Less than 20 miles from Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, you'll find Stoughton, a charming city that might remind you a little bit of Norway, even if you don't notice all the Norwegian flags lining the center of town. While Stoughton may be close to Madison, it's another world that includes fresh new businesses and a historical district that tries to keep one foot planted firmly in the old world. It's the perfect day trip destination - as long as you save room for a delicious Norwegian pastry.
Stoughton's downtown is filled with shops and restaurants located in historic buildings.
You'll find a vibrant cultural scene that's anchored by the Stoughton Opera House. Located on the second floor of City Hall, the opera house first opened in 1901. It hosts concerts featuring popular musicians and bands.
Stoughton's Main Street has been the town's business district for over a century but it has some fresh new businesses. Grasshopper Goods sells quirky and fun apparel, jewelry, accessories, and housewares in an old bank building.
Every spring, Stoughton hosts a citywide celebration of Syttende Mai, the Norwegian constitution day. If you miss the festivities, stop by the Livsreise - Norwegian Heritage Center. It has a number of interesting cultural exhibits.
Continue diving into the city's history at the Stoughton Historical Society Museum. it's located in an 1858 Greek Revival former church. The church alone is worth a stop.
Before you leave Stoughton, be sure to stop into Fosdal Home Bakery. It's a cute little shop on Main Street that has been selling delicious Norwegian specialties since 1939.
There's nothing better than welcoming autumn, especially with all the things to do in Wisconsin in fall. Whether you're a fan of Halloween, a pumpkin spice enthusiast, or more of a casual admirer of this crisp, colorful season, it's tough to deny the delights of a cozy family outing during the fall months. If you're hoping to fill your calendar with fun things to do, there are loads of fall day trips in Wisconsin - but few compare to the simple magic of a train ride. Luckily for fall fans of all ages, there are plenty of pumpkin trains and fall train rides in Wisconsin just waiting to be appreciated. Plan to hitch a ride on one of these pumpkin trains for an awesome Wisconsin autumn experience.
Looking for "Halloween train rides near me?" When you embark on a fall journey with the Mid-Content Railway, you'll have two seasonal options: the Pumpkin Special or the Autumn Color Weekend. If you opt for the Pumpkin Special, get ready for an hour-long journey that includes a stop for pumpkin-selecting at Quartzite Lake. The Autumn Color Weekend has limited dates but highlights some of the prettiest sights in the region. Find out more at the Mid-Continent Railway website.
These folks have a 15-gauge light railway that runs throughout weekends in October. This is a decidedly family-friendly outing, as kids aged 12 and under will receive a free pumpkin or gourd to take home with the cost of admission. Talk about a fall blast!
There are plenty of photo ops along the way when you ride with Riverside and Great Northern, so don't forget your camera to snap some memories on this pumpkin train.
You and your kids will love traveling along this fun "Little Railroad" route, which covers 35 acres. This dedicated railroad company prides itself on embracing the magic of Halloween and autumn as a whole, which only adds to the magic.
This vintage amusement park, which draws in countless visitors during the warmer months, offers an awesome fall experience before they shut down for the remainder of the season.
During weekends in October, visitors of all ages can hop aboard the pumpkin train and fall even more in love with autumn. For riders two and up, any pumpkin that can be carried is included in the admission price.
To add a little extra fun to this outing, check out the concession stand at Little Amerricka. Nothing rounds out a pumpkin train ride like a cup of hot cocoa or a few snacks.
Don't let the name fool you - while the Minnesota Transportation Museum operates sites in Minnesota, it also has a location in Osceola that offers a pumpkin train ride adventure. Get ready for some real family fun.
You'll board the Pumpkin Express train in Osceola, then enjoy a 25-minute jaunt to the Dresser Depot. Upon stepping off the train, take time to explore everything from a small flea market to delicious treats to hayrides. We can't imagine a better way to appreciate the delights of October.
History buffs will appreciate the chance to explore the Dresser Depot itself, which dates back to 1884. Of course, don't forget to pick out a pumpkin while you're here - they're available for kids aged 15 and under. This is such a great Halloween train ride to take this fall.
