Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park

Always a great experience riding The Steam Train.

Fantastic staff-funny and informative conductor.

$3 soda is expensive and it's only a mini-can.

Gift shop is also priced high.

Overall, definitely worth a visit to ride the train and boat.

Had a great time on the Connecticut Valley Railroad. The meals were great and the cocktails were awesome! This is our second time going on this trip.

A wonderful train ride on an early 20th century steam engine alongside the Connecticut River. Just don't ask for the Wi-Fi code or power outlets 😆. The rail cars I rode in were from 1914 and the steam engine from 1920—long before these modern conveniences. The River boat ride was picturesque and also quite enjoyable. I recommend this package to all.

I'm a train nut and I loved this one! Definitely worth the trip and I will go again next time I'm in the area.

Best day trip ever, more than worth time and the cost. I had a wonderful day on both rails and the river.

I didn't buy a ticket online but the ticket agent put me on a waiting list and I was able to get on the Steam Train 🚂 and Riverboat ride! Thank you

We toke the steam train to the river boat and back. We had a great time! Wonderful people. Great little gift shop, clean bathrooms.

North Pole Express experience was wonderful. Our grandson loved everything about it. Well worth it.

Essex train ride is a must do! Staff, food, ride all excellent! Paul n Linda very nice n friendly!

We did the Santa special train ride. My three year old enjoyed it and kick started the Christmas season for him. Very well decorated and put on event. Will definitely go on it again. We have also done the dinner train rides and Thomas and both were excellent as well.

We came for the polar express Santa train, it was amazing and really put you in the holiday spirit. The trains are outstanding, and so awesome run by steam with guys actually shoveling coal into them!

We had so much fun riding the train and taking the river boat!!! I am so glad that we decided to do this. Great for couples, families or even alone. We had a wonderful day. The staff for both were wonderful. Both train and boat were very informative of the area history. They allow you to bring food and drink. Great way to see Connecticut! Gift shop and Cafe at the station. Very reasonable prices.

My girlfriend, two sons(3 years and 9 months) and myself stopped here on the way to Great wolf lodge in Mass. My 3 year old had never been on a train, and he has been fascinated by them since the first time he watched The Polar Express. The train ride was about 1 hour and had a beautiful view. We all had a great time and plan on doing the train and boat next time we visit.

I had been to this place years ago with my mom and came back to visit at the age of 51 the purpose for that visit is because I was celebrating my 51st birthday
I celebrated my birthday which is September 25 for an entire month
Each week in September I chose a place to visit and Essex was a place I chose
I booked tickets for the Essex Steam Dinner Train which was for October 16
My experience was awesome
The food was excellent
The staff on the Dinner Train we're exceptional (if I give a tip you know the service is good)
I enjoyed shopping at the gift shop
The ride on the train was beautiful
I felt like I was a celebrity because as the train was passing through the town people were waving and recording on their cell phones
Lord will I'm going to celebrate my 52nd birthday at Essex Dinner Train
Thank you for a five star experience

My husband and I try to come here every fall to ride the steam train and catch the changing colors of fall. They also have a boat ride for an extra charge. There are old trains that you can see around the main campus, where you board the train. It's best to book your tickets online, as the train fills up fast. Next I want to try the dinner train!

A must visit place to be with your little one's. Loved the Winter Special Santa Express with ELF Academy. Kudos to all the people who made the experience memorable for us. Will definitely return when out little one will be old enough to dance with Santa and elf!!!

Prepare for a long walk from the parking lot, as this place gets packed. Consider booking your tickets on line because seats and the boat cruise add-on sell out at the ticket window. They could use more signage or guest services staff on the grounds because many people were confused about what to do, where to wait, what the different tickets mean, what else to see on the grounds, etc. The ride for train only is about an hour. There is a stop to drop off/pick up the boat cruise passengers. There is a bathroom on at least one of the cars, but for heavens sake, just go before you board. They have regular bathrooms at the station. You can bring non-alcoholic drinks on board or buy from them once you get rolling. The open air car was my choice, and I loved it. There was a good breeze from the motion, even on the humid day. In this car, however, ash and debris will blow in from the steam engine (not too dirty, mostly sand-like). It accumulates and I swept my lap several times and rinsed my face in the ladies room afterward. It was nothing to worry about and you probably shouldn't wear white or fancy clothes while visiting this place, even if you dont ride the train at all. You can tour the grounds at no charge.

my wife and I did the train and boat combo we had a great time

Have been to many different events here, always a good fun time!

The kids had alot of fun they got to meet santa and misses claus and take pictures. The whole ride was fun with singing, jokes and dancing. In the end they were able to see princesses and many dressed up characters