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A Picturesque Adventure: Scenic Connecticut Train Rides

Last revised: December 15, 2023

By:  Adam Burns

Like many New England states, Connecticut's history with the railroad dates back to the industry's earliest days. 

In the modern era it was served almost exclusively by the New York, New Haven & Hartford after that carrier acquired all of its competitors (notably the New York & New England and Shore Line Railway). 

Unfortunately, the loss of manufacturing after World War II meant there were far too many railroads serving an ever-shrinking customer base. 

As a result, considerable mileage was shed between the 1950's and 1980's (today, Connecticut contains about half its all-time high).  Today, the Constitution State offers a handful of scenic train rides and museums which highlight its rail heritage. 

A few, highlighted in more detail below, include:

• Essex Steam Train  (as its name implies this trip is pulled by historic steam locomotives)
• Connecticut Trolley Museum (offering visitors the chance to ride a classic trolley car)
• Naugatuck Railroad (provides a more traditional experience through the state's west-central region)

Please note!   The this guide pertains only to scenic train rides related to vacation and tourism destinations.  If you are interested in intercity/long distance rail travel please visit  Amtrak's website .

State Rail History

Railroading in Connecticut began with the Hartford & New Haven (H&NH), a system initially chartered in 1833 and which later became a founding component of the modern New York, New Haven & Hartford (New Haven). 

The H&NH was envisioned to link its namesake towns, a goal eventually completed in 1839. 

According to an in-depth analysis  Trains Magazine  published in its January, 2007 issue entitled, " Great Railroading: State-By-State ," the first segment opened in 1838 between New Haven and Meriden. 

A number of different railroads would ultimately serve Connecticut although virtually all wound up as part of New Haven's far-reaching network linking Boston and New York (for more reading about this railroad please click here ). 

The state's only other railroad of significance was the Central Vermont Railway.  With a north-south main line linking New London, Connecticut with St. Johns, Quebec the CV passed through Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. 

It spent most of its corporate existence as a Canadian National subsidiary.  Today, its former corridor is owned by the New England Central, a short line under Genesee & Wyoming's control.   

According to the book, " The Routledge Historical Atlas Of The American Railroads " by author John F. Stover, the state's mileage peaked at slightly over 1,000 during the 1920's. 

Today, according to the Association of American Railroads, this number has shrank to just 438 miles although Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor hugs the southern coastline.

• Connecticut Antique Machinery Association

This organization, located in Kent, preserves historical machinery of all types from steam to diesel powered equipment (cars, locomotives, engines, etc.). 

They also operate Tahoe, Trout Creek & Pacific (Hawaii Railway Company) narrow-gauge (3-foot) steamer #5 on a short segment of track. 

This locomotive carries a 2-4-2 wheel arrangement and was manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925. 

After its work in Hawaii the little steamer bounced around from various locations out West, such as Stanford, California and New Mexico before winding up in Connecticut. 

The organization also contains two other narrow-gauge locomotives, both of which are display pieces only; Argent Lumber Company 2-8-0 #4 (manufactured by H.K. Porter in 1909) and Worcester Iron (American Steel & Wire) 0-4-0T #18 (built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1917).

• Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum

The CERM, located in Willimantic, is based within the former New Haven's Columbia Junction freight yard. 

They are home to a large collection of historic rolling stock, locomotives, and buildings, which includes a replica roundhouse torn down in 1931 (this structure is complemented by an original 60-foot "Armstrong" turntable). 

The group also operates some equipment on the property, making trains rides available to the public. Their locomotive roster includes one steam locomotive:

• Colorado Fuel & Iron Company [American Steel & Wire] 0-4-0T #10, manufactured by Baldwin in 1934  

The CERM was founded by the Connecticut Eastern Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and opened in 1995.  Their season lasts from the first weekend in May until the last weekend in October.

• Connecticut Trolley Museum

The Connecticut Trolley Museum, based in East Windsor, highlights the region's history with interurban and trolley services, abandoned throughout the country many decades ago. 

The museum states it is the oldest such facility preserving the memory of traction railroads having been founded in 1940. 

Since that time the group has amassed an incredible collection of equipment (to learn more about the group please visit their website), which includes several freight and passenger cars. 

