Connecticut/New Hampshire
All Aboard! Discover New England’s Railroad Legacy
Program No. 12310RJ
From the Essex Steam Train in Connecticut to the Cog Railway up New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, discover the history and charm of New England’s railroads.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Windsor Locks, CT
2
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Shore Line Trolley Museum
Windsor Locks, CT
3
Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad
Lincoln, NH
6
Transfer to Connecticut, Program Concludes
Lincoln, NH
At a Glance
The historic tracks of New England’s railroads chug to exhilarating life on an educational adventure through the Connecticut River Valley and the mountains of New Hampshire. Travelling by motor coach, experience a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the railroad industry through historically narrated train rides, private museum lectures and as you meet the passionate people who operate and restore these beautiful locomotives. Experience New England with a fresh perspective — seacoast to bucolic valleys to a mountain summit — as you are immersed in an essential piece of American transportation history.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking over varied terrain and standing on field trips. Boarding and disembarking motorcoaches and trains several times a day.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hear about New Hampshire’s railroads from a railroad historian, and then join him aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for an excursion along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Board the Mount Washington Cog for a journey to the highest peak in New England.
- Ride the beautiful Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train on a scenic journey along the Pemigewasset River.
General Notes
There may be up to 36 participants in each program date.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Carl Lindblade
Carl Lindblade served as the interim director of travel and tourism for the State of New Hampshire and now teaches hospitality at the University of New Hampshire while offering a series of lectures on railroads, the international monetary fund and the story of the great ocean liners in WWII. He has managed 3 and 4 diamond hotels in New Hampshire, Maine and New Jersey — awards include Innkeeper of the Year and Tourism Person of the Year.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Carl Lindblade
View biography
Carl Lindblade served as the interim director of travel and tourism for the State of New Hampshire and now teaches hospitality at the University of New Hampshire while offering a series of lectures on railroads, the international monetary fund and the story of the great ocean liners in WWII. He has managed 3 and 4 diamond hotels in New Hampshire, Maine and New Jersey — awards include Innkeeper of the Year and Tourism Person of the Year.
Suggested Reading List
(3 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
All Aboard! Discover New England’s Railroad Legacy
Program Number: 12310
RAILROAD HISTORY
This book takes you into the lives and stories of railroads and railroaders throughout history.
SYLVESTER MARSH and the COG RAILWAY
Containing many high quality pictures, the book chronicles the life and times of Sylvester Marsh. It provides an interesting look into the life and accomplishments of this ingenious man. This book is available from the Mount Washington Cog railway.
WHEN THE RAILROAD LEAVES TOWN
This volume tells the story of transportation providers struggling to survive in a changing economy only to surrender to the relentless forces of the marketplace. In many communities, the withdrawal of the railroad had unexpected consequences; in others, it forever altered the rhythm of daily life. (Vol. 1, Eastern United States)
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Windsor Locks, CT
Program Concludes
Lincoln, NH
Meals
14
| 5B |
4L |
5D |
Activity Level
The historic tracks of New England’s railroads chug to exhilarating life on an educational adventure through the Connecticut River Valley and the mountains of New Hampshire. Travelling by motor coach, experience a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the railroad industry through historically narrated train rides, private museum lectures and as you meet the passionate people who operate and restore these beautiful locomotives. Experience New England with a fresh perspective — seacoast to bucolic valleys to a mountain summit — as you are immersed in an essential piece of American transportation history.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Hear about New Hampshire’s railroads from a railroad historian, and then join him aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad for an excursion along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Board the Mount Washington Cog for a journey to the highest peak in New England.
- Ride the beautiful Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train on a scenic journey along the Pemigewasset River.
General Notes
There may be up to 36 participants in each program date.
