The United Railroad Historical Society of NJ, in partnership with the Finger Lakes Rail Experience, is excited to announce a one-weekend-only rare-mileage excursions on the Finger Lakes Railway!
About the Trip
The Auburn Road Special is a one-weekend-only, rare mileage rail excursion along the eastern portion of the Finger Lakes Railway, a large segment of which is never traversed by passenger trains. The train will depart Waterloo, NY and travel through Seneca Falls, across Cayuga Lake, through Auburn, traverse the highlands
route follows the Auburn Road branch of the former New York Central System. It includes scenic high
Highlights
6-hour, rare mileage excursion
All-first-class seating and service
Authentic New York Central lounge cars
On-board dining with beer and wine for purchase
Two photo run-bys
Tour of the restored 1870 Martisco Depot
Exclusive New York Central themed ephemera
accommodations
Hickory Creek - $399
First Class Observation Seating With Chef-Prepared Meal
Passengers riding this historic observation car will have included in their ticket a three-course meal cooked by our chef in the Hickory Creek’s on-board kitchen, as well as beer and wine throughout the trip. Passengers will enjoy the breathtaking rear view from the Hickory Creek as our train skates along the Hudson River. Professional staff in period attire will be on hand for the whole round trip to serve guests at their seats.
The Hickory Creek was the rearmost - and most exclusive - car on the 20th Century Limited. It was a signature work of industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, with its signature “Lookout Lounge” and oversized picture windows meant for the one-of-a-kind view of the Hudson River. Its timeless design serves its purpose as well today as it did in 1948.
Swift Stream - $199
Table Seating or
Private Suites (for up to 4)
Passengers riding this historic sleeper/lounge car will receive catered sandwiches and sides, served buffet-style. This car is BYOB. Seats are sold in groups of two or four at either reserved tables in the car’s lounge or private suites, in the car’s Pullman bedrooms. Suites consist of two bedrooms opened up to each other, arranged for daytime seating, as they would have been in the 1940s. Throughout the trip, professional staff in period attire will be on hand to serve guests at their seats.
Tavern-Lounge No. 43 - $199
First class lounge Seating
Passengers riding this historic lounge car will receive catered sandwiches and sides, served buffet-style. This car is BYOB. Passengers will enjoy the breathtaking view through big picture windows as our train skates along the Hudson River. Professional staff in period attire will be on hand for the whole round trip to serve guests at their seats. The car has both banquette seating and lounge chairs, with plenty of room left for passengers to move about.
The Tavern Lounge No. 43 was built in 1947, and served as a luxury lounge for travelers going in and out of Grand Central Terminal. It was a place for passengers to relax, drink, and enjoy the company of their fellow passengers, just as they do with us today
THE ROUTE
The Auburn Road originated as the Auburn and Syracuse Railroad, which was chartered in the early 1830s to connect the growing industrial and commercial center of Auburn with the Erie Canal and the emerging rail hub at Syracuse. Opened in stages during the 1830s, it was among the earliest railroads in central New York and was constructed to typical early-railroad standards, featuring relatively light infrastructure, gentle grades, and modest curvature. Its primary purpose was the reliable, year-round movement of passengers, agricultural products, and canal-related freight rather than high-speed operation. Through successive mergers and consolidations in the mid-19th century, the line became part of the New York Central Railroad, where it functioned as a secondary main and feeder route linking Finger Lakes communities to Syracuse and the broader system. The Auburn Road stands as a representative example of how locally chartered pioneer railroads were absorbed into a unified trunk-line network that supported the economic development of upstate New York.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.