Other noteworthy pieces include a preserved New Haven section house from East Windsor. 

During their operating season between March and September (they are also open on select dates from October through December) scenic train rides are offered aboard their restored trolleys, which operate on a short stretch of trackage on their property. 

If you have any interest in the subject of streetcars and interurbans a visit to this museum is a must.

• Danbury Railway Museum

The Danbury Railway Museum, located in Danbury, is situated within the New Haven's former  brick depot (completed in 1903). 

Depending upon your interest, you can see a variety of railroad artifacts on the grounds, from displays to an impressive collection of equipment which includes:

• Numerous diesel locomotives (a few of which are operational)
• Boston & Maine 2-6-0 #1455 (built by American Locomotive in 1907 this "Mogul" is a display piece), 
• Several passenger and freights cars
• A few self-propelled rail cars

They also provide short scenic train rides known as the "Railyard Local" on the museum's property pulled by either and SW8 (Electro-Motive, RS-1 (American Locomotive), or a 44-tonner (General Electric).  The season on these trips lasts from April through November with various special events also hosted.

• Essex Steam Train

Arguably Connecticut's most popular train is the Essex Steam Train , hosted by the Valley Railroad.  This attraction has blossomed into one of the most successful in the country offering a variety of different trips and specials, including riverboat charters. 

It is the state's only excursion using authentic steam locomotives, traveling a distance of more than 20 miles.  The line currently utilized was a former New Haven branch and never a particularly busy corridor. 

It carried a largely secondary role of handling freight between Hartford and Old Saybrook.  However, the NYNH&H did facilitate upgrades over the years, which once allowed for speeds above 50 mph. 

The New Haven went bankrupt in 1961 and ultimately wound up within the ill-fated Penn Central Transportation Company on January 1, 1969. Saddled with its own problems PC did not need or want the New Haven. 

One of many routes it shed was the Old Saybrook line, subsequently acquired by the state on August 15, 1969.

Afterwards, Connecticut handed over operations to the Valley Railroad Company, largely a volunteer-effort, to lease and operate the moribund property beginning June 1, 1970.  The new startup company officially began service in 1971. 

• Naugatuck Railroad

Operated by the Railroad Museum of New England the Naugatuck Railroad hosts excursions via a 20-mile round trip from its home base in Thomaston. 

The reborn company has been in operation since June 1995 and operates over much of the original Naugatuck system.

While the railroad could realistically haul freight again, if the opportunity beckoned, this is unlikely to occur.  Trains are boarded from the restored Thomaston depot (a brick structure opened by the original Naugatuck Railroad in 1881). 

The railroad hosts numerous specials throughout the year including:

• Easter Bunny Express
• Mother’s Day Special
• Haight-Brown Vineyard Express
• Grandparent’s Day
• Father’s Day Special
• Halloween Train
• Santa Express

Their busiest month tends to be October when they not only operate Sundays and Tuesdays but also Saturdays for the popular fall foliage trips (in conjunction with the Halloween Train ).

• Shore Line Trolley Museum

This museum, based in East Haven, preserves the history of interurban and streetcar operations once prevalent throughout New England. 

If you would like to read more about interurbans a copy of Dr. George Hilton's " The Electric Interurban Railways In America ," is a must! 

It was originally founded as the Branford Electric Railway Association (BERA) in August, 1945 and grew significantly when it acquired 1.5 miles of the Connecticut Company (ConnCo) between East Haven and Short Beach. 

This interurban/transit system stopped running this particular segment after March 8, 1947 and today, the trackage offers rides during the warmer months of the year. 

In addition, BERA has amassed quite a collection of preserved trolley/streetcar equipment, stating it has grown to become the third-largest in the country.  Their primary focus is those operations centered around Connecticut and New York City.  

• SoNo Switch Tower Museum

This unique museum, operated by the Western Connecticut Chapter, National Railway Historical Society is located in South Norwalk and based within the New Haven's restored interlocking tower that was constructed in 1896. 

It is still situated at its original location along the New Haven's "Shore Line" four-track, electrified main line.  While colors of the NYNH&H have long since been replaced by that of Amtrak, one can still witness dozens of trains daily traversing this very busy stretch of railroad. 

