Essex Steam Train
Essex, Connecticut
From toddlers to teenagers, curious passengers can find entertainment on different themed excursions on the Essex Steam Train in Essex, Connecticut. Thomas and Friends train events occur each April and May with a 25-minute train ride accompanied by daylong, family-type activities. After meeting Thomas, young passengers can also meet Percy the Small Green Engine and other characters from the series. Carnival rides, face painting, storytelling, a petting zoo and more will enchant children and win the accompanying grandparents many bonus points.
For older children, the Connecticut train company offers Passengers From the Past weekends in June. During these events, actors portraying historic figures relate interesting life stories and interact one-on-one with passengers. Past characters have included Abraham Lincoln, Babe Ruth and Mark Twain.
Even when there isn’t a themed event, the steam train ride captivates multiple generations with its connection to interesting and natural wonders. The train ride through the Connecticut River Valley provides access to several coves, tidal wetlands and preserves. Passengers can see numerous birds, such as cormorants, blue herons and bald eagles.
Once the train pulls into the Deep River Station, groups can add on a cruising experience aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat to continue the visual delights. The boat glides for an hour and 15 minutes past inlets, marshes and rocky shoreline for a pristine viewing experience. Afterward, the train brings the group back to the Essex Depot. The entire trip lasts two and a half hours.
Founded in 1868, the 45-mile rail line faced demolition in 1968, but volunteers banded together to obtain a temporary lease to delay the end before the Valley Railroad Company bought the track in 1970.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Cass, West Virginia
The puffing steam locomotive, deafening train whistle and other creaking noises of a moving steam locomotive will create a feeling of stepping into a time machine for young and old visitors traveling aboard the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The company runs vintage diesel and steam locomotives through the scenic West Virginia mountains on routes from two to eight hours long, many with included meals.
The train runs within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, which has preserved the 1901 logging town that shut down, along with the paper mill and railroad, in 1961. By 1977, the company town and railroad joined the park system and transformed into a tourist line managed by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
One popular stretch runs four and a half hours to the overlook at Bald Knob, the third-highest point in the state. Passengers enjoy the open-air cars as they glide past rural forests, valleys and miles of uninhabited wilderness.
The company crafts group itineraries to combine the ride with the region’s other entertainment options, such as biking trips and overnights in cabooses transformed into hotels. Onboard commentators share local rail facts and wildlife information in case of sightings of birds, foxes, deer or even the occasional bear.
Special events, such as the Cottontail Express and the Polar Express, are beloved by younger passengers.
