Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Connecticut
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesOperating days and times are posted on the railroad's website
Operated by the Valley Railroad Company since 1971, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat carries riders behind a steam locomotive from the 1892 Essex Station into the lower Connecticut River Valley, with a riverboat cruise to complete the trip.
- Serving the valley since 1971
- Historic 1892 Essex Station
- 12-mile narrated round trip
- Train and riverboat combination
- Steam and diesel locomotives
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat at a glance
- Hours
- Seasonal; check the railroad's website for the current schedule
- Admission
- Check the railroad's website for current fares
- Train rides
- 1-hour train only ride or 2.5-hour train and riverboat trip, a 12-mile narrated round trip from Essex Station
- Plan for
- 1 hour for the train only, about 2.5 hours with the riverboat
- Best for
- Families and anyone who wants a steam train ride with river scenery
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Essex Steam Train & Riverboat? Bring Rally along.
In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Essex.
Rally Takes the Train
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Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Keeping steam alive on an 1868 valley line
The Valley Railroad Company, reporting mark VALE, has been serving the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971 under the name Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. It runs on the tracks of the old Connecticut Valley Railroad, a line founded in 1868 to link the river towns.
The company's stated mission is to keep alive Connecticut's mechanical, industrial and transportation heritage by continuing to operate its vintage steam and diesel locomotives and passenger coaches. Trips begin at the historic Essex Station, built in 1892, and run through the river towns of Deep River and Chester. The Connecticut River Valley the train explores has been named one of the last great places on Earth by The Nature Conservancy. For current schedules, fares and special trains, check the railroad's website before you plan a visit.
Steam, coaches and the river
Visitors board vintage coaches behind a steam locomotive at Essex Station for a narrated 12-mile round trip into the Connecticut River Valley. The train only ride takes about an hour; the combined train and riverboat trip takes about two and a half hours and adds a cruise on the river. The railroad also keeps vintage diesel locomotives, and which engine pulls your train can vary.
Don’t miss
- Essex StationThe 1892 station where every trip begins is part of the experience, so arrive early enough to look around.
- The riverboat legThe train and boat combination is described as the only steam train and riverboat connection in the United States.
- Deep River and ChesterThe narrated route passes through these two classic New England river towns.
Choosing the right trip for little riders
The 1-hour train only ride is the easier choice for toddlers and preschoolers, while older kids who can sit still longer may enjoy the full 2.5-hour train and riverboat trip. The narration along the way gives kids things to watch for out the window. The railroad does not post accessibility or stroller details in its basic trip descriptions, so contact it through its website before you go.
Plan your visit: tips for Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
- Pick the 1-hour train only ride for very young children.
- Check the website for operating days before you drive to Essex.
- Leave time to see the 1892 Essex Station before boarding.
The Valley Railroad Company
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is operated by the Valley Railroad Company, which has kept vintage steam and diesel trains running in the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971. Buying a ticket for a ride is the most direct way to support its work keeping these machines in operation.
Rail history near Essex
The Connecticut River Museum is only about a mile away in Essex. The Shore Line Trolley Museum is about 24 miles west, and the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum is about 27 miles north. For more, see train museums and rides in Connecticut.
- Connecticut River Museum railroad-history exhibitsEssex, CT · about 1 mi
- Railroad Museum of Long IslandRiverhead / Greenport, NY · about 17 mi
- Shore Line Trolley MuseumEast Haven, CT · about 24 mi
- Connecticut Eastern Railroad MuseumWillimantic, CT · about 27 mi
- New England Civil War Museum / historic railroad exhibitsRockville, CT · about 36 mi
- Railroad Museum of New EnglandThomaston, CT · about 41 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
A steam train beside a river is about as close to our book as it gets. Rally spends one of my favorite pages at an arched train window, watching the water roll by and saying hello to a white bird. That quiet moment came straight from my mom, who dreamed up Rally's story before she died in 2021. You can read how her idea became our book on our story page.
Free for train families
Print the Rally coloring pages before you go
Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.
Get the free coloring pages
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
- Train museums in Connecticut: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Connecticut
- Halloween train rides in Connecticut
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat?
We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.
Sources
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: 20 trip questions
Where does the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat leave from?
Trips begin at the historic Essex Station, built in 1892, on Railroad Avenue in Essex, Connecticut 06426. Confirm the station address and parking directions on essexsteamtrain.com before you set your GPS, since the railroad posts its visitor details there.
How long is the Essex Steam Train ride?