While inside the building visitors can also learn just how such a tower once functioned to keep a busy junction or "interlocking" running smoothly and safely without accidents or incidents. 

The museum is open only on the weekends from May through October.  Admission is completely free of charge.

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

© Copyright 2007-2024 American-Rails.com. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted).

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

5 Ridiculously Charming Train Rides To Take In Connecticut This Fall

Natalie Clunan

Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. Contact: [email protected]

More by this Author

Autumn is a wonderful time of year in Connecticut. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, and scenic hikes are tried-and-true activities that we all love. A more unique way to capitalize on the season is to hop aboard one of these ridiculously charming scenic train rides in Connecticut , where the entire family can enjoy a little leaf-peeping and maybe visit a pumpkin patch or two. Each is distinctive and special in its own way and you’re sure to find at least one you’ll love to ride.

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Have you ever hopped aboard one of these charming scenic train rides in Connecticut? If you’d rather be out stretching your legs, check out this beautiful fall hike  and check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List before you go!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Fall in connecticut.

Where are the best places to see fall foliage in Connecticut?

There are many places to see fall foliage in Connecticut. Check out the following:

• Embark on one of the scenic train rides in Connecticut mentioned above.
• Take a 2-hour fall foliage road trip in Connecticut, which will bring you to the front door of some of the most stunning places in the state.
• If you’d rather explore on foot, Mount Tom State Park is one of the most popular state parks to see the fall foliage in Connecticut. Take the Tower Trail to the top and you’ll be met with a bird’s eye view of the fall foliage.

Where can I go apple picking in Connecticut?

Fall in Connecticut is a great time to go apple picking, and there are several apple orchards in Connecticut that open their doors to families every fall. Beardsley’s Cider Mill is a wonderful orchard to spend a fall day, and once you’ve picked your own apples be sure to try some of their apple cider, cider donuts, or one of their famous pies.  

What are the best pumpkin patches in Connecticut?

To experience a traditional fall in Connecticut, you’ve got to get yourself a pumpkin. There are plenty of pumpkin patches in Connecticut for you to stroll through until you find yourself the perfect pumpkin to take home, and one of our favorites is Warrup’s Farm in Redding. With gourds of all shapes and sizes, you’re sure to find the right one for you. Just don’t forget to check out the farm shop before you leave! Here, you can stock up on classic fall treats like cider, maple syrup candy, and more.  

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All Things Trains

last updated: January 2024

All aboard for some train lovers' hot spots! If you're a fan of locomotives, Connecticut is filled with great finds from train museums to train restaurants to model trains. Here are some of the state's train-tastic picks to put a train lover on the right tracks.

Train Museums

If you're looking to learn a little something about trains and their history, Connecticut has more than one terrific train museum where you can both learn and ride the trains!

Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company

Views of the Naugatuck River Valley are part of the package when you ride out from the Railroad Museum of New England/Naugatuck Railroad Company in Thomaston. The ride begins at the 1881 Thomaston depot, rolls past industrial sites, goes through the forest and then runs across the face of Thomaston Dam, the only train in America that crosses a dam in such a fashion. Many locomotives, railroad cars, and work equipment are on display as well. While you’re there, be on the lookout for the famous Turbo the Cat: the feline proprietor of the museum. Turbo has become so well-known that he even has a Facebook following!

Danbury Railway Museum

The Danbury Railway Museum operates out of a fully restored 1903 station. You’ll be able to inspect the rolling stock on display, including locomotives, passenger equipment, freight equipment, self-propelled cars and even maintenance equipment. The train rides through the rail yard include a spin on a real operating turntable!

SoNo Switch Tower Museum

Explore the historic 1890s New Haven Railroad switch tower at the SoNo Switch Tower Museum in Norwalk. Learn about switch towers and how they were used by railroads to prevent train crashes and control the direction of train tracks. The museum also features the only “Armstrong” switch lever machine in Connecticut!

All Aboard Real Connecticut Trains

Train museums aren't the only spot you can catch a fun train ride in Connecticut. Discover trains all over the state, including as part of other popular attractions!

