This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Around Buffalo Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime

To view the interactive map for this adventure, click here.

What was once a run-down train station has again become an exciting place for Buffalonians to visit. Buffalo Central Terminal is one of our city’s most recognizable landmarks, and you can explore if for yourself on one of the monthly historical tours for a unique glimpse into the past. Come summertime, the historic terminal will also host monthly concerts! Any of these fascinating tours and exciting events are totally worth planning your train-themed trip around.

For more information about Buffalo Central Terminal and its historical tours, visit its website here.

Next stop: an inconspicuous train-themed spot that's hiding in plain sight. If you have yet to discover Swan Street Diner, you’re in for a tasty treat. The diner is actually housed in a historic Sterling diner car from 1937. It was originally set up in Rochester, but has since made its way to Buffalo and has become a fantastic, classic diner that’s one of our absolute favorites.

To learn more about Swan Street Diner, check out our previous feature article about this delicious destination here.

Head just 20 minutes from Buffalo to the small town of East Aurora. Here, you’ll find another train-themed eatery that’s situated right on the railroad tracks! Back in the day, Riley Street Station was an actual commuter station on the Pennsylvania Railroad that was in operation from 1867 all the way up until 1973! The historic station is now a restaurant with a lengthy bar and several dining rooms - all of which are decorated in unique train-themed accents. This former station certainly provides an exciting way to enjoy history.

Read more about the historic Riley Street Station and its cool restaurant in our previous feature article here.

You probably recognize this iconic orange train that travels throughout Western New York, but if you have yet to hop aboard for a ride, you’re missing out on tons of fun. The trains depart from the town of Arcade, located less than an hour from Buffalo. Various train rides are offered throughout the year, including themed and season rides that take an already exciting outing to a whole other level. The 90-minute rides through the countryside offer amazing views of the landscape, and you might just feel a twinge of nostalgia as you ride the rails.

We’ve featured some of the amazing Arcade & Attica Railroad rides before, and you can learn more about them here.

It’s surprising how many former train stations in Western New York have been transformed into delicious restaurants! Over in the town of Le Roy (near Rochester), D & R Depot Restaurant dates all the way back to 1870. This train-themed restaurant is also located right along the tracks, and it has become well-known for its whimsical interior that features train tracks hanging upside down from the ceiling!

For more about D & R Depot Restaurant, check out our previous feature article here.

Now that you’re stuffed with plenty of tasty food, it’s time to take a break and enjoy the largest railroad and toy train museum in the Empire State! Located in the small town of Medina, this fascinating museum is close to home and houses the nation’s largest model train display. This is one attraction that the entire family will love, as there are things to do for all ages - including train rides! One of the most popular themed rides at the Medina Railroad Museum is the annual Day Out with Thomas event, which is coming up next month!

To learn more about this special ride and others offered at the Medina Railroad Museum, visit its website here.

After enjoying hours of fun at the Medina Railroad Museum, it's time to circle back to the Queen City to grab one last train-themed bite to eat. End your day of excitement and train rides at Lake Effect Diner on Main Street, which is actually housed within a former 1950s train car! The historic car was saved from demolition and moved from Pennsylvania to Buffalo, where it has become one of the most delicious diners in the entire city.

Learn more about Lake Effect Diner in our previous article here.