Children's Museums
Railroad Museum of New England
📍 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 3–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 3–9 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–9 PM |
Quick Facts
- Type
- Railroad Museum
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Historic train rides on Naugatuck Railroad, scenic excursions
- Hours
- Saturdays 10AM–4PM
- Membership
- Yes, includes newsletter and discounts
💡 Did You Know?
- The museum operates the last remaining New Haven RS3 Locomotive, a historically significant piece of railroad equipment
- Train cars in the collection date back to 1927, offering visitors the authentic experience of riding in century-old railroad carriages
- The 529 locomotive, a notable piece of the collection, is scheduled to return in 2026 after restoration work
- The museum operates scenic train rides on the historic Naugatuck Railroad line, preserving and operating an active heritage railroad
- Holiday-themed train experiences like the Northern Lights Limited and Santa Express include immersive elements such as character visits, hot chocolate service, and custom gifts for each child
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan your visit around seasonal themed train rides for the best experience. The Santa Express and Easter Bunny Express are highly praised by families and include special perks like hot chocolate, cookies, toys, and character interactions that justify the premium cost compared to standard rides.
- Become a member to save money on multiple visits. Members get 10% discounts on gift shop purchases and railroad extensions, plus access to the Order Board newsletter for upcoming special events like the Tequila Train and Torrington Express.
- Allow at least 2+ hours for your visit to fully enjoy the scenic train ride experience. Reviews highlight that the journey itself is part of the attraction, with beautiful seasonal scenery being a major draw, especially during fall foliage season.
- This museum is optimized for families with young children and multigenerational groups rather than couples alone. Themed train experiences feature interactive entertainment like balloon animals, scavenger hunts, and character meet-and-greets that keep children engaged throughout the ride.
- Visit on Saturdays during operating hours (10AM-4PM) and arrive early to secure spots on popular themed train experiences, which book up quickly and receive consistently excellent reviews for quality and value compared to similar attractions in Connecticut.
About Railroad Museum of New England
Old train displays & scenic rail trips. Victorian station with historic railroad collection offering train rides on the old Naugatuck line.
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