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Dive into NY's Rail History at a Museum

Published: February 28, 2025

By: Adam Burns

New York State is not only famed for its bustling urban landscapes and natural beauty but also holds a rich tapestry of railroading history. The following guide explores some of the top railroad museums across New York, each offering unique insights into the state’s railroading past.

Sumter & Choctaw Railroad 2-6-2 #103 then preserved and operational at the Empire State Railway Museum in Middletown, New York during the 1970s. Today, it is owned by the Railroad Museum of New England. John Stern photo.

New York's railroad museums offer a treasure trove of educational and entertainment opportunities for history buffs, train enthusiasts, and families alike. Each museum uniquely captures an aspect of New York’s rail heritage and welcomes visitors to appreciate the legacy and ongoing story of railroads in this vibrant state.

Whether you're looking to explore vintage trains, take a scenic ride through picturesque landscapes, or learn about the technical advancements and cultural influences of the railroad, New York's railroad museums provide compelling windows into the past.

Museum Guide

Alco-Brooks Railroad Display

Managed by the Dunkirk Historical Society this display (with free admission) is located in Dunkirk on the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, featuring a few pieces of rolling stock, including Boston & Maine 0-6-0 #444 (Class G-11b) built by Alco's Brooks Works in 1916.

Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Depot Museum

As the name suggests this museum, maintained by the Western New York Railway Historical Society, is housed within a preserved Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh brick depot located in Orchard Park near the northern/eastern terminus of the railroad's system.  It was originally built in 1912.

Central Square Station Museum

This museum is located inside the preserved New York, Ontario & Western/New York Central union depot at Central Square. 

The building houses several artifacts, historic documents and displays inside while outside can be found a rather impressive collection of rolling stock. 

These include Pennsylvania Railroad (Penn Central/Conrail/Amtrak) GG1 #4926 (#926), two 0-4-0T switchers of different heritage, a 45-ton switcher, and a 25-ton switcher.

Chester Historical Society

This organization has preserved the Erie's depot in Chester among its other historical buildings, which generally looks to keep alive the local area's history. The museum is open from June through October.

Empire State Railway Museum

This museum is located inside the Ulster & Delaware's small restored depot which once served the local area.

Along with historic artifacts displayed inside the group owns former Lake Superior & Ishpeming 2-8-0 #23, which they hope to restore one day. Additionally, they offer rides on their scale train located nearby. The museum is open from late May through October.

Heritage Discovery Center

Located in Buffalo, this museum's stated purpose is to tell the city's rich history in all aspects.  They state, "The museum will offer interactive, educational opportunities for young and old by providing a center of learning about railroad, industrial and maritime history."  

Hyde Park Railroad Station

This museum has preserved the New York Central's depot in Hyde Park built in 1914.  The building primarily displays artifacts related to railroads which served the local area.  It is open on select days year-round and hosts special events and activities throughout the year.

Jamestown Gateway Erie Train Station

As its name implies this organization has preserved the Erie's impressive station in Jamestown. While tours of the building/grounds are offered the station also plays host to many events throughout the year and is even available for businesses for lease.

Martisco Station Museum

This small museum is housed inside the NYC's beautifully restored Victorian era, brick depot that was originally constructed in 1881.

It houses several displays and historic artifacts inside. As with the Central Square Station Museum it is maintained and operated by the Central New York Chapter of the NRHS. It is open from May through October.

Medina Railroad Museum

The Medina Railroad Museum's mission statement is to preserve the area's railroad history, notably the New York Central.

The museum is housed in the railroad's former freight depot and also operates a 34-mile round trip excursion along the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor during the warmer months. The trains also host special trips throughout the year such as Santa and wine trains.

New York Museum Of Transportation

This transportation museum, located in West Henrietta, aims to preserve transportation history in Upstate New York.

They feature numerous pieces of railroad and streetcar/interurban rolling stock, some of which is operational for rides around the grounds. Additionally, the museum is home to several artifacts, displays, and a large operating model layout.

New York Transit Museum

This facility is located in Brooklyn and has a large collection of historic artifacts, interactive displays, and other material which tells the history of the New York City's many transit systems.

They are described as the largest such facility anywhere in the United States. The museum is open throughout much of the year.

North Creek Railway Depot Museum

Based inside the depot at North Creek is is this depot which houses a great deal of artifacts related to the Delaware & Hudson Railway.

Their mission statement is highlight the region history with railroads and also to tell the Gore Mountain's story in general.

Oyster Bay Railroad Museum

This museum looks to preserve the history of Oyster Bay's railroading past as well as that of the entire Long Island region.

They currently have a large collection of rolling stock on hand along with many artifacts and displays. The museum has future plans to greatly expand their presence by constructing a large complex in the area to further draw in visitors.

Railroad Museum Of Long Island, Greenport & Riverhead Museum

Another railroad museum located on Long Island at Greenport and Riverhead, this organization has a number of exhibits to see along with an operating layout to peruse.

Their long-term goal is to fully restore and operation Long Island Rail Road 4-6-0 (Class G5s) #39.

Railroad Museum Of Niagara Frontier

Located in North Tonawanda within the town's restored, 1922 Erie freight depot, the museum is operated by the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS).

It is the only such museum in the Buffalo area and its mission is to keep alive the history of railroading in this region. Along with artifacts and displays the museum has several pieces of rolling stock on-hand.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Affiliated with the New York Museum of Transportation, this museum has been in operation since 1971, located at the Erie's restored depot at Industry. Along with several pieces of rolling stock and numerous locomotives within its collection they are home to many artifacts and displays.

Roscoe O&W Railway Museum

This facility is a division of the Ontario & Western Railway Historical Society. It is located in Roscoe and has artifacts relating to the New York, Ontario & Western. The museum is open during the warmer months each year.

Salamanca Rail Museum

This Salamanca Rail Museum is located at the restored brick depot built by the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh. It is open during warmer months and features displays and artifacts related to the BR&P, other railroads, and the area in general. There are also a few pieces or rolling stock on display.

Trolley Museum Of New York

Founded in 1955, Trolley Museum Of New York features the state's only operating trolley at Kingston. The museum operates on 1 1/2-mile of trackage and uses the former yards of the Ulster & Delaware Railroad to store and display equipment.