Excursion Trains

Scenic train excursions offer a day of New England beauty and railroading nostalgia

Mr. George Pullman, builder of railroad cars during America’s Golden Age of railroading, would be pleased. In every New England state, especially in mountainous areas and along rivers and lakes and harbors, vacationers are lining up to climb aboard vintage train coaches to take excursion train rides.

What is an excursion train ride? Many small railroad companies – including some associated with railroading museums – operate short round trips through wonderfully scenic parts of New England on trains composed of restored locomotives and coaches – many of them dating from the early-to-mid-1900s.

The primary joy of these excursions is the awesome scenery in places like the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Cape Cod, and the waterfront of Portland, Maine. (Take a camera!) The second attraction is relaxation and luxury. Many of the excursion lines offer pure elegance and white-glove dining service. Examples are the Newport, Rhode Island, dinner train along Narragansett Bay, and the opportunity on the Winnipesaukee (New Hampshire) Scenic Railroad to ride in the super-luxurious Piano Parlor Car that was created for use by the president of the Bangor and Aroostock Railroad. Read more...

Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251 Toll-Free: 800-232-5251

Enjoy old-fashioned train rides, all departing from the 1874 Victorian Station in the heart of North Conway Village. Coach, First Class and elegant Dining Car seating are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine, and round-trip excursions are from 1 to 5½ hours. Whether you choose one of the Valley Train routes to Conway or Bartlett, or the legendary Crawford Notch excursion, this is a journey back in time that the whole family will enjoy!

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987 Fax: 860-767-0104

Gather family and friends for a sightseeing journey...
aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the United States!

Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an on-board eco-excursion. The train travels near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek - - bountiful, natural habitats for birds. Among those typically spotted are Cormorants, Ducks, Swans, Greenland Geese, Blue Heron, Egrets, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In February and March, the majestic Bald Eagle is the star of the show, when it migrates south to the Connecticut River Valley from Canada and Maine.

At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1¼- hour Connecticut River cruise. The deep water coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are simply breathtaking! Equally impressive are historic Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Back at Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the trip back to Essex Station.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825 Fax: 603-278-5830

When you ride on the world's first mountain-climbing Cog Railway train, you're in for a treat. Your train will carry you above the clouds to the top of the highest peak in the Northeast, where all of New England spreads out before you.
You'll marvel at the spectacular views from your coach window as your train climbs the steepest railroad tracks in North America. It's an exciting and unforgettable experience for the whole family. Three-hour round trip with onboard audio tour. Includes free admission to the Observatory Museum at the summit. Base Station with museum, restaurant and gift shop.