New England excursion trains have dining cars and foliage viewing

When you hear the deep hum of a biodiesel engine or see a blast of smoke from a steam engine, you’ll know your trip up Mt. Washington aboard the historic Cog Railway is about to begin. Knowledgeable and entertaining engineers and brakemen and brakewomen will answer questions as you chug up the Northeast’s highest peak, passing through forests, by wildlife and ravines and through three climate zones until you reach the summit. Included in the thrilling ride is Jacob’s Ladder, the steepest railroad trestle in the world. A museum at the base station and a visitor center at the summit provide history about the 152-year-old railway, the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, as well as an interactive weather exhibit. Trains run from late April through November.

Cafe Lafayette is closed for the 2021 season - see you again in May 2022!
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 holiday and 2022 schedules.

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.

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.