THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride the new Hi LEVEL cars on the Torrington Express for a three‑hour scenic trip up the Naugatuck River Valley, crossing the Thomaston Dam and dropping you into Torrington’s art scene. Hop off for lunch and galleries, then shuttle back at your own pace.
Ride the new Hi LEVEL cars on the Torrington Express for a three‑hour scenic trip up the Naugatuck River Valley, crossing the Thomaston Dam and dropping you into Torrington’s art scene. Hop off for lunch and galleries, then shuttle back at your own pace.
Book with Railroad Museum of New England
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Railroad Museum of New England · Thomaston, Connecticut
Board the Torrington Express for a three‑hour round trip through Connecticut’s Naugatuck River Valley, departing from Thomaston and rolling north to Torrington. The ride uses new Hi LEVEL train cars, offering expansive windows and elevated seating that make watching the river, forested corridors and the Thomaston Dam easy and comfortable. Along the way the line crosses the famed Thomaston Dam and threads woods and small towns; the route feels like a local portrait of New England industry and wild edge.
The itinerary is simple and user-friendly: meet at 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787, board for a 10:00 AM departure, and arrive at Market Street Creatives by 10:30 AM and the new Torrington Water Street platform shortly after. Shuttle trains link the two Torrington stops through the day, giving passengers the freedom to hop off for lunch, window-shop at local galleries, or spend a morning at artisan stalls before reboarding. The Water Street platform sits about 0.2 miles — roughly a five‑minute walk — from Main Street, and families can check strollers in the baggage car.
What makes the Torrington Express special is how it stitches together infrastructure and community: an elevated car designed for viewing, a route that showcases the Naugatuck River and a crossing of the Thomaston Dam, and curated stops that drop you into the cultural pockets of Torrington. Market Street Creatives highlights local makers, while Water Street opens onto downtown dining and galleries. For riders who love short, walkable urban escapes combined with scenic rail time, this trip hits both notes.
Expect easy terrain—mostly seated rail travel with short walks in Torrington. Bring comfortable shoes for Market Street’s brick sidewalks and a light jacket for winds on the platform. The excursion is well suited to families, couples, and solo travelers who want a taste of northwest Connecticut without a full day’s planning. Weather can shift quickly in the valley; schedule flexibility is part of the experience, and shuttle trains help you craft your own loop between stops.
Locals value this service because it reconnects smaller towns across a heritage rail corridor while inviting visitors into the region’s shops and art venues. Whether you’re chasing photographs of the river at golden hour, sampling a café, or simply enjoying three hours of relaxed travel, the Torrington Express is an accessible, scenic way to experience the Naugatuck River Valley.
Plan to arrive at the Thomaston meeting point early to explore the station and pick up timetables; on-board narration is limited, so bring a guidebook or download a map of Market Street Creatives beforehand. Food options in Torrington range from coffeehouses to bistros within easy walking distance, making the excursion an elegant half‑day outing for visitors and locals alike.
Meet at 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787 for the 10:00 AM departure.
Yes—shuttle trains run between Market Street Creatives and the Torrington Water Street platform throughout the day so you can hop off and reboard.
It’s about 0.2 miles, roughly a five‑minute walk from Main Street and Torrington shops.
Yes. Strollers can be checked in the baggage car for the excursion.
The listed schedule is roughly three hours from Thomaston departure to return, including shuttle windows in Torrington.
Basic amenities vary by car; check-in at the Thomaston station can confirm onboard facilities for your departure.
The Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston, Connecticut preserves and operates historic railroad equipment while offering seasonal and themed train excursions. The museum maintains restored passenger cars and locomotives and runs public trips from Thomaston Station that showcase the Naugatuck River valley and the Litchfield Hills. Guests can choose family-friendly rides, holiday specials, and adult-focused tastings that use local partners. Trips include the Leprechaun Express to Bad Dog Brewing with live music and tastings; the Easter Bunny Express featuring a Bunny Patch stop and chocolate eggs; and the Santa Express and Northern Lights Limited with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Seasonal excursions also include the Pumpkin Patch Express, Autumn Colors Limited, and the Connecticut Ice Cream Train serving Nutmeg Fudge Company ice cream. The Chocolate Decadence Tour pairs chocolate with wine, beer, or spirits and includes a confection-making stop at Fascia’s. The museum highlights railfan-focused events such as Railfan Day with Locomotive 2019, providing opportunities for photography and historic preservation fundraising. The Naugatuck River Scenic Train offers a 20-mile round trip from historic Thomaston Station with river valley views and a stop at Fascia’s Chocolate Factory. The Railroad Museum of New England partners with local breweries, confectioners, and vineyards to create unique experiences. Ticketed excursions provide clear descriptions of duration and age policies. The organization preserves regional railroad history while offering scenic, educational, and seasonal train rides for families, rail enthusiasts, and adult travelers. Tickets are available online and at Thomaston Station on select dates subject to availability.
Book with Railroad Museum of New England