Featured Expert
Carl Lindblade
Carl Lindblade served as the interim director of travel and tourism for the State of New Hampshire and now teaches hospitality at the University of New Hampshire while offering a series of lectures on railroads, the international monetary fund and the story of the great ocean liners in WWII. He has managed 3 and 4 diamond hotels in New Hampshire, Maine and New Jersey — awards include Innkeeper of the Year and Tourism Person of the Year.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking over varied terrain and standing on field trips. Boarding and disembarking motorcoaches and trains several times a day.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(3 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
5 expert-led lectures
12 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Windsor Locks, CT
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Hartford North/Bradley Int'l Airport
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Program registration begins at 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the main lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Shore Line Trolley Museum
Location:
Windsor Locks, CT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hilton Garden Inn Hartford North/Bradley Int'l Airport
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving approximately 101 miles roundtrip; about 2 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile; about 1.5 hours; uneven ground. Getting on/off train; ride is about 12 miles roundtrip; over 1 hour. Getting on/off riverboat; ride is over 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet that includes a variety of choices including entrées, fruit, and cereal, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Once aboard our motorcoach, we’ll travel to the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat facility where our Group Leader will provide historical commentary about the area. We’ll then board the steam locomotive train at Essex Station, a historic building dating back to 1892, and enjoy a narrated ride through the beautiful Connecticut River Valley to the town of Deep River. Upon arrival, we’ll get off the train to board the Becky Thatcher riverboat and ride along the Connecticut River, admiring the quintessentially New England scenery. As we travel, we’ll see the impressive sites of Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge.
Lunch:
On the boat during our field trip, we’ll have our pre-selected boxed lunches featuring an assortment of sandwiches and bottled water.
Afternoon:
Our riverboat will navigate back to Deep River Landing where we’ll get back on the steam locomotive and make our way back to Essex Station. Upon conclusion of our boat and steam engine field trip, we’ll then travel to the Shore LineTrolley Museum for exploration led by museum staff with accompanying commentary. This museum contains a variety of trolley cars as well as exhibits on the societal impact of the Trolley Era. We will then take a ride on one of the trolley cars and check out the Visitor’s Center that are is on site.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
We will then be joined at the hotel by a member of the Connecticut Historical Society for a lecture about Connecticut during the period of the American Revolution, during which we will explore the subjects of historical patriotism and loyalty in the age of British occupation. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad
Location:
Lincoln, NH
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mountain Club on Loon
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 241 miles from CT to NH. Getting on/off train; ride is approximately 16 miles one way; about 2 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile; about 1 hour; uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach for a trip through the Connecticut River Valley to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and the Lake Winnipesaukee Railroad in Meredith. We’ll arrive at the railway station and meet our local railroad historian who joins us and shares his knowledge about the history of the hoboism and Lake Winnipesaukee Railroads.
Lunch:
Aboard the train, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated meal of hot turkey with all the trimmings, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. During our lunch, we’ll enjoy narration about the surrounding sites and a talk about the train with our local historian.
Afternoon:
Following the train ride, we will head north via motorcoach into the White Mountains and check in at the hotel while being greeted by the staff upon arrival.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Historical Presentation, Hotel, Mount Washington Cog Railway
Location:
Lincoln, NH
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mountain Club on Loon
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 60 miles; about 1.5 hours, with stops. Walking up to 1.5 miles during group activities throughout the day. Walking according to personal preference at Mount Washington for about 1 hour; uneven terrain, grass, rocks, dirt, some paved areas. Mount Washington has an elevation of about 6,300 feet. The summit has quite extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the year, please dress accordingly and bring extra layers
Breakfast:
Hotel Buffet
Morning:
This morning we are joined by local historian Carl Lindblade, who will be with us for the next two days. His morning presentation, "The Bretton Woods Conference" is arguably one of the most important Conferences of the 20th Century. Carl will share the story of the Conference held under wartime conditions and how a closed and dilapidated hotel came together and pulled off hosting a conference that designed the world wide post World War II Finance and Banking systems still in use today. Upon arrival at the Mount Washington hotel a little later this morning, you step into the venue where the conference occurred and see where it all happened. Following the morning talk we board the motorcoach and make our way to the Mount Washington Hotel along the Kancamagus Highway.
Lunch:
At the historic Mount Washington Hotel, we’ll enjoy a spectacular buffet lunch, with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following lunch we board our motorcoach and travel a short distance to Mount Washington where we will board the Cog Railroad for a scenic ride to the summit as we listen to commentary provided by train staff and our local expert. At the top, take some time to explore independently and enjoy the beautiful views from the tallest mountain peak in the Northeastern United States. We’ll meet at a predetermined time and place for the ride back down via the Cog Railway. Back at the bottom, we’ll board the motorcoach and return to the hotel.
