EXPERIENCES
Beers & Brats
Sunday, June 19
Come aboard the Becky Thatcher for a fun afternoon with dad, grandad, dog dad, dad to be, stepdads or dads at heart! Let’s celebrate all of these great men in our lives! We will be featuring a selection of beer from Surfridge Brewing Co. and dad gets his first beer on us.
Mommy & Me Tea
Saturday, April 30 & May 7 (SOLD OUT)
Moms, dress your little ones in their “Mother’s Day Weekend Finest” and bring them aboard for a special afternoon tea, in 1920s Pullman style to celebrate the weekend. Take in the beautiful spring scenery on this one hour round-trip train ride through the Connecticut River Valley, as you enjoy this intimate family excursion.
Exploring Energies
A three part series with author and educator, Sydney Sherman
Join us for a series of platform gatherings where our special guest, author and educator Sydney Sherman, will help you develop a new level of understanding and connection with the energies and auras around us, and possibly with loved ones who have entered the afterlife.
FAMILY EXPERIENCES

Day Out with Thomas 2022- Dream Big
May 28 & 29 / June 4 & 5
Toot toot!!! Thomas the Tank Engine, his buddy Percy, and Sir Topham Hatt are pulling into Essex Station for “The Dream Big Tour”! Thomas & Friends will be here on May 28, 29 & June 4, 5 with departure times every 45 minutes from 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Passengers select a departure time when purchasing a ticket (ride is approx. 25 minutes), but can enjoy fun-filled family activities all day long!

Family Pirate Adventures
Saturday July 9 & 23
Ahoy and Avast Me Hearties! Come for a jolly roger of a good time as you join the crew of the pirate Captain Kidd. Hop aboard with the scurvy crew of the Becky Thatcher for a fully immersive, one-of-a-kind treasure hunt on the Connecticut River. You will hear tales of sea serpents, mermaids and buried loot as well as participate in a search for Kidd’s treasure aboard the boat! Sing sea shanties with our band of merry pirates and take away a piece of your newfound treasure!
Rail Bikes
Rail Bike Adventure – 8 Mile Round Trip Adventure &
Rail Bike Adventure Advanced Extended Excursion – 9 Mile Round Trip Adventure
April 2 – June 26
Pedal a Rail-Bike for a 8 mile round trip adventure over moderate terrain from Essex Station south to Old Saybrook and return; passing along the Preserve (The Preserve is a 963 acre forest located in the towns of Old Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook. It was recognized as the largest remaining unprotected coastal forest between Boston and New York before its acquisition for conservation) while enjoying the stunning New England weather.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES

Cigars, Whiskey & Blues
May 19, 2022
We would like to welcome you to The Essex Steam Train platform “speakeasy” where your host, UMASS Professor, Folklorist, and Alcohol Historian, Stephen Gencarella will help you explore your premium whiskey tastings and entertain you with a fun and informative engagement to start the evening. Gather in the cozy seats around the fire pits, relax, and take in a live blues set performed for you by the Grammy Award Winning members of the Bart Bryant Band.
Murder Mystery Aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train
June 25, 2022
Come to the quintessential whodunnit thriller at the estate of Sir Warren Peace and get thrown into a night of mystery, intrigue, and murder you will never forget. With a killer crowd of people just waiting for murder to arrive on the scene, this night will keep everyone looking over their shoulders and guessing who the next victim will be!