VISITOR/RAIL-FAN INFORMATION
Ready for a visit to Fairport?
Thinking about a trip to Fairport to check out the train action at our platform?
You are in for a treat if you do. We are located along the famed Erie Canal about 10 miles east of Rochester (about 9 miles by rail), which is situated along the shoreline of Lake Ontario, between Buffalo and Syracuse, in the Western Gateway of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. Fairport is at Milepost 361 of the CSX line that was the old New York Central Railroad Water Level Route linking the New York City area to Chicago.
Besides the action on our busy CSX line, there are many other attractions for the railfan in and near Rochester, starting with the New York State Museum of Transportation and the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, both about 20 minutes away. (The normal trolley ride connection between these museums is currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.)
A little further afield is the Norfolk Southern Railroad’s Southern Tier Line that goes across a deep gorge at Letchworth State Park (the Grand Canyon of the East) on a spectacular new $75 million high bridge. A number of short line railroads serve the area, including the Finger Lakes Railroad (home of the Lightning Stripe locomotives), and the Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad (also parent to the Bath and Hammondsport Rail Co. and the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad (home of some of the last Alco road locomotives). The Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Company is parent to the Rochester & Southern Railroad as well as the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad that also operate in the region.
Other area rail attractions include the Arcade & Attica Railroad, which operates excursions and is attempting to restore a 100-year-old steam engine to service, and the Medina Railroad Museum, which operates fall foliage rides, as does with the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum.
But railfans should also consider bringing along their families, or making plenty of time to enjoy our area’s many other attractions. Besides a varied wealth of local dining options (below), our area is home to many dozens of wineries (the Finger Lakes Wine Region has been acclaimed one of the top worldwide wine attractions) craft breweries and craft distilleries. Right here in Fairport, we are home to a winery, four breweries (three of which are a short walk from our platform, as is a distillery). Nearby lodging options range from a cozy B&B within walking distance of the platform to large, luxury hotels.
The Erie Canal is just across the parking lot from our rail platform, and during the warm weather months, cruises along the canal are offered on the Colonial Belle excursion vessel. The Town of Perinton encompassing Fairport has been designated as a Trailtown, USA, with its more than 30 miles of hiking/biking trails. maintained by the Crescent Trail Association. Kayak and bike rentals are available at Erie Canal Boat Rentals . Bike rentals are typically available at RVE Bikes, though rentals are suspended at this time.
Our area is also home to two world renown museums, The George Eastman House/International Museum of Photography and The Strong National Museum of Play , sponsor of the International Toy Hall of Fame. And while world famous Niagara Falls is less than two hours away, you can see a spectacular waterfall right in the middle of Downtown Rochester. Further up the Genesee River (one of only a few north flowing rivers in the country) is a series of waterfalls in gorgeous Letchworth State Park, named the number one state park in the country by readers of USA Today.
We look forward to seeing you in Fairport. Don’t hesitate to drop us a line if you have questions, or see our FAQ (link to be created).
Fairport, N,Y., about 10 miles east of Rochester, along historic Erie Canal
Three tracks at the junction of CSX Rochester and West Shore Subdivisions
Up to 40+ trains daily on the busy CSX line linking Chicago to NYC Metro Area and New England
Mix of transcontinental intermodal, manifest, auto, ethanol/crude oil, and grain traffic, plus eight Amtrak trains a day
Run through traffic with abundant mix of foreign motive power
65/55 mph speed limit and adjacent Main Street grade crossing - lots of horns and fast action
In the center of an historic, beautiful village with abundant dining and shopping opportunities
Numerous close recreational opportunities, including canal bike path and boat rentals, parks and playgrounds
Where to Eat/Drink in Fairport
Organized by walking distance from platform
North of the Tracks
Mac’s Philly Steaks
Faircraft Brauhaus
Fairport Village Inn
Fairpour Cafe & Coffee Roasters
Compane Brick Oven Bistro
Tin Cup Social
Smokin’ Hot Chicks
Iron Smoke Distillery
Triphammer Bierworks
South of the Tracks
Mulconry’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
B-Side
Junction 361
Lulu’s Taqueria
Ice Cream Factory
TK’s Pizzeria
Donnelly’s Public House
Riki’s Family Restaurant
My Wine and Cheese Bar
Porterhouse
Fairport Brewery
Moonlight Creamery
Red Bird Market
Skip’s Meat Market (Subs)
Salvatore’s Pizza & Subs
Where to Stay in Fairport
AirBNB - several locations!
Restrooms
New Public Restrooms will be opening in Spring 2023, located across Main St. in the New Lift Bridge Lane West event space along the canal. Also, many of the local establishments offer use of their restrooms. We do ask that visitors consider purchasing from these businesses and help to maintain restroom cleanliness.