Friends of the Valley Railroad, 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT (2026)

The Friends of the Valley Railroad is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the awareness, appreciation and historic preservation of railroads through education and participation, primarily focusing on the original Connecticut Valley Railroad and its successor companies from 1871 to the present day. Since its creation in 1991, the FVRR have actively participated in a number of proj

ects on the grounds of Connecticut’s Valley Railroad Company, home of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. Since then, we have continued to live out our mission in a myriad of ways: from preserving vintage rolling stock and structures to track maintenance and brush cutting, all while helping participating volunteers learn the ways of a working steam railroad.

11/04/2025

Hello Friends,

With the Holiday season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get a head start on gifts for your friends and loved ones. We have 2026 FVRR calendars and 50th anniversary boxcar kits, perfect for the railfan/modeler in your life. Visit https://friendsvrr.org/shop/ to order, or if local to the area, visit Amato’s Toy & Hobby in Middletown. For those riding aboard the North Pole Express at the Essex Steam Train, the gift shop at Essex Station will also have them avilable!!

10/08/2025

Friends, Fall is here. Looking for something to do this weekend? Don't miss the opportunity to ride along with the FVRR on a 25-minute journey along a beautiful 3-mile section of the Valley Railroad, not yet accessible by trains. Come see the changing colors of our tree tunnel, learn and explore the historic locations of 3 former stations within the town of Haddam, CT. It's a beautiful time of the year along the Valley.

Rides depart every half hour this Saturday ( 11th) starting at 9 am and the last departure at 1 pm. Available seats per departure is limited and are on a first come first-served basis.

Event location: Haddam Meadows State Park, 20 Parmelee Rd, Haddam, CT 06438. Please park in the nearby parking once you enter the park. And walk up to the tracks to our boarding tent.

These hi-rail rides are Free, but donations to the Friends of the Valley Railroad are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Please note that this event is run and operated by the Friends of the Valley Railroad, The location and event are separate from the regular Train and Riverboat offerings by the Valley Railroad. Make it a day trip and ride both! To ride the train and boat please visit and purchase tickets at essexsteamtrain.com

08/09/2025

Friends, we are all set up at Canaan Railroad Days! If you're planning on attending the event come over and say hello!

08/05/2025

Friends, we are looking forward to the weekend as there is some very exciting events planned.

First, we are excited to be taking part of this years Canaan Railroad Days event. This year's event, Saturday 8/9, runs from 10 am to 5 pm. Event highlights include railroading equipment on display (New Haven Roger Williams and FL-9), classic cars, and booths featuring various railroad groups from throughout the state. This year the FVRR will be attending and promoting upcoming FVRR/VRR events, history on their equipment and have select items from the online store available including the new 50th anniversary HO scale boxcar and the 2026 FVRR Calendar! For more information follow the official event post here: https://www.facebook.com/share/171RmpSNh3/

If Canaan is a bit to far to travel, never fear as we also have another Saturday of hy-rail rides planned. From 9am to 1pm, FVRR members will be hosting 30 min long, fun and education trips along a 3-mile section of the Valley not yet accessible by the trains. Don't miss the chance to explore this rare-mileage from the comfort of the FVRR hy-rail truck.

Event location: 20 Parmelee Rd. Haddam, CT 06438
Rides are first come-first-serve and free, however donations to the Friends of the Valley Railroad are welcome. We hope to see you there!

07/29/2025

Friends,

It's that time again! This weekend, August 2nd and 3rd is the first weekend of the month, or more importantly, Caboose Weekend!! Come down for a train and riverboat ride through the beautiful CT River Valley and get a chance to see what it was like as a member of the train crew from the early 1900s. Your FVRR host will be riding along with you to help answer questions and share the history of the area. Space is limited in the caboose so advanced tickets are recommended! Visit Essexsteamtrain.com for more information and ticket reservations. We hope to see you there!

07/15/2025

NOW ARRIVING ESSEX STATION!!

Following in a tradition from the past decades. (And a bit delayed from COVID) FVRR and VRR are proud to announce the 50th anniversary Essex Steam Train HO scale boxcar! This limited production will be available in the Essex Station gift shop starting 7/17!

Special thanks to Chris Adams for allowing us to use his layout to present this new car.

Address

1 Railroad Avenue
Essex, CT
06426

Website

http://friendsvrr.org/

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