Rodeway Inn

93 East Grand Street (SR 5)
Palatine Bridge, NY 13428
518-673-3233

Location Rating: T-B-2

One hasn't truly railfanned the Mohawk River Valley if they haven't stayed at the Palatine Bridge Rodeway Inn, formerly a Econo Lodge. Situated like a long low fortress high above the Mohawk River and the Chicago Line of CSXT, the motel is legendary among knowledgeable fans who retire to its rooms after a day of train photography, only to be recalled to action by the sound of an approaching freight.

Located just east of Palatine Bridge on New York State Route 5 on the north side of the Mohawk River/ Erie Canal waterway, the motel faces south from a bluff overlooking the CSXT mainline with the highway unobtrusively tucked between tracks and motel. By staying at this motel where room rates run about $60.00 - $70.00 nightly, the railfan can sit and relax, letting the trains come to him / her. The rooms face the railroad, but an extended parking lot cuts off immediate view of the railroad from some. No problem, for it only takes a few steps from motel room across the lot to the edge of the bluff, from where photographs or just plain train watching can be accomplished. A grade crossing to the west offers warnings of approaching trains, but unfortunately, there is no such warning from the east. Motel management understands the attraction of the trains and has placed lawn chairs at the edge of the bluff for comfortable viewing. Should you want to get closer to the action, a large pullover exists trackside off Route 5 at the base of the bluff where photographs can be snapped off trackside.

In addition to freights of CSXT and Empire Service trains of Amtrak, the Mohawk River offers a constant panorama of passing pleasure craft that utilize the dammed river as part of the Erie Canal system. Lock No. 14 of the canal system is roughly a mile to the west of the motel. In the winter, the canal locks are opened and the river returns to its natural depth of a few feet.

Amenities are adequate in the area, there being a McDonalds only a half mile west off Rte. 5, while the town of Canajoharie, across the river, offers limited retail outlets. On the east side of Canajoharie is Interchange 29 of the New York State Thruway.

After a strenuous day of watching and photographing trains along the Chicago Line, the Palatine Bridge Rodeway Inn is the perfect place to stay for the railfan. The action doesn't end when you step out of your vehicle. In fact, it simply continues in a more relaxed, low-keyed atmosphere. You can railfan during the day, watch trains in the evening, listen to trains during the night, and arise to more trains in the morning. Why interrupt your railfanning when dusk falls? Stay at the Palatine Bridge Rodeway Inn and railfan 24 hours non-stop.

Updated by Gardiner Cross 8.17.07 / Submitted by Tim Bruno 9.16.03