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Vermont ~Murder Mystery~ Dinner Train Rides

Published: October 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Vermont, with its rolling green mountains, charming small towns, and vibrant fall foliage, is known for its picturesque beauty and quintessential New England charm.

There is currently one murder mystery dinner train experience in the state aboard the popular Champlain Valley Dinner Train hosted by the Green Mountain Railroad.  

Setting the Scene: A Journey Like No Other

Imagine stepping aboard a beautifully restored vintage train, the sound of steam hissing gently as it departs through the idyllic countryside. As the train travels along the tracks, passengers step back in time to an era of elegance and opulence. The antique décor, complete with plush seats and ornate fixtures, sets the stage for an evening of suspense and culinary delight.

These themed dinner trains offer an interactive theater experience where guests become part of the action. You’re not just a passenger observing from afar; you’re a character in the unfolding drama. Actors subtly mingle with the crowd, dropping clues and engaging guests in conversation to further the plot.

A Tapestry of Culinary and Dramatic Delights

At the heart of the ride is a gourmet dining experience. Guests can expect a multi-course dinner, featuring locally sourced ingredients and culinary interpretations inspired by the charm of the region or state where the train is operated.

As the evening progresses, the plot thickens. Perhaps it’s a 1920s-themed whodunit, where flappers and dapper gents are embroiled in intrigue, or a Victorian era mystery set in the midst of high society scandal.

With each course, new clues emerge, and the story takes unexpected twists and turns. Guests sip wine, ponder alibis, and question motives, all while enjoying the picturesque vistas outside their window.

The Mystery Unfolds: A Unique Form of Entertainment

The murder mystery element is the gravitational force of the experience. Guests are encouraged to work together, forming sleuthing teams to crack the case. Actors playfully interject, offering clues or red herrings to keep passengers on their toes. There’s something uniquely captivating about solving a mystery in such an intimate and immersive setting.

These train rides typically span three to four hours, providing ample time for passengers to immerse themselves in the narrative. As the train chugs along its return journey, the mystery reaches a climactic close. Solutions are revealed, crime-solving skills are put to the test, and prizes are often awarded to the top detectives of the night.

A Meld of Adventure and Ambience

Beyond the landscape rolling by while guests are aboard the train, there's something inherently fitting about solving a mystery amid the cozy yet sophisticated setting of a restored passenger car.

These train rides capitalize on that spirit. Enthusiastic guests often arrive in period attire, fully embracing the evening's theme and contributing to the atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

The murder mystery trains also offer a remarkable way to enjoy the changing seasons. From the blooming greens of spring to the amber hues of fall foliage, passengers witness a living painting from their window seats.

Green Mountain Railroad

The Green Mountain Railroad, the excursion arm of the Vermont Rail System, offers leisurely scenic train rides that showcase Vermont’s classic landscapes—rolling Green Mountains, river valleys, working farms, and picture‑perfect small towns. Passengers ride in restored, climate‑controlled vintage coaches, with large windows that frame covered bridges, waterfalls, and foliage that’s especially dazzling in late September and October.

Excursions typically range from 1.5 to 3.5 hours and emphasize the journey: relaxed pacing, onboard narration or music on select departures, and friendly crews who highlight regional history and railroading heritage. Seasonal offerings often include fall foliage trips, lunch and dinner trains featuring locally sourced menus, cocktail or tasting departures, and family‑friendly special events. Many rides include snack and beverage service; select trains provide full table service and a cash bar.

Routes and boarding points vary by season and operating year, frequently tracing historic Rutland Railroad lines and lakeside or river corridors. Recent schedules have included departures in the greater Burlington area, with additional special runs announced during peak foliage and holidays. Because operations, times, and amenities can change, it’s wise to book early for foliage weekends and confirm timetables and boarding locations on the Green Mountain Railroad’s official site before you go.

Murder Mystery Experience

Hitch a ride for homicide on board the Champlain Valley Dinner Train! Enjoy a three-course dinner made fresh on board while enjoying an interactive comedy at its very best from Kevin O'Brien's Upstage Productions. As you board the train some of you may be assigned new identities for the evening. Some may even become suspects! As the mystery unfolds, a murder occurs, and the audience must figure out "who dunnit'."  For more information please visit their website.

All Aboard for an Unforgettable Adventure

These experiences are a masterful blend of theater, gastronomy, and scenic grandeur. They offer a one-of-a-kind adventure, perfect for couples, groups of friends, or anyone seeking something out of the ordinary.

With an engaging plot, delicious dinner, and panoramic views, these train rides are not just a trip across the state but an exciting journey into a world of mystery.

Whether you’re a seasoned detective or a first-time sleuth, murder mystery dinner trains promise thrills, laughter, and an evening you won't soon forget. So, gather your wits, board the train, and prepare for a journey that will tantalize your taste buds and test your powers of deduction.