I think it's sad and disappointing that there are negative reviews for this little museum. I will agree that it is not a spectacular destination for people who already know everything about trains, but it is a wonderful day trip spot for those of us who love history and can appreciate when our communities are trying to preserve it. My 2 1/2 year old and I went on a weekday and it was totally empty. We were free to peruse the model trains (which were really great!), and she was able to play with the wooden trains in the toddler area while I walked around the main room and checked out some of the collections (old uniforms, sets of China from the Pullman company, baggage carts, and much more). We thought that was a great museum and a fun trip, and then the volunteer working the door asked us if we were ready to go outside. We had no idea what treats awaited us out there.

Yes, they have many donated cars that are in various states of disrepair and unavailable to the public. That said, they also have several really nice restored cars that you can feel free to climb around in and check out. The steam engine was a highlight for me, while the mail car and cabooses were marvels to my toddler. We both loved the old diesel passenger car and had fun pulling the brake lever and checking out the various types of "trucks" and different cars that sat in the yard. The fact that it was totally informal just added to the charm. There were a few other visitors that day and we all had a blast exploring on our own.

It seems to me that a criticism of this museum is that it isn't "fancy." To me, that was its charm. It was lovely (even just visiting the old station, where the museum is housed, was neat to me), and the volunteer staffers were awesome. When we were there, a lady in her 80s was running the door, the yard, and the gift shop by herself. Her husband was out with a few other retiree volunteers working on restoring an old wooden caboose. I thought that was really cool and very charming.

I think this museum is a hidden gem of Western CT and I'd encourage anyone who lives around here to make a stop! Next up for us will be the pumpkin patch ride, where we can ride the train in costume to pick a pumpkin for Halloween. Sounds fun, doesn't it?