General Info

The original Valley Railroad was created in the post-Civil War era when steamboats ruled the Connecticut River and railroads were just beginning to open in the West. The present incarnation of the Valley Railroad began in July 1971 100 years to the day after the first train chugged north from Saybrook on the shore of Long Island Sound up the river to Hartford. The vintage railroad company offers tourists scenic rides on the Essex Steam Train and on the Connecticut Riverboat. Individuals, families and groups are welcomed to tour a section of New England from $16 to $80 depending on the size of the group. Valley Railroad also operates the Trackside Caf , an eatery that features Hummel and Red Hot frankfurters, seafood, tortellini and tuna, chicken, roast beef and ham sandwiches.