Chances are you already know a thing or two about scenic train rides in Connecticut. You've probably taken your fair share of them, too. But this isn't the same as taking the train into the city. These train rides in Connecticut will let you explore our state's beauty in a whole new way. Let's discover the excitement in store on some of the most fascinating train rides near me in CT.

1. Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston

Plan your trip on the Railroad Museum of New England website, and you'll soon find it's more than just a museum. Check throughout the year for opportunities to ride a multitude of trains and experience seasonal attractions, including the Pumpkin Patch Express.

2. Railroad Museum of New England, Santa Express

And it wouldn't be Christmas without a train ride with Ole' St. Nick. Grab a spot early on the Santa Express, one of the most scenic train rides in Connecticut.

3. Railroad Museum of New England, Northern Lights Limited

This is definitely where you want to be when winter hits! You'll be able to tour the winter wonderland version of Connecticut on a lighted train. And the best part of it all is that Santa will come aboard to say hello! Book The Northern Lights Limited train ride early - this one tends to sell out.

4. Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Willimantic

The railroad-themed village of Columbia Junction is rich with history and restoration projects. The train rides in CT are short, sweet, and super cheap so you can ride again and again! Check out the website of the Railroad Museum of New England to learn more about the scenic train rides in Connecticut.

5. Amtrack Northeast Regional train, Hartford

This exciting ride takes customers in less than three hours from Hartford, Connecticut to New York City's Penn Station, with stops in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford. Reserve a seat on Amtrak's website for one of the best train rides near me.

4. Shore Line Trolley Museum, East Haven

Take a scheduled ride or charter a historic trolley for a private party at this museum in motion. Discover more about the exciting events on the Shoreline Trolley website.

7. The Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury

Visit this railroad yard to see a restored 1903 station and a number of vintage locomotives. The train ride through local towns is just the beginning of your history exploration. Plan a day trip on The Danbury Railway Museum website - it's perfect for the whole family.

8. Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor

This spectacular three-mile trip is one of the most scenic train rides in Connecticut. Find out more on the Connecticut Trolley Museum website. It's a perfect event for hearing the story of the trolley while taking pictures.

9. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex

The only riverboat and steam train connection in the country lets you enjoy a narrated ride aboard a steam train as you explore the picturesque countryside. See the schedule on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat's website.

10. Essex Clipper Dinner Train, Essex

If the scenic ride doesn't fill your craving, consider adding a meal to the mix. Book the dinner train on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex website. Find out what others are saying on Tripadvisor.

And while they're all great, Essex is definitely one of the most talked about places to catch a train with many options. There's even a steamboat, which is basically the train of the sea. Watch this footage to see it all in action.

https://youtu.be/MoJllATpbiI

Have you been on any of these scenic train rides in Connecticut? If so, we want to hear all about your experiences! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Looking for more fun? Check out our list of the best day trips in Connecticut.