for young kids?

Yes, if you choose a short trip. The one-hour Explorer rides from Thendara are a good length for toddlers, and the Pumpkin Train and Princess and Superhero train are built for families. The all-day High Peaks Limited is better for older kids who enjoy a long ride.

Can you charter the Adirondack Railroad for a party?

Yes. You can charter a private car, the Dome car, a dining or table car, or the whole train for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, corporate events and fundraisers. The open-air car can even be set up for entertainment and dancing. Request a charter through adirondackrr.com.

Does the Adirondack Railroad offer group discounts?

Yes. Groups of 25 or more passengers get discounted pricing on most excursions through the season, and you can reserve seats on a regular train or charter the entire train. One-way fares are available to and from all stations. Use the group request form on adirondackrr.com.

Who runs the Adirondack Railroad?

The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, a membership-based, volunteer nonprofit, operates the railroad in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation. Since 1992 it has grown from a four-mile excursion near Old Forge, with more than 400,000 volunteer hours and almost two million passengers.

Does the Adirondack Railroad have a gift shop?

Yes. The Adirondack Railroad Gift Shop is at Utica's train station, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY 13501. The railroad also sells gift cards on its website, which make a good present for a train-loving family planning a trip into the Adirondacks.

What train museums are near the Adirondack Railroad?

The North Creek Depot Museum is about 45 miles away, and the Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway about 77 miles. Across Lake Champlain in Vermont, the Shelburne Museum railroad collection is about 46 miles away and the Champlain Valley Dinner Train about 48 miles.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
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