April 8, 2024 is going to see a total eclipse of the sun across North America. All 48 states will get a partial view, but a total eclipse will be visible for those people who can make their way to the track shown on this map from NASA. The path will cross some major cities — the NASA link lists some of them — but it should be viewable from any place on that track. IF — and that’s always an unknown — IF the skies are clear.
For a unique way to view the eclipse, the Adirondack Railroad will be running a special excursion train that day, scheduled to take riders from the Utica, NY station to a viewing area near Old Forge, NY Thendara Station in the Adirondacks.
A Truly Unique Experience!
Enjoy a Once in a Lifetime event with the Adirondack Railroad.
- Experience the full Eclipse unobstructed from our exclusive reserved viewing area.
- Round trip from Utica to the path of Solar Eclipse totality in Old Forge.
- Avoid traffic problems on heavily traveled Route 28.
- Food and Beverage service will be available onboard the train.
- Food and Beverage service available at the viewing site throughout the event.
- All ticket holders will receive a free pair of Eclipse viewing glasses.
- Eclipse information will be available onboard and at the viewing site.
- Three levels of onboard accommodations
- Arrival in Old Forge well in advance of the start of the Eclipse cycle.
- Train departs Utica Union Station at 11:15am.
- Train departs Old Forge at approximately 4:15pm.
IF you would like to book a seat on the train, do not delay. This will be unique way to see a unique event (assuming clear skies cooperate!) and there is no telling how quickly it will sell out. RESERVATION INFORMATION is here. Their phone number is 1-800-819-2291. As of noon ET 1-22-2024 there were still seats available in coach and first class.
The station is just a few minutes from the New York State Thruway exit. It’s also served by Amtrak. Depending on your travel plans and train schedules, you may be able to take a train to the train! (Amtrak’s directions to the station.)
If the weather does not cooperate, you’ll still get a pleasant train ride into the Adirondacks and back, so it’s still a win in my book. ;-) If you are thinking of driving up to the Adirondacks instead, it’s likely the highways up there are going to be highly congested — taking the train will avoid all of that.
The Adirondack Railroad is running a number of other trains if you can’t make the eclipse trip, like the Valentine’s Day Dinner Train, the Cabin Fever Limited, and the Easter Bunny Express. (They also do a Polar Express, which usually sells out very quickly.) Their schedule for summer and fall will include a number of trains running to different points in the Adirondacks, so check back for when that’s posted or sign up for email updates.
Here’s more from NASA on the eclipse.