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

The thrill of travel under steam power is part of the excitement at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex. Here, the excursions run through the Connecticut River Valley, where the broad rover and surrounding hills are gorgeous in any season. The Steam Train offers many special events, but perhaps most special of all is the opportunity to take a ride on a riverboat as part of your journey! You’ll board the train at the 1892 Essex Station, meander through the countryside to Deep River Landing, board the Becky Thatcher, take an hour-long cruise on the river, then return to the train for the ride home. Nothing like it.

Lavender Pond Farm Train

Ride a purple train through a lavender farm at Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth! The LPF Express will take you through the lavender fields and include an entertaining presentation about the plants and most interesting features of the farm.

Lake Compounce’s C.P. Huntington Train

At America’s oldest amusement park, Lake Compounce in Bristol, hop about the C.P. Huntington Train and take a ride around the park. Take in views of the lake, the thrilling attractions, and transport from one end of the park to another – all while enjoying a leisurely train experience!

Eat Dinner on a Train

In Connecticut, trains aren't just for scenic rides through the country – they can be a dining spot too!

Essex Clipper Dinner Train

All aboard for the dazzling four course meal served on the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Sit back and relax on a two-and-a-half hour journey through scenic Connecticut towns, forests, and serene meadows while being pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive – and eating delicious dishes of course.

Trackside Brick Oven Pizzeria

If you’ve never dined in a former subway car, you can in Connecticut! Trackside Brick Oven Pizzeria in Wallingford is set in an authentic Philadelphia subway car from the 1920s. Hence its name, this spot is literally track side, tucked right beside railroad tracks. Currently operating trains thunder past the restaurant for a truly train-tastic experience as guests indulge in New Haven-style pizza and fine Italian cuisine.

The Station Restaurant

Eat dinner is a restored train station at The Station Restaurant in Naugatuck! Constructed in 1910 in grand Spanish Colonial Revival-style, this iconic building closed in the 1960s. Today, it’s been transformed into an ornate restaurant that accentuates the features of the original building – and serves up tantalizing seafood, chicken, steak, pasta and gluten-free favorites.

Paci Restaurant

Indulge in decadent Italian cuisine at Paci in Southport, which is set in the historic train depot in Southport. Paci was once a train station and today still sits next to active train tracks. Enjoy both your meal and the locomotive-related setting!

Pizza Works

Pizza Works in Old Saybrook is set in a building designed to look like a train station. Watch as a model train whizzes around the room’s perimeter and after you’ve finished your pizza, get a closer look at the model train display on the second floor of the restaurant. Behind glass you’ll see an entire model town including houses, shops, rail yards, office buildings, and a mountain!

Model Trains

If you love trains of all sizes, Connecticut has quite a few stops to find model trains!

Amato’s Toy and Hobby in Middletown has a “Trainland” filled with operating model trains and antique toys. “Trainland” showcases an exhibit of the antique toy and train collection of founder Vincent Amato, a giant Playmobil Toyland Display that features large G gauge trains traveling through the villages, and an interactive Lionel toy train layout with trackside accessories that can be operated by visitors.

For both collector’s items and brand new trains, check out All Aboard Train Depot in Brookfield where the family-owned business has been operating O scale and HO trains for more than 60 years!

More model trains can be found all over Connecticut! Discover these beloved collectibles at:

• Tom’s Trains of Connecticut in Wethersfield
• Branford Hobbies in Branford
• Time Machine Hobby in Manchester
• R R Model & Hobby Supply in Winsted
• Branchline Trains Inc in Vernon
• Heritage Hobbies in Wilton

Easy Train Getaways

Stay by the Sea in Old Saybrook Enjoy fine dining, spa treatments, and incredible waterfront views when you rest your head at the stunning  Saybrook Point Resort & Marina  in Old Saybrook. A stone’s throw from the Northeastern Corridor’s most popular rail route, Saybrook Point Resort is a quick ride from New York City and Boston—and  easily accessible  anywhere up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Once you reach the station after your  Amtrak  or  Metro-North/Shore Line East  service, just hop on our complimentary shuttle service the final leg of your trip.

