Murder Mystery

Join us for an intimate and interactive experience where YOU help solve the mystery! The Oliver Jensen Gallery in the River Valley Junction Building at historic Essex Station is the venue for this devious Murder Mystery.

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Eagle Flyer

The Eagle Flyer is a unique 2-1/2 hour eco-excursion in the Connecticut River Valley. Trees stripped of their foliage afford clear views of the surrounding forest and the Connecticut River; wildlife can be observed from the cozy confines of heated vintage rail cars.

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Bunny Breakfast & Train Ride

April 4, 10 & 11

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Day Out with Thomas

April 25th & 26th, May 2nd & 3rd

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Themed Family Tea Excursions

May 16, 27, 23 & 24

Bring the whole family to enjoy one of our two new and exciting tea experiences; choose from Fairy Tea time or a Superhero Tea Adventure!

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Murder Mystery

Join us for an intimate and interactive experience where YOU help solve the mystery! The Oliver Jensen Gallery in the River Valley Junction Building at historic Essex Station is the venue for this devious Murder Mystery.

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Wine & Chocolate

June 18 & 25, 2020

It’s a match made in heaven! Ride our vintage train pulled by our antique diesel locomotive to our riverboat, where you’ll sample four pairings of fabulous wines and decadent chocolates.

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Father’s Day

June 21

This Father’s Day, treat Dad to an experience he’ll never forget!

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Tacos & Tequila Cruise

July 10, 17, 24 & 31

It’s time for some Tacos, Tequila and Tunes aboard the Tacos & Tequila Cruise!

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Pirate Adventure on the Connecticut River

July 14 & 21, 2020

Join us and enjoy a 20 minute ride on the 1920’s era Essex Steam Train as it heads to Deep River Landing. There we find a band of pirates who have made camp and their ship “The Becky Thatcher”.

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Thar Be Pirates!

Legendary Rogues, Scoundrels & Renegades on the Connecticut River

It’s going to be a Dark & Stormy night on the Connecticut River when our friends from Goslings Rum  join us for Thar Be Pirates on July 18 and August 15!

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Bubble Boat

August 13, 2020

Have you ever dreamed of gliding down a golden lit river at sunset while sipping Champagne, Prosecco or Sparkling Rose?You can live that dream aboard our Bubble Boat Cruise!

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Cruise to Parrotdise

Friday, August 14 & 21, 2020

Hop aboard the Becky Thatcher for a sunset cruise, “Keys Style”! Book your tickets for our Cruise to Parrotdise today; a tribute to Parrot Heads everywhere!

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Hand on the Throttle

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.

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Muster Train

Be a part of New England’s Living History!

Travel back in time as the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat transports you to Main Street, USA, Deep River, CT, for the world’s oldest and largest gathering of fife and drum corps.

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Passengers from the Past

Join us at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat as we host living history this summer! The platform at Essex Station will serve as both departure point and historical stage every weekend throughout June, when the country’s most renowned character actors will personify some of history’s most iconic figures.

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Ribs & Rum Cruise

Thursday, September 19

Ride our vintage train pulled by our antique diesel locomotive to our riverboat where you will enjoy a CT River Mai Tai signature drink, Ribs and accompanying light food and live music all night long.

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Haddam Swing Bridge Special

Saturdays & Sundays
October 5 – October 27, 2019

All aboard the Haddam Swing Bridge Fall Special for a delightful all day fall foliage excursion, combining sightseeing, shopping, dining and culture in Haddam and East Haddam.

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Swallow Sunset Cruises

September 7, 21, 28 2019

Take the Becky Thatcher riverboat to watch a spectacular natural phenomenon as hundreds of thousands of Tree and Barn Swallows converge on the lower Connecticut River, swarming as a beautifully choreographed flock.

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North Pole Express

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, festive sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.

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Hi-Rail Rides

From Goodspeed Station:
March 2, 9, 16, 23

From Haddam Meadows:
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & September 7, 21, 28

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Santa Special

All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind, daytime holiday experience!  Enjoy the spirit of the season as you relax with family and friends aboard festive railway cars adorned with vintage decorations.  Make sure you’re camera-ready for that “special moment” when Santa and Mrs. Claus visit!

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Gingerbread Contest

Get ready to pre-heat the oven, pull out the cookie sheets and gumdrops, and get ready for Essex Steam Train and Riverboat’s 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Show!  This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World.  This display will showcase the great holiday traditions of the world.

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