Dinner:
Will be served at a local restaurant with choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program. Water, non-alcoholic beverages included. Other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Day
5
Maple Syrup, Basin, Cannon Mtn Aerial Tram, Cafe Lafayette
Location:
Lincoln, NH
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Mountain Club on Loon
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 36 miles; about 1 hour with stops. Walking up to 1.5 miles during group activities throughout the day. Walking according to personal preference at the summit of Cannon Mountain for about 1 hour; uneven terrain, grass, rocks, dirt, some paved areas. Cannon Mountain has an elevation of about 4,080 feet. The summit has quite extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the year, please dress accordingly and bring extra layers
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This morning we board the coach for a morning of exploration. Our first stop brings us to Fadden's General Store and Maple Sugarhouse. Here we are greeted by the owner who will share the secrets behind making maple syrup, New England's "Liquid Gold". Boarding the coach we will travel a short distance to the Basin. This large pothole in the Pemigewasset River, 30 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep, had its beginning some 25,000 years ago as the Ice Age came to a close. Water flowing from the melting glacier that filled Franconia Notch eroded the solid granite bedrock. During the thousands of years that followed sand and stones were whirled around by the force of the river causing a boring action that left the sidewalls smooth. The rock formation seen in the stream bed at the outlet has been known for generations as "The Old Man's Foot". The great American naturalist, Henry David Thoreau (1817-62), on his first trip to the White Mountains in September of 1839 stood here and watched the water cascade into the granite bowl and whirlpool around its walls. He would later write in his Journal, "this pothole is perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England." Our final stop of the morning takes us to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. A cable car brings us to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states and Canada. At the summit, you'll find spectacular scenic walking paths, a 360 degree observation deck, a cafe and restrooms.
Lunch:
At the Cafe 4080 at the summit of Cannon Mountain. Choose from lunch options and a non-alcoholic beverage, other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
Following lunch we board our motorcoach and return to the resort for an afternoon of leisure. Here you may enjoy the many resort amenities or take a ride to the summit of Loon Mountain aboard the White Mountain Express gondola. We will meet back up as a group in the late afternoon and board the coach for the Cafe Lafayette Dinner train.
Dinner:
Aboard the Café Lafayette Dinner Train, we will have an exceptional dining experience over a 4-course plated gourmet meal while watching the ever-changing scenery of the Pemigewasset River and the surrounding area.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel via coach, the remainder of the evening will be at your leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
6
Transfer to Connecticut, Program Concludes
Location:
Lincoln, NH
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 8:30 a.m. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 205 miles; about 3.5 hours. Expected drop-off times of approximately 1:00 p.m. at airport, and about 1:30 p.m. at starting hotel.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we board the motorcoach and begin our journey back to Connecticut. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends. We will make a stop at the Great Falls Region Chamber of Commerce in Bellows Falls, Vermont for a rest break.
Afternoon:
Continuing, we expect to arrive at the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT by approximately 1:30 p.m. to drop passengers off and then will continue on to the Hilton Garden Inn to drop off any remaining passengers by about 2:00 p.m. We highly recommend that you do not book any flights prior to 3:00 p.m.. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025 (Windsor Locks, CT to Lincoln, NH)
- Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025 (Windsor Locks, CT to Lincoln, NH)
- Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 (Windsor Locks, CT to Lincoln, NH)
- Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025 (Windsor Locks, CT to Lincoln, NH)
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025 (Windsor Locks, CT to Lincoln, NH)
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025 (Windsor Locks, CT to Lincoln, NH)
Participant Reviews
Based on 26 Reviews
Sort By:
This is a very enjoyable trip as well as a highly informative experience.
— Review left October 12, 2024
Highly recommend this trip. Speakers, tour guide and bus driver were wonderful!
— Review left October 5, 2024
The was the first Road Scholar trip that my husband and I took. We were very satisfied with the program and organization and the sites/field trips that we took. Our group leader, Brent, did an excellent job at keeping us all on track and Carrie, our bus driver was great as well getting us everywhere on time and safely! Kudos to both of them! You will not go hungry on this tour! All of the experiences were top notch. I would definitely recommend this trip for the end of September, beginning of October--the colors in New Hampshire were gorgeous. We are looking forward to picking out our next trip!
— Review left October 4, 2024
I had not reviewed the railroad trip, and today got notification that due to complaints about leader Brett, you are offering a refund. He was very conscientious, attentive and enthusiastic. I suspect people complain to get a little kickback on the price. That’s maybe cynical of me, but I can’t fault him for the job done.
