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Board the Halloween Beer & Wine Train from Utica to Remsen for an unforgettable autumn evening of scenic views, craft brews, and festive fun. Perfect for adults looking to relax and celebrate the season on rails.
Board the Halloween Beer & Wine Train from Utica to Remsen for an unforgettable autumn evening of scenic views, craft brews, and festive fun. Perfect for adults looking to relax and celebrate the season on rails.
Book with Adirondack Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Adirondack Railroad · Utica, New York
As autumn’s chill sets in across upstate New York, there’s no better way to embrace the season than aboard the Halloween Beer & Wine Train, a unique evening journey winding through the Vermont-like landscapes between Utica and Remsen. This 2.5-hour round-trip adventure departs from Utica’s historic Union Station, located at 321 Main Street, inviting adults aged 21 and over to immerse themselves in a relaxed, festive atmosphere that combines the charm of scenic rail travel with the pleasure of savoring craft beverages.
The train pulls out at 6:30 pm from the Boehlert Transportation Center with open windows framing the rolling hills and late-fall foliage glowing in amber and rust hues. As you traverse the 25 miles north to Remsen, passengers can sip from a complimentary glass—available to every ticket-holder—to enjoy their own selection of quality wines or brews (beverages not included). The spirit of October permeates the carriages with subtle touches of Halloween cheer, creating an inviting vibe perfect for an adult outing or a laid-back date night.
Though the trip lasts just over two hours, it offers a memorable shift from typical seasonal celebrations. At 7:30 pm, the train briefly pauses in Remsen, a small village known for its historic ties to the Adirondack Railroad, before returning at 8:00 pm and reaching Utica around 9:00 pm. The ride passes through some of New York’s less-traveled backcountry, showcasing quiet woods and sleepy towns that feel worlds away from urban clamor.
Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed; the train accommodates standard-size wheelchairs with a door opening width of 26 inches and provides wheelchair-accessible restrooms at the stations, although restroom facilities on board are not wheelchair accessible. Guests with specific requirements are encouraged to contact the operator directly to reserve appropriate seating.
This experience is not only a chance to relax with a glass in hand but also an opportunity to appreciate the historical significance of the Adirondack Railroad line itself, a key component of the region’s transportation heritage dating back to the 19th century. The Halloween Beer & Wine Train is a standout option for travelers seeking a unique blend of local culture, seasonal festivity, and outdoor views without needing to leave the train car.
Whether you’re visiting Utica or already exploring central New York, this trip offers a convivial escape with a front-row seat to the fall landscape, making it an ideal addition to your itinerary when timing lines up with the Halloween season. Combine the comfort of rail travel with the joy of craft drinks and a touch of seasonal magic for an experience that’s fun, refreshing, and quintessentially local.
No, each ticket includes a complimentary glass, but beverages must be purchased separately or brought on board if allowed.
Yes, the train accommodates standard-size wheelchairs with a 26-inch door opening and accessible restrooms at stations, though not on the train itself.
No, this event is strictly for passengers 21 and older due to alcohol service.
Board at Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY, 15 minutes before the 6:30 pm departure.
No food service is offered; you may bring your own snacks but no outside alcohol.
Cancellation policies vary; please check with the operator directly when booking.
Adirondack Railroad operates scenic and seasonal passenger train excursions based in Utica, New York. The railroad offers a lineup of vintage and specialty trips that showcase Adirondack landscapes, with departures from Utica and Thendara stations. Popular experiences include the Polar Express™, Santa Train and Adirondack Christmas Train for holiday travel; the Pumpkin Train and Family Halloween Train for fall festivities; and tasting-focused offerings such as the Beer & Wine Train and Halloween Beer & Wine Train. Daytime scenic routes include the Gateway and The Fall "Gateway" routes from Utica to Old Forge, the Otter Lake Explorer and Tupper Lake Explorer nature excursions from Thendara, and the Old Forge → Beaver River Roundtrip. Many trips run approximately 1.5 to 4.5 hours and use vintage train coaches and a café car serving light fare, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats depending on the trip. Adirondack Railroad emphasizes accessible experiences where noted, such as the Tupper Lake Explorer, and provides station amenities including restrooms at key stations. Special-event trains often feature costumed characters, seasonal activities, and family-focused elements like free pumpkins for children on the Pumpkin Train. Ticketing availability varies and popular excursions such as the Polar Express™ and holiday trains frequently sell out; reservations are recommended. Adirondack Railroad presents a range of options for families, couples, and groups seeking scenic rail travel in the Adirondack region, combining nostalgic railcars, curated onboard service, and routes that highlight rivers, lakes, and forested mountains. Advance reservations are advised for high-demand holiday and weekend departures today.
Book with Adirondack Railroad