Choose between the 2½-hour steam train and riverboat excursion or just the 1 hour train excursion, both beginning at the historic 1892 Essex Station. This 12-mile, narrated adventure takes riders into the heart of the Connecticut River Valley through the picturesque New England towns of Deep River and Chester. At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1¼-hour cruise through the breathtaking covesm marshes, and inlets of the Connecticut River. The round-trip excursion concludes at Essex Station.
Closed
Currently closed
120 White St., Danbury
203-778-8337
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Hours: Currently closed
Cost: $6; free for children younger than 3
Train rides are offered at the Danbury Rail Yard Local hourly on weekends from April through November and during special events ($3-$10). The 20-minute ride tours the Danbury Rail Yard and includes a ride on an operating turntable.
Currently closed
242 E. Main St., Thomaston
860-283-7245
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Hours: Currently closed
Cost: $15; $13 seniors 62 and older and children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3.
Purchase tickets online at rmne.org/schedule.
From the 1881 Thomaston Station, board the railroad’s restored vintage passenger coaches for a scenic train ride through the Naugatuck River Valley. Leave time to tour the displays at the train depot and explore the charming village of Thomaston.
Railroad Museums and Train Exhibits in Pennsylvania
Open
32 W. Bridge St., New Hope, Bucks County
215-862-2332
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Hours: Hourly Excursions offered Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm; see the website for a year-round schedule.
Cost: Varies dependent on trip, visit website to view more.
What you need to know: All e tickets must be purchased online. Face masks required,
capacity reduced. Temperature of guests and staff will be checked prior to entry.
Travel back in time to the Golden Era of steam railroading on hourly excursions as you traverse the rolling hills and valleys of historic Bucks County aboard an authentic steam locomotive or historic diesel locomotive. Train rides are about 45 minutes and include narration about the history of Bucks County and the New Hope train line. (Tip: It’s worth the upgrade fee to ride in the outdoor car!)
Bonus: While you’re in Bucks County, don’t miss a trip to Sesame Place in Langhorne and the Buck’s County Children’s Museum in New Hope.
301 Gap Road, Ronks
866-725-9666
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Hours: Hours vary by day and season; open daily, April-June. Visit the website to reserve your ride.
Cost: $19; $12 children ages 2-11; free for children younger than 2
What you need to know: Face masks required. Trains will be cleaned and sanitized between trips, and first class and dining will continue to serve food.
Enjoy a 45-minute train ride on America’s oldest short-line railroad, through the serene amish countryside to Paradise, PA and back. Choose to ride in a first-class, open-air, coach, or dining car (prices range from $2-$20), with an accompanying audio experience that will provide interesting facts and history about that unique railroad.
Fun Extras: On weekends in May and other select dates, purchase a Fun Extras Daily Pass ($5) for unlimited access to the Cranky Cars, hand-propelled cars that date back to the 1930s; Pint-Sized Pufferbelly, miniature steam trains built in the early 1900s; and Pump Cars, vintage cars that you operate along a short track (must be at least 48 inches tall to operate Pump Cars).
On select dates in June and September, ride a train pulled by storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy Thomas & Friends-themed entertainment, including storytelling, temporary tattoos, an Imagination Station, and photo ops. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thomasandfriends.com.
226 Gap Road (Route 741 East), Strasburg
717-687-7911
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Hours: Through Dec. 31: daily, 10am-4pm. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. See website for full schedule.
Cost: $8.50; $5 children ages 3-11; $6 active and retired military rate; free for children younger than 3; discounts for groups of 15 or more
What you need to know: Maintain a social distance, and stay with the party you arrived with. Refrain from touching the plexiglass and merchandise you are not purchasing. During peak crowded periods the capacity in the layout will be limited, so expect to wait outside. Will be offering a mask-free visitation period on the second and fourth Monday of the month, from 9-9:45am for special needs guests who are unable to wear a mask.
A short distance from the Strasburg Railroad, Choo Choo Barn’s miniature model train is great for train-lovers of all ages. The 1,700-square-foot model train layout features more than 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains—all at a child’s-eye level.
300 Paradise Lane, Paradise Township
717-687-8976
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Hours: Through December, 10am-5pm; check the website for a full schedule.
Cost: $7.50; $7 seniors 65 and older; $4.50 children ages 4-11; free for children younger than 4. Family discount: $24 (for two adults and three or more children or one adult and four or more children). Group rates available on request.
What you need to know: Face masks required.
Designed like an old-time train station, the museum features a massive toy train collection with models dating from the 1800s to the present. With LED lighting and seven interactive train layouts, this museum features exhibits perfect for all ages.
Closed
Currently closed
300 Gap Road, Ronks
717-687-8628
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Hours: November-March: Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday, 12-5pm. April-October: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday, 12-5pm.
Cost: $10; $9 seniors 65 and older; $8 children ages 3-11; free for children 2 and younger
This museum features a collection of more than 100 historic locomotives and vintage railroad cars on exhibit. There’s also a railroad photography exhibit, simulated train operation demonstrations, and a children’s room with train-themed activities for the younger crowd.
Main image courtesy Railroad Museum of Long Island
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