If you’re looking for a great family fun train ride, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is just the place to buy your ticket. Celebrating 43 years of operation as Ulster County’s only heritage railroad, the CMRR offers a whole season full of special events that are fun for children and adults alike.
Starting in May is the Catskill Spring and Summer Flyer, where trains depart from the historic Hudson Valley City of Kingston and travel up through the Catskill Gateway.
Passengers leave Westbrook Station, cross the C9 bridge over the Esopus Creek, pass through farmlands, and head up Hurley Mountain. Sundays on the Catskill Flyer are extra-special days because that’s when the Ice Cream Express heads out of town with passengers enjoying an ice cream of their choice on the ride.
In July, roar into adventure on the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Dinosaur Express. Grab your explorer’s hat and take a train ride back in time to the Jurassic Period and discover the magic of dinosaurs! After departing the station, the passengers will suddenly find themselves back in the days when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
One of the highlights of this train ride is the presence of roaming dinosaurs and friendly dinosaur hunters onboard. Let your little ones’ imaginations run wild as they encounter these prehistoric creatures during the journey to their Dinosaur Park.
The Dinosaur Express is a unique opportunity to make learning about dinosaurs truly come alive with an adventure that combines history and imagination.
Also in July and August, don’t miss their Friday evening Twilight Limited Train rides, which depart from Westbrook Station with live music onboard. Enjoy the train ride and the music as the sun sets and the evening sky full of stars appears.
In September and October, the CMRR’s fall trains take to the rails. For starters, the Fall Foliage Adventure train gives passengers a great way to view the fall foliage as the trees explode in a spectacular display of colors. Their open-air flat cars are perfect for enjoying the best views from the train, but book your tickets early as this is one of their most popular rides. In October and just before Halloween, the Pumpkin Express is scheduled to carry passengers up the line to the Pumpkin Patch, where everyone gets to pick a pumpkin to take home and carve for the holiday. It’s an extra-fun train ride with your choice of pumpkin as a bonus.
The Dinosaur Express is a unique opportunity to make learning about dinosaurs truly come alive with an adventure that combines history and imagination.
In November and December, catch the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s last event of the year and Christmas holiday season—the ever-popular Polar Express. Set to the sounds of the motion picture, passengers will relive the classic story as they are whisked away for a magical trip to the North Pole. Once onboard, the conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket as you’re served hot chocolate and a delicious cookie by dancing chefs!
In October and just before Halloween, the Pumpkin Express is scheduled to carry passengers up the line to the Pumpkin Patch.
The CMRR also offers the entire train for charters and events, as well as a single car within the Catskill Flyer schedule for birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasions.
Passengers will read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Once at The North Pole, Santa and his elves will board the train to greet passengers, and each guest will be given the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car will lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment, just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this unforgettable adventure.
All trains depart from Westbrook Station in Kingston Plaza for a 90-minute round-trip ride. Folks can enjoy the views from the vintage coaches or open-air cars. The CMRR also offers the entire train for charters and events, as well as a single car within the Catskill Flyer schedule for birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasions. For more information and other new events for August 2026, or to purchase your tickets online, visit their website at catskillmountainrailroad.com.
Seasonal Train Events
CATSKILL FLYER
Spring–Summer (May–Sept.)
Departures: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
ICE CREAM EXPRESS
(Sundays) Select dates May–September
Departures: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
DINOSAUR EXPRESS
Select weekends in July
TWILIGHT LIMITED
Friday evenings, July & August
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURE
Late September–October Typical departures: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
PUMPKIN EXPRESS
Select October weekends
THE POLAR EXPRESS™
Holiday Season (Nov–Dec) Select dates November–December
And so much more. Check the website for details.
catskill mountain railroad
55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston
845-332-4854 catskillmountainrailroad.com
