
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s 2 1/2-hour journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.
Schedule and fare info is just a click away. All pricing for excursion packages to fit your budget. Plan your excursion today.
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers a unique hiking experience to Gillette Castle.
The historic 4-mile stretch of rail south of Essex Station to Old Saybrook is available for passenger travel aboard the Saybrook Special!
The caboose is owned by the non-profit Friends of the Valley Railroad, and was named in honor of Ralph H. Gibson.
Enjoy a 3-course lunch aboard restored 1920’s Pullman dining cars as part of a 3.75 hour lunch, train and riverboat sightseeing excursion.
All Aboard the elegant Essex Clipper for a four-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.
Enjoy a 3-course lunch aboard restored 1920’s Pullman dining cars as part of a 3.75 hour lunch, train and riverboat sightseeing excursion.
All Aboard the elegant Essex Clipper for a four-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920′s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.
The Essex Clipper Dinner Train is available for groups, private parties and chartered events.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about and actually operate a full size steam locomotive! Reserve your spot early…participation in the HOTT is limited to 8 students per day.
Toot toot!!! Thomas the Tank Engine, his buddy Percy, and Sir Topham Hatt have pulled into Essex Station for the “The Friendship Tour!”
Neighbor Appreciation weekend includes free Steam Train and Riverboat rides for residents in six towns along the Valley Railroad’s operating line.
A special outing for the special women in our lives. Treat Mom to a memorable Steam Train and Riverboat ride.
Join us at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat as we host living history.
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers Friday and Saturday Night Sunset Cruises aboard the Becky Thatcher — a lovely ride down the Connecticut River from the boat’s dock in Deep River to the Baldwin Bridge and back again.
Join us as we host a night of refined pleasures on our popular Cigar & Whiskey Cruise designed for adults only.
Rhythm by the Rails is a live lawn concert series throughout the summer. All bands perform rain or shine from 6:30-8:00 pm on the lawn of Essex Station and admission is FREE.
What could be more enjoyable than live music while sailing down the Connecticut River and watching a gorgeous sunset? NOTHING! And that’s why we’re offering three nights of music on The Becky Thatcher Riverboat.
The Saybrook Swashbucklers,” that nefarious band of pirates known to troll the CT River sail alongside and come on board The Becky Thatcher Riverboat.
Love chocolate? Who doesn’t? Love wine? Oh, yes! It’s a match made in heaven and we’re bringing it to you on Thursday, September 14th.
Beer, Bratwurst, and Beautiful Fall foliage on the Connecticut River. A great night is in store for you from the minute you smell the brats sizzling on the grill to the last sip of beer as you glide into dock after the end of a stunning sunset.
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers Friday and Saturday Night Sunset Cruises aboard the Becky Thatcher.
Board the historic Essex Steam Train for a late morning departure from Essex Station. The northbound trip skirts untouched woodlands, trestle bridges, tidal marshes and inlets as you revel in the bountiful Connecticut River valley foliage.
Make this magnificent autumnal adventure an annual Fall Foliage tradition for the memory books!
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to travel the Lower Connecticut River Valley aboard vintage coach train cars on your way to enjoy the Music on the River series concerts.
The Friends of the Valley Railroad provide free rides in the Valley Railroad “Hi-Rail” van on select Saturdays in September and October.
Board our locomotive-powered sleigh…for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a LIVE, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.
All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind, daytime holiday experience. Make sure you’re camera-ready for that “special moment” when Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each child!
The Eagle Flyer is a unique 2-1/2 hour round trip eco-excursion in the Connecticut River Valley. Trees stripped of their foliage afford clear views of the surrounding forest and the Connecticut River.
No matter what your event is, Essex Steam Train & Riverboat can make it extra special with a variety of choices. From the Riverboat to the Dinner Train, to our grounds and facilities, Essext Steam Train can make your event the talk of all your friends!
The Essex Clipper Dinner Train is available for groups, private parties and chartered events.
Breathtaking views from the Becky Thatcher riverboat set the stage for a memorable party, wedding, rehearsal dinner, family reunion, or corporate event. Our riverboat, a Connecticut River Valley fixture, is available for evening charter, May – October.
No matter what the event, EST&R has the right venue for you. From weddings to birthday parties, and everything in between we have you covered with delicious food options and attentive staff.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers a variety of special wedding packages that will be the perfect for the wedding of your dreams!
Your child’s dream – a party on a Little Red Caboose! Available May through October.
Here at Essex Steam Train we love kids! A ride on the Essex Steam Train and the Connecticut Riverboat offers many educational touchstones.
Fun in numbers! At Essex Steam Train we love groups of any size! Learn more about what EST&R can offer for your next group gathering.
Do you have questions about our Christmas Trains and all we offer? We have all your questions answered!
Stop by Trackside Café for a tasty, convenient, and affordable lunch while visiting the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
Come visit The Gift and Memorabilia Shop at the Essex Steam Train for traditional Engineer Caps and Train Whistles, as well as dozens of new t-shirts, toys, and activities.
View a map of the EST&R grounds with helpful information on specific areas to help you navigate.
See what the surrounding areas of this beautiful corner of Connecticut has to offer for dining and lodging.
The gallery is named in honor of Oliver Jensen, offers seasonal shows, usually featuring an exhibition in summer and winter.
Learn more about places to explore in our own backyard, along the Connecticut shoreline, in the greater Mystic area and beyond!
We often extend specials and discounts for different groups. Click below to see our current discounts.
EST&R has partnered with some of the areas most spectacular Inns so you may experience what this beautiful corner of Connecticut has to offer.
Design the front of a holiday greeting card and be eligible to have your original artwork displayed on the walls of River Valley Junction for the holidays.
The Valley Railroad Company, operating the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, has been serving the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971.
The Valley Railroad Company has been in existance in one form or the other since 1868.
Find out more about our seasonal job opportunities and how to become a part of our EST&R family.
Essex Station is proud to be an ADA compliant site. However, for safety & insurance requirements, it is necessary that all guests be able to move around our grounds without our assistance.
We love your photos! For information on our photography policy, please click Learn More. Sharing on social media? Don't forget to use our hashtag #essexsteamtrain
See the wonderful folks who make the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat experience one to remember!
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