About Us

The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society was started by a group of devoted preservationists who, in 1992, banded together and proposed to fix and operate a short section of the former New York Central line from Thendara south to Minnehaha. New York State approved the four mile demonstration and on July 4, 1992, the Adirondack Centennial Railroad ran its first train. With a positive response from the public, New York State allowed the railroad to operate again in 1993. In July of 1994 the Adirondack Centennial Railroad became the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, and New York State has extended the permission to run each year since.

With the support of individuals, corporate and foundation sponsorships, and large measures of support from government leaders, we have returned nearly 80 miles of track to passenger service, acquired and refurbished enough equipment to provide comfortable, safe, regular seasonal service, beginning in April and continuing December, and carried more than one million tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to experience some of the most pristine mountain terrain in remote areas of the Adirondacks. All with minimal impact on the environment.

Our operation has spurred the restoration or reconstruction of historic stations in Holland Patent and Remsen, New York, and the people of Tupper Lake are now rebuilding their railroad station.

The Preservation Society that operates the railroad is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation chartered by the New York State Department of Education. The Railroad is staffed by 150 volunteers and only a few full, and part-time employees.