There are two main options. The train only ride lasts about 1 hour, and the combined train and riverboat trip lasts about 2.5 hours. Both include a 12-mile narrated round trip by rail from Essex Station into the Connecticut River Valley. Check the website to see which trips run on the day you plan to visit.
What is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat?
It is a heritage railroad run by the Valley Railroad Company, which has operated in the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971. A steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches on a narrated trip through Deep River and Chester, and riders can add a cruise on the Connecticut River for a combined train and boat outing.
What is the Valley Railroad in Connecticut?
The Valley Railroad Company, reporting mark VALE, is the company that operates the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. It runs on the tracks of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad, a line founded in 1868. The company's mission is to keep the state's mechanical, industrial and transportation heritage alive by operating vintage steam and diesel trains.
How much are Essex Steam Train tickets?
The railroad posts current fares for the train only ride and the train and riverboat trip on essexsteamtrain.com. Prices can vary by trip type and date, so check the website for this season's rates before you go, and buy ahead if you have a specific day in mind.
When does the Essex Steam Train run?
Operating days and departure times are posted on essexsteamtrain.com and change through the year. Check the schedule on the website before driving to Essex, since trains do not run every day and the riverboat trip may run on a different schedule from the train only ride.
What will we see on the Essex Steam Train?
The train leaves Essex Station and travels a 12-mile round trip through the New England river towns of Deep River and Chester, with narration along the way. The Connecticut River Valley it explores has been named one of the last great places on Earth by The Nature Conservancy.
Is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat unique?
It is described as the only steam train and riverboat connection in the U.S. Riders travel by steam train from Essex and then continue on the Connecticut River by boat on the combined trip, which makes it a different kind of outing from a train ride alone.
Is the Essex Steam Train good for toddlers?
Many families with young children choose the 1-hour train only ride, which is easier for short attention spans than the 2.5-hour train and riverboat trip. The railroad does not post age-specific guidance in its basic trip descriptions, so check the website for details on children's fares and what to bring.
Is the train pulled by a real steam locomotive?
Yes. The trip is built around a steam locomotive pulling vintage passenger coaches. The Valley Railroad also operates vintage diesel locomotives, so if you are set on riding behind steam on a particular day, check the website or contact the railroad to confirm what is scheduled.
How old is Essex Station?
Essex Station dates to 1892, and it is the starting point for every Essex Steam Train trip. Arrive a little before your departure so you have time to look around the station and find your coach before the train leaves.
How long has the Essex Steam Train been running?
The Valley Railroad Company has been serving the lower Connecticut River Valley since 1971, operating as the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. The track it uses belonged to the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868.
Does the Essex Steam Train run Christmas or Halloween trains?
Seasonal and holiday trains, when offered, are listed on essexsteamtrain.com. Check the website in the fall for any special event trains and their ticket details, and book early if you see one you want, since holiday rides are usually popular.
Is the Essex Steam Train wheelchair accessible?
The railroad does not post accessibility details in its basic trip descriptions. Vintage coaches often have steps, so contact the Valley Railroad through essexsteamtrain.com before your visit to ask about boarding, seating and accessibility on the train and the riverboat.
Where do you park for the Essex Steam Train?
The railroad does not list parking details in its basic trip descriptions. Trains leave from Essex Station on Railroad Avenue, so check essexsteamtrain.com for parking directions and arrive early on busy days to give yourself time to park and board.
Should I choose the train only or the train and riverboat trip?
Pick the 1-hour train only ride if you have little children or limited time. Choose the 2.5-hour train and riverboat trip if you want the full experience, since the river cruise is what makes this outing unusual. Both include the 12-mile narrated rail round trip.
Can groups book the Essex Steam Train?
The railroad does not describe group packages in its basic trip information. Visit essexsteamtrain.com to look for group, school or private event options, or use the contact information there to ask about booking for a larger party.
What else is in Essex for train fans?
The Connecticut River Museum is about a mile from Essex Station, close enough to pair with a train ride for a full day in town. Its exhibits look at the history of the river the train follows; check its website for hours before you go.
How can I support the Valley Railroad?
Riding the train is the most direct way to support the Valley Railroad Company's work keeping vintage steam and diesel locomotives and coaches in operation. Visit essexsteamtrain.com for any membership, volunteer or donation options the railroad offers.
What other train museums are near the Essex Steam Train?
The Connecticut River Museum is about 1 mile away, the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven about 24 miles, and the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic about 27 miles. The Railroad Museum of Long Island in New York is about 17 miles away as the crow flies, though reaching it takes much longer by road.
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