Essex Clipper Dinner Train: Book your tickets on the Essex Clipper Dinner Train or a 4-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Relax and reconnect on this 2^1/2-hour scenic journey. Travel through the pristine Connecticut River Valley, one of the “last great places on Earth”. – The Nature Conservancy. The rhythm of the rails transport you back to the day when rail travel was king. And “dinner in the diner” was a special occasion.

More About the Essex Clipper and Riverboat

The Essex Clipper also offers a 2 1/2-hour train and riverboat excursion. It begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley.  The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester.  The train travels near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek — bountiful, natural habitats for birds. Including Cormorants, Ducks, Swans, Greenland Geese, Blue Heron, Egrets, and Red-winged Blackbirds.

At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1^1/4– hour cruise along the Connecticut River. The serenity of the river valley is on full display from Becky‘s multiple decks. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are breathtaking!

Just as impressive are the historic sites, including Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Upon Becky‘s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip back to Essex Station.