Connecticut Trolley Museum—East Windsor
Pumpkin Patch Train Ride
Select Days During October, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a ride through the beautiful Connecticut countryside in the crisp fall air aboard one of the museum's antique trolley cars. Then, hop out at the Pumpkin Patch and search for a pumpkin that's just right for you. Every child admission includes a free pumpkin!  

Rails to the Darkside—East Windsor
Fridays in October, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This is billed as the scariest trolley ride in all of New England. This spooky, nighttime haunted trolley runs down a dark, unlit track on Fridays and Saturdays nights in October ride the old trolley into the woods of Connecticut along the longest stretch of straight track in the state. A graveyard had to be moved to complete the construction of the tracks and who knows what will happen if you venture out on the trolley after dark. 

The Danbury Railway Museum—Danbury
Vintage Pumpkin Patch Trains
Saturdays and Sundays beginning October 13, 2018
Ride a vintage train to the pumpkin patch! Includes a free pumpkin for every child
 as well as free cider and cookies. Ride in the railyard and take a stop for a turntable ride in a restored 1903 station and rail-yard. Coloring station, temporary tattoos, and more. Costumes encouraged!

Railroad Museum of New England—Naugatuck
Pumpkin Patch Trains
Beginning October 7, 2017
This year the Harvest Pumpkin Festival includes a train ride to the Pumpkin Patch aboard the Naugatuck Railroad.  After your visit to the pumpkin patch, re-board the train for a fun and scenic ride back to Thomaston Station. Reservations are recommended. 

The Shore Line Trolley Museum—East Haven
Haunted Isle
Weekends through October beginning September 29, 2017
This October, a trolley will carry passengers down the tracks to a gate then the choice is yours... enter if you dare! The Haunted isle is open Friday and Saturday evenings starting September 29. The Haunted Isle is rated S for "spooky" and is recommended for adults and mature children that do not have any health issues! Wear good walking shoes as the Isle is a wooded path with many twists and turns. No reservations required. 

Pumpkin Patch Rides
Weekends Starting October 14, 2017
Take the trolley to the pumpkin patch, where children select their own little pumpkin to decorate. Coloring pages, toy train layouts, refreshments, and more! Pumpkin Patch opens at 10:30 a.m.

Other non- Halloween-themed rides, but still a great ride on a train during Fall leaf peeping season!

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat—Essex
Essex is one of the most visited train rides in Conn. and is known for their Thomas the Tank Engine events.  Several routes are available to ride on the Essex Steam Train. During foliage season (September 28-October 22) a train runs daily except for Wednesdays. 

Conn. Eastern Railroad Museum—Willimantic​
This railroad museum is located in downtown Willimantic.  They have a replica 1850's style pump car, a roundhouse, several old engines and cabooses, and several trains on display.

Originally published 10/7/11. Updated 8/18/2017