Chances are you already know a thing or two about scenic train rides in Connecticut. You’ve probably taken your fair share of them, too. But this isn’t the same as taking the train into the city. These train rides in Connecticut will let you explore our state’s beauty in a whole new way. Let’s discover the excitement in store on some of the most fascinating train rides near me in CT.

1. Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston
Railroad Museum of New England, 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787, USA
Railroad Museum of New England
Plan your trip on the Railroad Museum of New England website, and you'll soon find it's more than just a museum. Check throughout the year for opportunities to ride a multitude of trains and experience seasonal attractions, including the Pumpkin Patch Express.
2. Railroad Museum of New England, Santa Express
Railroad Museum of New England/Facebook
And it wouldn't be Christmas without a train ride with Ole' St. Nick. Grab a spot early on the Santa Express, one of the most scenic train rides in Connecticut.
3. Railroad Museum of New England, Northern Lights Limited
Railroad Museum of New England/Facebook
This is definitely where you want to be when winter hits! You'll be able to tour the winter wonderland version of Connecticut on a lighted train. And the best part of it all is that Santa will come aboard to say hello! Book The Northern Lights Limited train ride early - this one tends to sell out.
4. Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Willimantic
Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, 55 Bridge St, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA
Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum/Facebook
The railroad-themed village of Columbia Junction is rich with history and restoration projects. The train rides in CT are short, sweet, and super cheap so you can ride again and again! Check out the website of the Railroad Museum of New England to learn more about the scenic train rides in Connecticut.
5. Amtrack Northeast Regional train, Hartford
Hartford Union Station, 1 Union Pl, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Hartford Line/Facebook
This exciting ride takes customers in less than three hours from Hartford, Connecticut to New York City's Penn Station, with stops in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford. Reserve a seat on Amtrak's website for one of the best train rides near me.

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4. Shore Line Trolley Museum, East Haven
Shore Line Trolley Museum, Connecticut, USA
Dave D/TripAdvisor
Take a scheduled ride or charter a historic trolley for a private party at this museum in motion. Discover more about the exciting events on the Shoreline Trolley website.
7. The Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury
Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, CT 06810, USA
The Danbury Railway Museum/Facebook
Visit this railroad yard to see a restored 1903 station and a number of vintage locomotives. The train ride through local towns is just the beginning of your history exploration. Plan a day trip on The Danbury Railway Museum website - it's perfect for the whole family.
8. Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor
Connecticut Trolley Museum, 58 N Rd #9606, East Windsor, CT 06088, USA
Connecticut Trolley Museum/Facebook
This spectacular three-mile trip is one of the most scenic train rides in Connecticut. Find out more on the Connecticut Trolley Museum website. It's a perfect event for hearing the story of the trolley while taking pictures.
9. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, USA
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
The only riverboat and steam train connection in the country lets you enjoy a narrated ride aboard a steam train as you explore the picturesque countryside. See the schedule on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's website.
10. Essex Clipper Dinner Train, Essex
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, USA
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
If the scenic ride doesn't fill your craving, consider adding a meal to the mix. Book the dinner train on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex website. Find out what others are saying on Tripadvisor.

And while they’re all great, Essex is definitely one of the most talked about places to catch a train with many options. There’s even a steamboat, which is basically the train of the sea. Watch this footage to see it all in action.

Have you been on any of these scenic train rides in Connecticut? If so, we want to hear all about your experiences! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! 

Looking for more fun? Check out our list of the best day trips in Connecticut.

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More to Explore

Fun Things To Do In Connecticut

Elisa Regulski | September 07, 2022

What are the best free things to do in Connecticut?

These scenic train rides in Connecticut are amazing, but if you’re looking for some free fun, head over to the Submarine Force Museum in Groton. This free museum is home to fascinating artifacts, such as the world's first nuclear-powered submarine! If you’re looking for gorgeous views, walk up to the Heublein Tower in Simsbury. This unique lookout spot is located inside Talcott Mountain State Park, and it sits 165 feet above the stunning scenery. The sights are so spectacular, you’ll never want to leave. Bird lovers will adore the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret. Located in Pomfret Center, this picturesque destination is home to fascinating wildlife. Need more ideas? Check out our full article of the best free things to Connecticut.

What can I do with kids in Connecticut?

There are so many great things to do with kids in Connecticut. If you love exploring nature, check out the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut! We especially love the trails inside Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury. The hikes are breezy and beautiful – perfect for a quick outing and a lovely picnic. For more excitement, head over to The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village in Oakdale. This place isn’t just fun for young ones – even adults will enjoy the adventure.

What can I do with kids in Connecticut for $10 or less?

This list of 10 awesome things is a great start. One attraction is the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange, Connecticut. See the interesting history of the PEZ dispensers and the yummy, pastel candies. See a huge collection of vintage and contemporary PEZ dispensers, and take the fun scavenger hunt. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 60+ and children ages 3-12, and free for children under age 3. In addition, a paid ticket gets a $2 voucher to spend in the gift shop.

See the friendly animals at the walkable petting zoo at Flamig Farm. The staff brings out cats, dogs, chickens, pigs, geese, goats, ponies, alpacas, and too many more to mention here. Admission is $7.50 per person and free for anyone under 2 years old or over 80 years old.

 

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