For the first time since 1958, people will have the opportunity to ride a train in Torrington, although it won’t be as commuters. The Railroad Museum of New England (RMNE) and the Naugatuck Railroad are launching the Litchfield County Clipper, a new all-day rail excursion that will shuttle passengers between Thomaston Station, Market Street Creatives, and Torrington’s newly completed $4.2 million Railroad Square Platform.
The train starts running on July 12. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore, dine, and shop across both communities while supporting local restaurants, retailers, artists, and small businesses.
“The Litchfield County Clipper is exactly the kind of experience the Railroad Museum of New England was built to provide — one that connects people to history, to place, and to the communities along the line,” said RMNE Passenger Operations Manager Orion Newall. “Restoring passenger boarding in Torrington after more than 65 years is a remarkable milestone, made possible through years of preservation work, partnership, and investment in the rail corridor. We’re proud to help bring visitors directly into downtown Torrington and Thomaston, where they can spend the day exploring local shops, restaurants, arts, and attractions while experiencing the region from a truly unique perspective.”
By connecting visitors directly with Torrington’s downtown arts district and small-business community, the Litchfield County Clipper is expected to serve as both a tourism experience and an economic development driver in both communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome the return of passenger boarding in Torrington for the first time in decades,” said Torrington Mayor Molly Spino. “With stops at Railroad Square and Market Street Creatives, passengers will experience the creativity, culture, and energy that make Torrington such a unique destination in Northwest Connecticut.”
With an all-day pass, passengers can build their own itinerary, spending time in Torrington’s downtown restaurants, shops, galleries, and cultural destinations before continuing their ride or returning to Thomaston. The route also gives visitors the opportunity to experience Thomaston’s Main Street, local dining options, and the Railroad Museum of New England.
The route traveled by the Litchfield County Clipper will offer scenic views along the Naugatuck River, through Litchfield County, and across the historic Thomaston Dam. Onboard materials will help riders discover restaurants, shops, attractions, and special offers available to Clipper passengers. Tickets to ride the Litchfield County Clipper are priced at $25.
The Naugatuck Railroad is the operational branch of the RMNE, a nonprofit educational and historical organization founded in 1968.
