Essex Steam Train and Riverboat

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Review

This ride offers some of the best views of the Connecticut River valley from the vantage point of a restored train (1920s coaches pulled by a vintage steam locomotive) and an old-fashioned Mississippi-style riverboat. The train, traveling along the Connecticut River through the lower valley, makes a 12-mi round-trip from Essex Station to Deep River Station; from there, if you wish to continue, you board the riverboat for a ride to East Haddam (the open promenade deck on the third level has the best views). Special trains, including a dinner train and a wine train, as well as a Santa Special and hugely popular visits by Thomas the Tank Engine, occur periodically.