Niagara Falls, New York, is approximately 16 miles northwest of Buffalo. During the 19th and early-20th century, the Buffalo area served as a major hub for the transportation of goods and people via railroads, explains the Buffalonian. As such, this section of the state makes an ideal destination for train enthusiasts desiring to visit museums dedicated to the railroad industry. Many such attractions are within an hour's drive of the American side of the waterfalls at Niagara Falls.
Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society operates the Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier. The museum occupies a former train depot that was built in 1925. Its location is approximately 13 miles from Niagara Falls.
The Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier features items related to the train industry in the greater Buffalo, New York, region. Outside, the museum has two historic engines and cabooses available for touring. In addition, the museum has wooden and electric trains on display that children and adults may play with during their visits.
The Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier is open only on Sundays during the summer months. The museum opens infrequently for special events during other times of the year.
The Medina Railroad Museum is West Avenue in the town of Medina, New York, around 38 miles from Niagara Falls. A wooden train depot constructed in 1905 serves as the location of the museum. The depot itself is a notable landmark as it is one of the largest wooden train stations remaining in the United States, according to the museum's website.
The interior of the Medina Railroad Museum has been refurbished to resemble its appearance when it was still in operation. Among the items on display at the museum are authentic freight scales and items related to classic trains like the Burlington Zephyr. A variety of toy trains are displayed in cases, and the museum has a model electric railroad and village on display. The museum also offers two-hour train scenic train rides on a regular basis.
The Medina Railroad Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, year round and closes on major holidays. Children, teenagers and senior citizens enjoy discounted admission rates.
The Fort Erie Railroad Museum is in the town of Fort Erie in the Canadian province of Ontario. From the 1940s to the 1960s, the town served as the third-largest rail yard in Canada, explains the museum's website. Housed in the town's former train depot, Ridgeway Station, the museum is about 25 minutes from Niagara Falls.
Outside, visitors to the Fort Erie Railroad Museum can view a Canadian National Railway steam engine made in 1948. A caboose and coal and water car are also displayed with engine. Inside of the station, exhibits examine the historical role of trains in society. A featured display concerns the use of trains to return soldiers home to loved ones following World War II.
The Fort Erie Railroad Museum is open daily throughout the months of June, July and August. Admission is free for all ages, but donations are accepted.