Enjoy the Art of New Canaan and Greenwich The Metro-North stop at New Canaan drops you off just a short walk from the Visitor's Center for the remarkable  Glass House  and Sculpture Gardens (you will take a shuttle ride to the property for a tour). In Greenwich, an easy walking distance from the Cos Cob station, learn about the vibrant history of the town at the  Greenwich Historical Society . Want to linger a little longer? Make it an overnight at Greenwich’s  Stanton House Inn , the perfect spot for a weekend getaway from the city.

Take a Trolley Ride in Stamford Stamford’s charming new  Harbor Point Trolley  goes throughout the city, stopping in shopping and dining neighborhoods, the Stamford Town Center Mall, the theater district and more. Take the train to Stamford and take a short walk to Trolley Stop 12 to get on board.

Discover Art, Shopping and Dining in New Haven The  Union Station Shuttle  travels from Union Station to the New Haven Green continuously every twenty minutes, from 6:05 a.m. until 10:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Experience the best of New Haven, with museums, theater, art galleries, boutiques and top dining destinations.  From the green, you may even want to take a short stroll up Church Street to Whitney Avenue and discover the challenging fun of  Escape New Haven .

Go Treasure Hunting in Seymour Take the Metro-North Waterbury Line to Seymour, where a district of  antique shops  and galleries are just a short stroll away from the Seymour train station.

Open a Cold One on Our Beer Trail Local Kitchen , located in South Norwalk, is just a short stroll from the South Norwalk Metro-North station, not to mention a district filled with other great drinking and dining destinations.  Two Roads Brewery  in Stratford provides a "12 Pack" beer bus on Fridays through Sundays from the Stratford Metro-North Station or the Port Jefferson Ferry in Bridgeport, or take the Greater Bridgeport Transit bus right to their front door. Easily change at New Haven for Shore Line East to Branford’s  Stony Creek Brewery . Insider tip: For more trains back to New Haven, take Shore Line East eastbound to Guilford, then pick up a westbound train to New Haven.

Make a Splash in Mystic The charming seaport village of Mystic is just three hours from New York by train. Amtrak from New York or Boston stops at the station in Mystic. Walk or take a taxi to  Mystic Seaport Museum  or  Mystic Aquarium .

Additional Rail Routes Amtrak  (leaving from Penn Station, NY and Boston’s three main stations) offers a  discount  to several Connecticut destinations.  Shore Line East  Trains connect New Haven with towns on the shoreline, all the way to New London. 

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Train information - connecticut statewide, windsor (wnd) amtrak station.

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Schedules may change without notice; always call ahead to confirm.

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All Aboard!

Book your tickets on the Essex Clipper for a 4-course meal served in beautifully restored 1920’s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Relax and reconnect while our 2-hour – 2 1/2-hour scenic journey soothes away the stress of everyday life. The rhythm of the rails and our attentive staff transport you back to the day when rail travel was king and “dinner in the diner” was a delicious special occasion.

Ambiance, impeccable service, and fabulous food are enhanced during a breathtaking sightseeing journey throughout the pristine Connecticut River Valley – designated one of the “last great places on Earth” by the Nature Conservancy.

 2024  Schedule

**Special** Valentines Dinner Train

February 10 @ 6pm, February 11 @ 12pm, February 14 @ 6pm, February 17 @ 6pm and February 18 @ 12pm

**Special** Saint Patrick’s Dinner Train

March 16 @ 5:30 pm

Winter Essex Clipper Dinner Train

February 24 @ 5:30pm, March 2 @ 5:30pm, March 9 @ 5:30pm and March 23 @ 5:30 pm

Mother’s Day Weekend Dinner Train

May 11 & May 12 @ 5:00 pm

Spring & Summer Dinner Train

Saturday’s May 18 – August 31 @ 7:00 pm AND Sunday’s May 19 – September 1 @ 4:00 pm

(There is no Dinner Train Saturday June 1 and the Dinner Train on Saturday August 24 is at 6:30 pm)

Fall Dinner Train

Saturdays September 7 – September 28 @ 5:00 pm AND Sundays September 8 – September 29 @ 4:00 pm

Saturdays and Sundays October 5 – October 27 @ 11:30 am AND 5:30 pm

Please be aware that our food is prepared in a common kitchen and may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish or wheat.

24 Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut May 2024 with Kids

There is no shortage of things to do in Connecticut in May. From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we've got the best events happening all month—and May the 4th be with you!

