The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, operated by the Valley Railroad Company, is unusual in offering a train ride that can be combined with a connecting riverboat excursion, providing scenic views of the Connecticut River from both rail and water. The 12-mile rail round trip from Essex station to Deep River and Haddam takes about an hour, while the rail-water package lasts 2.5 hours.
Choices
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offer train rides hauled by either steam locomotive 2-8-2 No. 40, which dates from 1920; 2-8-0 No. 97, built in 1926; or the far newer Chinese-built 2-8-2 No. 3025, while the Becky Thatcher, a replica of a three-deck Mississippi-style riverboat, handles the water excursion. A number of seasonal events and excursions take place, including a wildlife-viewing trip in February, as well as sunset cruises on Saturdays and a lunch train. On some weekends, a caboose is available for rides. Fall foliage steam specials now travel 4 miles north beyond the normal route as additional trackage has been returned to service on the railroad.
When to go
Trains operate from the historic 1892 Essex depot from May through late October. Special events including Day out with Thomas take place in spring, and both Santa Special (afternoons) and North Pole Express (evenings) holiday-themed trains run in both November and December. Spring and fall are fine times to visit as well, with the leaves either a new green or in brilliant autumn colors.
Good to know
Essex is a historic seaport village, with lots of white-clapboard New England charm. The Victorian Goodspeed Opera House in nearby East Haddam presents productions of classic musical comedies.
Worth doing
Nearby Gillette Castle is a whimsical faux-medieval mountaintop estate built for actor and playwright William Gillette, most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Visit it on your own or as a train-ferry-hiking package offered by the railroad.
Don’t miss
The diesel-hauled Essex Clipper Dinner Train operates seasonally and offers a four-course dinner on the rails. One of its dining cars is a special treat: the heavyweight Pullman parlor car Wallingford, built in 1927 for the New York, New Haven & Hartford.
Getting there
Essex is located on Route 9 just 3 miles from Interstate 95.
Location: 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT
Phone: 860-767-0103 or 800-377-3987
Website: essexsteamtrain.com
E-mail: info@essexsteamtrain.com
