essex steam train and riverboat

We took the Essex train for the foliage trip in October 2014. What a beautiful vintage train that has a lot of character. I enjoyed just kicking back, people watching and talking to my husband. They give you history about certain sights as you take a leisurely ride. Then we took the riverboat and had more fun. You can walk to the top and have the wind blow in your hair. You can take some beautiful pictures. So happy it stopped raining and the sun came out. Well worth the trip.

Overall a great time for anyone interested in trains, the history of the region, or bird watching (eagles & hawks mainly). Very knowledgeable and friendly crew and fun time for the family.

We bought our tickets online, and noticed on their website that we could save some money on our senior fare by going on a certain day of the week. Our plans were flexible, so we went for the extra discount. There's a flaw on the website, because the total fare charged was not discounted. When we arrived at the train station to pick up our tickets at "will call", the envelope showed that we had first class tickets, so we waited in line for the first car. The conductor looked at the tickets and told us they weren't first class, so we went on the next car. After the enjoyable train and river trip, we had to go to the customer service area to receive credit for the extra discount we were supposed to get online. Unfortunately, the disorganization put a damper on the trip.

This trip was very informative about the local history. The train ride went through our little community and the narrative was historic. It would be difficult for small children to sit still after the first 15 minutes or so. They do have rides especially designed with children in mind. These are usually sold out early so I think they are probably quite engaging. The Riverboat ride was just lovely. The guide was well informed and enjoyed answering questions from the patrons. Everything was well coordinated, timely and the staff was over the top friendly.

Essex, Ct was once dubbed the " Best Small Town in America". Honestly, it reminds me of my hometown in NJ except it has that New England feel to it. They have the Steam Train, Riverboat, Cruises, and many other historical landmarks and sites to visit...but you can find that in many other small towns all over our country! Definitely overrated and the homes and rentals are absolutely overpriced!

Have been wanting to try the Essex train for quite a bit of time and finally took a day and enjoyed it!!! Was a great day to enjoy the views from all over the route. Hopefully next time will be going on the riverboat....

We have visited the polar express train every year for the last 5 -6 years. While this was still a lot of fun, Ruby our entertainer was great and people we were sitting near made the trip enjoyable, i have to say that I am a bit disappointed. Santa did indeed visit the train he didn't stop to visit EVERY child. I guess because my son is 12 and looks older he didn't feel it important to really stop for more than a wave, and a quick hello. While friendly he certainly seemed to be hurried. Very disappointed. My son is indeed 12 but is autistic and LOVES Santa. He was crushed. Also I had my daughter with us. She had to ask Santa for a bell. I guess I am saying never judge a book by its cover.....

Santa's elves bring you on a train ride to the North Pole. On the way there you play tons of games (such as christmas charades), sing christmas carols, and dance! Once at the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Clause bring you hot chocolate, cookies, and a present. The entire train ride is about 90 minutes, maybe a little longer. So much fun!!! The kids loved it!!

We took the 5pm train mid November. It was still light out when we waited to board the train so we were able to make some nice pictures with the train. The ride itself was fun and very entertaining. Try to sit on the platform side because you will have a better view of Santa once he is back at the North Pole. Our ride was closer to 1.5 hours but there was so much entertainment and singing that it didn't seem that long. Santa takes a picture with every child. Mrs Claus walks through the train too and talks with the children. The hot cocoa and cookies are delicious!

This was our first time doing this after years of hearing our friends tell us how great it was to bring their kids with them. Now that our son is almost 3 we decided to do it. It was well worth it!!! The entertainment was great and perfect for the kids! The Hot Chocolate that they give you was so yummy and so chocolaty!!! And nice soft sugar cookies. Santa was a hit with the kids!! He take a pic with every kid on the train! The ride was approximately an hour long, with singing and dancing! All of the workers get into it. It really is a must do, you wont be disappointed!!!!

We had done the Essex train ride in October a couple of yeas ago, and we all loved it- we thoroughly enjoyed beautiful scenery during the leisurely moving train. The train itself was very charming with lots of vintage character, and it was comfortable!So when we got invited by our friends to join them for a Polar Express ride, we were thrilled. The kids were looking forward to their Polar Express ride for weeks leading up to it and I was anticipating it as well, based on so many good reviews. I guess I had my expectations set high, because it was an utter disappointment. We were on a first class car surrounded by friends, so that was really the main enjoyment of the event. So what was so disappointing?1) Given that the ride takes place after dark ( we were on a 5:30 train, it was already fully dark) I thought there would be more lights/decorations outside so kids could see SOMETHING out of the window. There was very little to see, just a pitch black window and some decorations on the last station.2) The noise created by the sounds of "entertainment" was simply unbearable after a while(constant, bad sound quality and LOUD music playing over the intercom the WHOLE ride, I couldn't even hear the sound of the train itself or the train whistle which were always my favorite parts of being on the train)3) I thought there would be some re-enactment of the Polar Express story- there was basically none of the story, no games for kids, etc. My daughter was so careful with her ticket as I told her it was very important and would be checked by the conductor. But the 'conductor' character would just walk through the car periodically during the ride, without so much as looking at kids, not asking for their tickets or anything (what kind of acting job is that?).The only part I really enjoyed was at the end of the ride when they handed booklets with holiday carols and we all sang a few carols and then the ride was over. Bottom line- would NOT do this again even if tickets are handed to us for free.

I just read a poor review of the polar express,and I think it was an isolated incident as far as seating goes. We had a great time, the children were so happy that it brought a tear to my eye. My little one really believed she went to the North Pole.

With my husband a steam train enthusiast this trip was a "must" for us. The train trip is quite short at only half an hour and at it's furthest point let's off those people who are heading up to Gillette Castle via the ferry rather than take the boat trip. The boat trip was quite interesting due to a knowledgeable and amusing guide. We saw a bald eagle and an osprey both of which were at their nests and which had been pointed out by the guide. The station staff were all very friendly and helpful. All in all a pleasant trip despite not very nice weather.

Two couples booked the dinner train for a Sunday evening. We were greeted so warmly. We were seated in the private table not in the main part of the train. This was just perfect for the four of us, able to talk without disturbing others. Our waiter John was great as well as funny. We all had the prime rib entre. The service was efficient. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery with the fall colors. The food was good. If you decide to take the train plan on going in the fall.

I really don't understand the reason that people go in such numbers to visit this attraction. The train is old and thankfully the ride is short, only about a half an hour. There really is no scenery to this part of the trip.The boat ride is more enjoyable but really other than Gillette's rock castle there is not much to this part of the attraction to enjoy either. This attraction is more for children than adults but on the trip we went on there were very few children.I would recommend that you enjoy other attractions in CT of which there are many or at least drive your car up to the castle.