Connecticut families are ready to start having fun outside. This  Mother's Day , mom will love being taken to a special event like the Mommy and Me Paint Night . Enjoy the sunshine and open air at the May Market at Hillstead ; grab some fresh flowers and plants while you're there. Bring the whole family to snuggle with the baby goats and tea cup piglets at the Spring on the Farm at the Stamford Nature Center . If you have  happy little mess-makers, the Open Farm Days at Common Ground  in New Haven is perfect for kids to play in the mud kitchen and giant sandbox! 

Big attractions this month include  Wicked Onstage at the Bushnell Theater , and Brick Fest Live for all the little builders and creators. 

• Best Things To Do in CT This Week With Kids
• Spring Activities Guide for Connecticut Kids  
• 100 Free Things To Do in CT with Kids
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Down the hill and 'round the bends come the best things to do in May! Day Out with Thomas: The Bubble Tour. Photo courtesy of Essex Steam Train

Free and Fun Things to do in May 2024 in Connecticut

Learn with the lutz.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Come learn about animals with Animal Educators from the Lutz Children's Museum. Participants will have the chance to learn about one of our animal friends and make a craft based on the lesson. read more

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

May 1-3, 2024

Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it's a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Not only does he wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. read more

Wicked Onstage at the Bushnell Theater

May 1-12, 2024

WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. read more

First Friday Dollar Night at Niantic Children's Museum

Friday, May 3, 2024

Come enjoy an affordable Friday night at the Museum due to the generosity of Electric Boat Employees Community Service Association. Admission is $1 per person for everyone over 12 months old. Pre-registration not required. read more

Mom and Me Paint Night

Moms, Aunts, Grandmas, etc. all welcome to come paint with their favorite kids. Join us in the studio to celebrate Mother's Day and paint this adorable spring bird. Multiple family members can join and change the color of their birds. read more

Space Day at the Discovery Museum

Don't miss the annual Space Day event, celebrating Earth's place in space. Join Discovery for a special extended event, with activities from 10am to 7pm, extra shows and presentations, and telescope viewing (weather-permitting). read more

Cookie Decorating and Painting Class at Giggling Pig

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Join The Giggling Pig + Good Morning Cupcake for a very special pop-up class during our Second Birthday celebration weekend. Each child will decorate some of our beloved Giggling Pig character cookies learning from award-winning baker Adrianna Linkstrom, to take home and then we will paint a wooden character cutout of Giggles.  read more

Mark Twain Library Annual Frog Frolic

This is a children's country fair where families will enjoy live music, food, crafts, games and more. The festival is a great way to celebrate the Mark Twain Library and New England history. read more

Hill-Stead Museum's May Market

Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5, 2024

One of the Farmington Valley’s finest and longest-running springtime celebrations. Enjoy the return of Spring on the 152 acres of gardens, grounds and trails. This year, the festive happening will feature over 40 premium vendors and flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day. read more

Essex Steam Train Day Out with Thomas: The Bubble Tour

‘Pop’ on board a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine. Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour is heading to heritage railways across the country with loads of bubble themed games and activities.  read more

May the Fourth Be With You! FAMILY DAY CAMP

This is the way... to a fun-filled day! Join AMP on Saturday, May 4 , for imaginative activities for kids, tweens, and teens that focus on our quarterly theme of Space/Science . The whole family will enjoy: Build a Rover + Sandbox Obstacle Challenge (all ages) Out-of-This-World Improvisation for teens Mars-Themed Storytime for little ones Star Tours Scavenger Hunt, and more. Activities are included with admission. Kids 18 and under are free on Family Day. read more

Open Farm Days at Common Ground in New Haven

Saturdays in May 2024

Open Farm Day is a self guided experience and staff are available to welcome visitors and answer questions. There are lots of opportunities for play and exploration! Visit the farm animals, taste and smell in the children’s garden, look for frogs in the wetland, make a pie in the mud kitchen, or build a fort in the woods. read more

Spring on the Farm Festival Weekends at Stamford Nature Center

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Celebrate the season with the Stamford Museum and Nature Center with fun and games, animal interactions, baby goats, face painting, arts and crafts, food trucks, and seasonal offerings for the whole family from 10am-2pm.  read more

