The Oct. 24 excursion runs from Holland Patent to Remsen with daytime departures, costume activities, a hayride and a free pumpkin for children who dress up.

The Adirondack Family Halloween Train will make three round trips from Holland Patent to Remsen on Saturday, Oct. 24, giving Mohawk Valley families a final-weekend option for a daytime Halloween outing.

The Adirondack Railroad lists departures at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Each trip lasts about 90 minutes. Current fares are $22 for adults, $15 for children, $20 for seniors and $18 for military passengers.

Because the event is offered on one day and ticket availability can change, families should check the official Family Halloween Train page before traveling. The railroad can also be reached at 1-800-819-2291 or info@adirondackrr.com.

Adirondack Family Halloween Train at a glance

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
• Departure times: 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., subject to availability.
• Starting point: Holland Patent Station, 9550 Depot St., Holland Patent.
• Route: Round trip from Holland Patent to historic Remsen Depot.
• Length: About one hour and 30 minutes.
• Current fares: Adults $22, children $15, seniors $20 and military passengers $18.
• Activities: Decorated train cars, seasonal characters along the route, a pumpkin patch, hayride and other activities at the Remsen stop.
• Costume benefit: Each child who arrives in costume receives one free pumpkin.

The Holland Patent Depot listing from Oneida County Tourism gives the station address as 9550 Depot St. Families should still follow the location and arrival directions in their ticket confirmation, since the event does not depart from Utica’s Union Station.

What families can expect

The decorated train travels north from Holland Patent to Remsen Depot. The railroad describes the trip as a family outing with ghosts, goblins, witches and other Halloween figures along the route. The event is presented as seasonal fun for families, not as a late-night haunted attraction.

At Remsen, passengers can take part in a pumpkin patch, hayride and other activities before returning by train. The railroad says children in costume receive one pumpkin at no additional charge.

The coaches are climate controlled, but part of the experience takes place outside. Families may want to bring a warm layer that can fit over or under a costume. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are also a practical choice for walking around the depot and pumpkin area.

Accessibility requires advance planning

The railroad states that this trip is not wheelchair accessible because Holland Patent Station does not have wheelchair boarding. That is an important limit for families to understand before buying tickets.

Passengers with mobility concerns who can manage several stairs may still be able to participate. The railroad says staff can assist with boarding and deboarding at Remsen, but passengers must be able to board and leave the train at Holland Patent.

Anyone unsure whether the train will work for a family member should call 1-800-819-2291 before purchasing. Ask specifically about the number of steps, handrails, space for mobility devices, restroom access and how long passengers will be outside at Remsen.

Questions to ask before booking

• Can staff accommodate a cane, walker, stroller or other mobility aid?
• How early should passengers arrive before the listed departure time?
• Where should drivers park at Holland Patent Station?
• Are restrooms available at the station, aboard the train or at Remsen Depot?
• Does the ticket price apply to very young children, or can they ride without a separate seat?
• What happens if severe weather affects the outdoor activities?

Those details were not fully listed in the press release. Confirming them directly can prevent surprises, especially for families traveling with toddlers, older adults or passengers who need additional support.

How to prepare for the Halloween train

Choose a train-safe costume

Costumes should allow children to walk, use stairs and sit comfortably. Long capes, loose hems and oversized accessories can catch on steps or seats. Masks should not block vision while boarding, and toy weapons are best left at home.

Parents may also want to label coats, hats and costume pieces with a phone number. A small bag can hold gloves, water and any costume pieces that become uncomfortable during the ride.

Check tickets and directions before leaving

Families should save the ticket confirmation on a phone and consider taking a screenshot in case cellular service is weak. Check the departure station carefully. The train starts in Holland Patent, not downtown Utica and not at the railroad’s Thendara station.

The railroad’s booking page should be treated as the final source for availability and departure information. Prices and open seats can change as the event approaches.

Plan for the weather

Even though the train is climate controlled, October weather in northern Oneida County can change quickly. Check the forecast Saturday morning and bring layers suitable for the outdoor stop. If rain is possible, a compact rain jacket may be easier to manage than an umbrella around train steps and groups of children.

What this means for the Mohawk Valley

The excursion offers families a short regional trip without driving deep into the Adirondacks. Holland Patent is within Oneida County, and Remsen is a familiar northern Oneida County destination for residents of Utica, Rome and surrounding towns.

The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization, operates the Adirondack Railroad. The group says it has worked since 1992 to preserve passenger rail experiences connecting Central New York with Adirondack communities.

Seasonal excursions also bring visitors to small communities along the rail corridor. That can support local restaurants, shops and other attractions when families combine a train ride with another stop. Readers planning a fuller weekend can also review Phoenix coverage of the separate Haunted Railbike Adventure supporting Adirondack students. The railbike event is a different attraction with its own location, dates and tickets.

Before you go

Reserve through the railroad’s official website rather than an unfamiliar third-party seller. Review the total cost before completing payment, keep the confirmation email and verify the Holland Patent departure location.

Families should also confirm whether their preferred departure still has seats. The press release announces the event, but it does not guarantee that every departure remains available.

Readers who attend can share useful, respectful feedback in the comments about parking, boarding, accessibility and how the activities worked for different age groups. Firsthand practical information can help other Mohawk Valley families plan future railroad events.