Climb Aboard the Scenic Fall Train in Wisconsin Everyone Is Talking About

In an era of self-driving cars, motorized scooters, and recreational space travel, the romance and wonder of the train endures. Whether it’s their power to crisscross the country and connect us or their ability to let us slow down and enjoy the ride, people have never stopped admiring trains. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, brings the golden age of railroading to life through restored trains, exhibits, and train rides.

Located just outside the Wisconsin Dells, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an outdoor, living history museum that celebrates trains and the culture that once revolved around them. The museum focuses on railroads in the Upper Midwest during the “Golden Age of Railroading,” which it defines as the period from the Civil War to the end of World War II.

The museum transports visitors to a time when railroads were the communication link between small towns across the country. News, passengers, and packages were all carried by train and met at the station by eager locals. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum brings that era to life by restoring and displaying vintage trains from the time and educating visitors through exhibits and interactive experiences. It features more than 40 vintage train cars and locomotives on display. Operating for more than 50 years, the museum draws nearly 20,000 visitors annually. 

One of the highlights of visiting the Mid-Continent Railway Museum is taking a train ride. The scenic train rides run 7 miles, round-trip, on a train line that was once part of the Chicago and North Western Railway. You’ll start the journey at a historic depot built just 3 miles away by the Chicago and North Western Railway in 1894. After a conductor in a period uniform calls “all aboard,” you will step onto a century-old steel coach that has been brilliantly restored. Enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery out your window as the train traverses a valley through the Baraboo Hills during the 55-minute journey.

Autumn is a special time of year to visit the Mid-Continent Railway Museum with its calendar packed with seasonal events. The Autumn Color excursion allows you to admire the brilliant fall colors of rural Sauk County from the comfort of your train seat. Skip the grocery store pumpkins and take the Pumpkin Special for a train trip to Quartzite Lake where you can purchase pumpkins from a local grower. Craving fall flavors? The Harvest Flyer excursion offers you a ride on an vintage coach car pulled by a diesel locomotive with a side of hot apple cider and a donut. For an after-dark experience, book the Harvest Happy Hour ride, complete with hot apple cider spiked with rum or brandy and a donut.

Between its outdoor exhibits and fall foliage train rides, visiting the Mid-Continent Railway Museum is the perfect way to enjoy autumn at one of the best fall destinations in Wisconsin. For more information about excursions and to book tickets, visit the Mid-Continent Railway Museum at its website.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.