New England excursion trains have dining cars and foliage viewing

Experience a most unique culinary adventure in the White Mountains aboard the Café Lafayette Dinner Train offering majestic scenery along with fine dining. Your journey comes to life as you leisurely travel south from North Woodstock, rolling along the western slopes of the mountains and the Pemigewasset river and back in beautifully restored railcars. Here’s the perfect way to enjoy the magnificent region and great food along the way. Called timeless and memorable, the Café Lafayette Dinner Train offers a 2hour 20 minute run in beautifully restored railcars where the chef and culinary team offer enticing menus, fine wines, exciting cocktails and gracious service. Reserve space from a table of four, full railcar, the entire train, or anywhere in between.

Your 2½-hour excursion begins at historic 1892 Essex station. The first part of your trip is behind one of our steam locomotives—two of only 100 steam locomotives in service in the U.S.! That’s down from 180,000 steam locomotives in the heyday of steam. Connect with the Becky Thatcher riverboat at Deep River Landing for a scenic journey through the Connecticut River Valley and discover one of “the last great places on Earth.” The train then returns you to Essex Station. Please check our website regularly for 2020 schedules and updates.

From holiday excursions to chocolate- and spirit-tasting trips, the Railroad Museum of New England really does have it all for train-lovers. Leaving from the historic Thomaston Station, the Naugatuck Railroad will take you through woods and valleys, over bridges and dams. Special trips include the Easter Bunny Express (meet the big bunny himself); a spirit-tasting excursion with a different tasting every month; a Pumpkin Path train where kids can pick their own pumpkin to bring home; the Chocolate Decadence Tour with a toast at scenic Thomaston Dam and a tour of Fascia’s Chocolate Company; and the holiday-celebrating Northern Lights Limited and Santa Express trains, magical journeys where Santa, Mrs. Claus and singing elves make appearances.

At Conway Scenic Railroad, you’ll enjoy old-fashioned train rides, all departing from a beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Whether you choose a heritage trip on one of our Valley routes, or the supremely scenic Mountaineer to Crawford Notch, you'll experience the thril of traditional rail travel in restored historic passenger cars. Premium class, First Class, and Coach seating options are available on most trains. Our trains run rain or shine, and round-trip excursions are from 1 to 5½ hours. Our schedules vary from day to day and season to season, so be sure to call 603-356-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley Trains run April through December. Our Mountaineer operates June through October. Snow Trains run weekends in January and February. Conway Scenic Railroad offers journeys back in time the whole family will enjoy.

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.