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Adirondack Scenic Railroad

See Adirondack Mountains, New York family vacation

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

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20 Averyville Road
Lake Placid, NY 12946
800-819-2291
518-523-4237

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Train

Adirondack Scenic Railroad Description

To some folks, you haven't really done the Adirondacks 'til you've done 'em by train. Twenty-mile scenic rides in old 1960s cars gives the full vintage experience, chugging over the river, around the mountains and into the quaint towns of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake where you can get out, shop and have a bite to eat before the return trip home. Even without the steam engine (these are diesel), it's a little bit of old-time magic.

Kid Tips

Babies: The scenery going by the window is either stimulation central, or an ideal infant soporific. Either works. Plus, you can bring your stroller for your visit to town on the other end.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Trains and tots are a perfect pair. Ask about soaking up the fresh air between cars. Such entitlements are at the conductor's discretion. But, you'll never know unless you ask.

School-Age Kids: Saturdays in July and August, the 11 a.m. train includes a self-led treasure hunt. Ask about it when you buy tickets.

Planning Notes

Strategic planning. You can depart from either Lake Placid or Saranac Lake, but driving to, and leaving from, the former will avoid the long-ish hike between the station and Lake Placid Village.
Maximize your time. The roundtrip includes 45 minutes on the train, a 45 minute layover and 45 minutes back. To extend the trip, ask about taking the morning train from Lake Placid and the mid-afternoon train back home.
Special events. Themed trains throughout the season include a mid-October Halloween Train and a Polar Express trip in December

Just the Facts

Hours: Memorial Day through Mid-October, Wed.-Sun., roundtrip departures from Lake Placid, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; roundtrip departure from Saranac Lake at 12:30 p.m.; one-way departure from Saranac Lake at 3:30 p.m.

Fees: $10-$20.

Recommended Time: Half day