A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about and actually operate a full size steam locomotive! Registrants receive home study materials covering railroad and steam locomotive safety as well as basic steam locomotive theory and operation.

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. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester.

All aboard the elegant Essex Clipper for a 4-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive.