Valley Railroad, Heritage railway line in Middlesex County, Connecticut, US
Valley Railroad is a heritage railway through the Connecticut River Valley that operates steam-powered trains and vintage passenger cars between Essex and Deep River. The route follows the original path that once connected small towns along the river.
The line began carrying passengers and freight in 1868, serving as a vital transport link for river valley communities. Over time it evolved from a busy commercial route into the heritage operation that runs today.
The rail line reflects how trains once shaped daily life and connected isolated communities along the valley. Today, visitors can see how the railroad was woven into the identity of the towns it served.
Plan your visit by checking which trips are running during your stay, as offerings change with the seasons. The trains move at a relaxed pace, giving you time to enjoy the countryside and river views.
The operation offers special dinner trains where passengers eat while traveling through the valley, blending rail travel with dining. This combination creates an unusual entertainment format that turns the journey itself into the main event.
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