Classic Car Cruise Nights @ Ocean Beach Park

Mondays in May (excluding May 27) 2024

The WNLC 98.7 Classic Hits Cruise night is a well-established weekly event synonymous with summer. There are lots of classic and super cool cars on display.  read more

Civil War Day Camp at Strong Family Farm

Saturday, May 11, 2024

The Civil War day Camp is a wonderful one-day opportunity for children from ages 8 to 13 to be transported to the early 1860’s and “learn some really cool stuff about life and how to survive during the Civil War.” read more

Bicycles on Main

Month of May 2024

Take a walk or a bike ride to look at the decorated bikes all along Old Wethersfield's historic district and see decorated bicycles in front of colonial homes, museums, and the local shops, restaurants, and businesses all on one walkable/bike-able street.  read more

Kid's Mother's Day Cake Decorating Workshop at Lyman Orchards

Need a gift for mom? Bring the kiddos to our Mother's Day Heart Cake Decorating Workshop to surprise mom with a present everyone can enjoy. Sweeten up Mother's Day Weekend with a Kid's Heart Cake Decorating Workshop at the Apple Barrel Farm Market. Kid's will learn the love of cake decorating while icing and decorating their very own Heart Cake alongside Lyman's Head Bakery Chef, Marc Gadoury. read more

Spring Fair @ The Barnes Memorial Nature Center

Fun for the whole family. Welcome Spring with a day of activities: guided walks, talks, and a new accessible train! Enjoy learning about wildlife in CT, birds of prey and crafts, food & drink by the Rotary Club, local artists and vendors along with rock & minerals vendors too. read more

Annual Dogwood Festival

Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12, 2024

The Dogwood Festival at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church commemorates the return of springtime.  read more

Brick Fest Live

Calling all Lego-lovers! Brick Fest Live is a huge and unforgettable Lego theme even. There will be over a million bricks on display and ready for play! See the most life-size models, engage with the most hands-on attractions and find hard-to-find LEGO merchandise! read more

Sensory Friendly Evening: Meet the Animals at Niantic Children's Museum

Friday, May 17, 2024

Join us for a special evening, which is free for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing challenges. Meet the Animals! Participants will have the opportunity to meet some of our Museum animals like Loki the Leopard Gecko and Mr. Rogers the Russian Tortoise along with making some animals crafts. read more

Pop Up Rollerskating Event in Norwalk

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Join Norwalk Parks and Rec for a’ 70's and 80's themed pop-up roller skating event. This family-friendly event will feature a DJ on-site as well as access to local food trucks. 70's and 80's themed costumes are encouraged but not necessary to attend. read more

Wethersfield Memorial Day Parade

Saturday, May 25, 2024

The Wethersfield Memorial Day Parade steps off at 9am downtown from the DMV on State Street. The parade will proceed past the reviewing stand on Broad Street before ending at the Village Cemetery, where there will be a ceremony. read more

Heritage Weekend: History Day for Families

Watch the Memorial Day Parade from the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center and stick around to see the Second Continental Light Dragoons, Sheldon’s Horse return for demonstrations of horsemanship and 18th century military training. read more

Temporary service changes coming for CT Rail Hartford Line due to construction

Published april 25, 2024 • updated on april 25, 2024 at 1:05 pm.

There will be some changes to train service for riders on CT Rail's Hartford Line beginning after Memorial Day and lasting into the fall.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin contruction on the Windsor Locks station on May 28.

The projects include a new station in Windsor Locks with high-level platforms, new lighting fixtures, and adding ADA-accessible fixtures, according to CTDOT. There will also be some improvements to rail grade crossings.

Because of the construction, certain weekday trains will not run between Hartford and Springfield and passengers will be bused between those stops. One train will be bused for the entire route, CTDOT said.

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“Work is planned to occur outside of peak train times to limit impact to customers. This amended service plan will expedite these critical projects and save a year on construction and significantly reduce cost uncertainties. We appreciate the public’s patience as these needed station and track improvements occur on the Hartford Line,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer in a statement.

The construction will occur Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning May 28 and is scheduled to be finished by Nov. 1.

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