Western New York · Gowanda to South Dayton
Discover Western New York by Rail.
Experience scenic train rides aboard the historic New York & Lake Erie Railroad. From family outings to seasonal celebrations, there's a reason to climb aboard in every season.
Find your ride
Upcoming adventures on the rails
Browse the experiences guests return for: scenic countryside, family traditions, wine on the train, and evenings that turn into stories.
Choose your kind of day
Explore by experience
A two-hour ride can be a family tradition, a date night, a fall afternoon, or a night of clues and dessert.
Why ride with us
A Little History. A Lot to Experience.
Discover Western New York from the window of a vintage passenger train. Whether you're here for the scenery, a family outing, or a special event, the New York & Lake Erie Railroad makes the journey part of the fun.
A Journey Through History
Travel a former Erie Railroad line through the countryside between Gowanda and South Dayton.
Something for Everyone
Enjoy scenic excursions, wine trains, murder mysteries, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Locally Loved
Friendly conductors, vintage railcars, and a railroad that's been part of the region's story for generations.
Gowanda → South Dayton
Railroad story
Yesterday, today, and forever on the NY&LE.
The rail line’s story reaches back to the early 1850s, through the Erie Railroad and Conrail, to the New York & Lake Erie short line formed in 1978. South Dayton also carries a little movie history: scenes connected to The Natural and Planes, Trains and Automobiles were filmed in the community.
Explore the railroad’s historyRider rave reviews
What our guests our saying...
“My older son loved looking out the window for beaver dams and my younger son liked guessing if each crossing would have lights or not. The old train really added to the experience as well.”
“This is a great little tourist railroad with vintage train cars and engines. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.”
“Very scenic and enjoyable 2 hour ride… the stopover included visiting the old train station in South Dayton with memorabilia from The Natural.”
Before you board
Plan your visit from Gowanda.
Find the station, arrival guidance, accessibility notes, and the practical details that make check-in easier.