I didn’t get much out of the Clark’s Bears stop, but others definitely did. Hey, all activities on a group tour aren’t going to appeal to everyone equally. Overall, RS makes travel and education so enjoyable. Keep up the good work!
Pam
— Review left September 28, 2024
A busy program with many stops for activities but coordinated with the bus rides and worked out nicely. Also, no shortage of good food on this trip.
— Review left September 17, 2024
Great trip - lots of variety of experiences besides many opportunities to ride the rails. Great guide in Brent Curtis and fun bus driver in Carrrie. Would recommend it to anyone.
— Review left September 13, 2024
A fun trip to visit the early beginning of rail transportation. Great history, food and friends made.
— Review left July 23, 2024
All Aboard was a great trip with many different train related excursions included. I recommend this trip to anyone interested not only in trains, but in visiting the Northeast United States in general.
— Review left July 22, 2024
The train rides were lots of fun.
— Review left October 15, 2023
Enjoyed the program, especially Mt Washington. The scenery everyday was breathtaking! Highly recommend the program for those who want to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
— Review left October 14, 2023
This is a really interesting program ever if you are not a "rail buff". I am from the west coast and knew nothing about the railroads of New England and I loved this program. I learned so much and met so many wonderful people.
— Review left October 8, 2023
Although nature did not always give us sunny days on this six day trip I had an enjoyable time. My fellow travelers were interesting and the guides and various educators that helped us to navigate the world of New England's railroad history were knowledgeable and informative. I'd previously read up on the history of American railroading prior to coming on this trip and I found that the people we met in our travels who worked on the railroads and those who had a passion for this form of travel enhanced my knowledge immeasurably.
Our sleeping accommodations were comfortable and I will remember the food on our lunch train and dinner dining cars and the lunch at the Mt. Washington Hotel.
The highlight, for me, was the trip on the Cog Railroad because of the innovation of its creation and the fact that it stills runs after all these years effectively. The fact that the sun was out and we could see for miles from the top of Mt. Washington on a day when the temperature was mild made it the best trip to the top of this noted place for measuring meteorological events in the northeastern U.S.A.
— Review left October 7, 2023
This was our first tour with an educational component and it was excellent. It changed how we will plan future trips.
— Review left September 15, 2023
If you love excursion trains, excellent meals, and accommodations. this trip is for you!
— Review left July 23, 2023
This trip provided experiences on trains that you would not be able to find elsewhere. The mountains of New Hampshire are lovely. The train rides along Lake Winnipesaukee, and on the Lafayette Cafe Train and the trip up Mount Washington were outstanding! The food all during the trip was plentiful and well done. Our group leader was a wealth of knowledge (mechanical engineer with a passion for trains). Great trip!
— Review left July 22, 2023
We were there during the peak of the color season and the scenery was stunning! The cog railway and mount washington was a wonderful experience. The Indian Head Lodge was lovely and the food was great on the whole trip. I learned alot about the past and our history. Take a step back in time!!!!!
— Review left October 23, 2022
I love the emphasis on history and culture. All the participants are nice and welcoming!
— Review left October 19, 2022
Great trip to take in October. Leaves were gorgeous and the train trips relaxing.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Welcome to New England and to the many rail attractions of the region. From a cog railway to trolleys to scenic excursions to on-board elegant dining you will experience it all. You certainly don't need to be a rail fan to enjoy what you will learn along the way. And more than once, see where history was made.
— Review left September 30, 2022
This was the least physically active trip I have made of my 8 trips with Road Scholar.
— Review left July 24, 2022
I don't think you want me to comment
— Review left July 23, 2022
The program is a sampling of New England railroading as it now is -- more a social experience than a serious transport mode. But a well-organized romp it is; on balance, I encourage it.
— Review left October 11, 2021
I did not realize that there is so much railroad history in New England.
— Review left October 9, 2021
This was a wonderful and interesting program. We had fantastic weather for our train trip to Mount Washington.
— Review left September 27, 2021
If you are interested in trains and like the New England area particularly during the Fall, then I would highly recommend this program. And I hope that you are lucky enough to have Corinne Lunnin as your Group Leader.
— Review left September 26, 2021
I enjoyed the Epic Journey: New England History Come to Life. I learned a lot about trains and trollies from a different era. Lynn Macaluso is an excellent tour director. The addition experts added a lot to this trip.
— Review left July 19, 2019