All aboard for a family trip down memory lane! Just a two-hour drive from lower Westchester, The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat transports you back to 1892 on a relaxing journey through the beautiful Connecticut River Valley.
The Rails
My husband, Douglas, and I took our kids, Ava and Gavin, for a day on the rails and river. Ava, who is 5, was instantly impressed by the huge black steam engine when she saw it. But watch out if it drives by you! We all got covered by its soot, and spent the rest of the day trying to get little black spots off our bodies and clothes.
After our unexpected shower, we climbed onto one of the vintage green Pullman cars. Make sure you sit on the right-hand side for the best views. The inside of the coach is old but elegant, with padded bench seats and square wooden windows to peer out. You can also choose to ride in first class (with plush swivel chairs) or in the open car.
Gavin, who is 2, hopped out of his seat when he first heard the steam train’s powerful whistle! It actually makes your body vibrate. The locomotive then chugged along at about 20 miles per hour through some very charming countryside, with a narrator sharing stories and information along the way.
The River
About a half hour later, we arrived at Deep River Landing. That’s where we boarded a classic riverboat named the Becky Thatcher. At first, you must sit on one of the two bottom levels of the vessel, but after the cruise gets underway, you can head right up to the top deck for an open view! Again, the best seats are on the right, and there is narration during the trip.
The Connecticut River is peaceful and picturesque. But there’s much more to admire than the water. The Becky Thatcher brings you up close to the imposing Gillette Castle, sitting high atop the cliffs along the river. William Gillette, best known for his portrayal of detective Sherlock Holmes on the stage, built the stone mansion 100 years ago. The Essex Steam Train offers a Gillette Connection for hikers who want to tour the castle. You can also drive to the castle on your own, as we did, after your time on the train and riverboat.
Past Gillette Castle, the Becky Thatcher takes passengers to the tall, white Goodspeed Opera House, which is right next to the East Haddam Swing Bridge. Ava and Gavin were fascinated seeing the bridge open wide for a passing boat.
The riverboat turns around at the bridge and heads back to Deep River Landing. If you need a food break, there is a snack bar with sandwiches, hot dogs and chips on the boat’s bottom level. And don’t worry, there are bathrooms on board too.
And More
The entire trip on the river takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Once it’s over, you get back on the steam train for the return trip to Essex station. We spotted some cool birds and a deer in the marshes along our route back. The conductor also played a scavenger hunt with the kids, who had to look for railroad crossing signs and other landmarks. They then got a special prize (a little train whistle) at the gift shop back at the station.
Before or after your journey, you can also explore River Valley Junction. It’s a building behind the tracks with train toys for kids to play with, a dress-up area, and a really elaborate model train set. There is also the Trackside Cafe, a railcar with food and drinks for sale.
The Essex Steam Train also offers many special events throughout the year. Kids can actually meet their favorite classic engine in the spring during “A Day Out with Thomas.” There’s also a “Circus Train” in the summer, and at Christmastime, there’s the “North Pole Express” and “Santa Special.”
Of course, September offers a colorful visit with the changing colors of the leaves. And there are fall foliage tours on the weekends in October. No matter when you climb aboard the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, you’re definitely on track for a great time!
When You Go…
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
One Railroad Ave., Essex, Conn.
860-767-0103; 800-377-3987
essexsteamtrain.com
Admission
September:
Sept. 1 and 2 (Sunday and Labor Day Monday) Sept. 6-29; open Friday – Sunday
October:
Oct. 3-27; open Thursday – Monday
Steam Train & Riverboat Connection 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m. Total trip approximately two and a half hours
Adults: $26; Children (ages 2-11): $17; under 2 free
Steam Train Only
11 a.m., 12:30, 2 and 3 p.m.
Total trip approximately one hour
Adults: $17; Children (ages 2-11): $9; under 2 free
Specials and Extras
First Class Car: $10 per passenger
Open Car: $5 per passenger (available until Oct. 1, weather permitting)
Caboose: $5 per passenger “Caboose Weekends”: Sept. 7-8 and Oct. 5-6, the extra fare of $5 on these dates are a direct donation to the nonprofit, Friends of the Valley Railroad.
*Advance tickets sold online
*Day-of-trip tickets sold on-site
*Free Parking
Andrea White lives in Edgemont and loves to write and go on adventures with her family.