This place is an awesome stop no matter the time of year, but it's especially fun during the fall when its Great Pumpkin Train makes an appearance. This is so much more than a train ride: it's a full-day experience.
There will be indoor live entertainment, crafts, and games for children of all ages, plus the train ride and a pumpkin to take home. Kids can even go trick-or-treating on the grounds of the museum for added sweetness.
If that weren't enough, the event will continue regardless of the weather. Rain or shine, you'll have the chance to appreciate seasonal fun at the National Railroad Museum with one of its pumpkin train rides in Wisconsin.
advertisement
advertisement
Take a look at this video of a previous year's Pumpkin Train by @nbc26news:
Now that you've read about some of the best fall train rides in Wisconsin, you might be ready to start planning your fall adventure. Have you ridden any of these exciting trains during previous autumn outings? Did we leave any off our list? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend additional fall day trips or pumpkin train rides in Wisconsin by completing our official nomination form.
Looking for some great day trips in Wisconsin? Explore every nook and cranny of the great state of Wisconsin and you'll be delighted by what you discover. From unique restaurants to beautiful views and everywhere in between, the Dairy State has so much to offer and so much to see, do, eat, experience, and learn from. By no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the very best Wisconsin day trips:
There's so much to do in this small town in Wisconsin on the Chippewa River. Spend the day relaxing on an inner tube, check out the nearly 40 nearby lakes, or stroll the quaint downtown; it's an awesome day trip near me in Wisconsin.
Another great day trip in Wisconsin, call ahead to the Holler House in Milwaukee so they can have an actual pin boy there to reset your lanes as you experience a unique and amazing part of Americana and history.
Located in Maiden Rock, Vino in the Valley offers amazing Italian dining, unparalleled views and, of course, wine. It is a really fun day trip in Wisconsin.
A great Wisconsin day trip, Cress Springs Bakery is tucked away on a farm and uses the bounty around them to make delicious baked goods. They source from their neighbors and mill right on site. You've never had a better loaf of bread.
What is the Wisconsin Cheese Trail, you ask? In less than 200 miles in a loop from Madison, hungry cheese-lovers can visit, at minimum, 14 different locations to sample, purchase and learn about cheese right here in the Dairy State. It is a truly delicious day trip near me in Wisconsin.
Covering all four sides of Capitol Square, this farmer's market in Madison has more than 300 vendors. While many of these places are awesome day trips in Wisconsin any day, this is the place to be on Saturday mornings.
With only a little more than 2,100 residents, New Glarus has all the appeal of a small-town getaway, but pairs it with amazing food, history, and charm. Swiss immigrants put this place on the map and the city loves to celebrate that heritage. Get ready for a really fun day trip in Wisconsin.
For more than 70 years, Elegant Farmer has been making people happy with what many say is the best apple pie in America. The farm has so much to do and see. It's a perfect day trip near me in Wisconsin.
Witch's Gulch is narrow and tight, but provides an amazing up-close view of the sandstone formations. It's a totally unique day trip near me in Wisconsin.
Taliesin, House on the Rock, an artist's town, the nearby river - there's more to see and do here than you could fit into a single day or weekend in beautiful Spring Green. Get out here for a glorious Wisconsin day trip.
With gorgeous stretches of beach, lighthouses, history, and amazing food, this trip through two iconic small towns in Wisconsin along the Lake Michigan shore south of Milwaukee is one you can't miss. It ranks high on the list of fun day trips in Wisconsin.
This small town outside of Madison known as Mineral Point is full of charm and whimsy. Sample a pasty, wander the caves, and learn all about the cool history here on a day trip near me in Wisconsin.
The Great River Road stretches along both sides of the Mississippi in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Over a stretch of more than 200 miles, there are 11 different vineyards making 100 different wines. The Wisconsin portion of the trail is just 68 miles in length and will take you to five different vineyards, making it one of the best day trips in Wisconsin.
With 400 acres, a discovery center, a butterfly house, and more, you'll never run out of things to do, see, and learn here at the Beaver Creek Nature Reserve. Plan your day trip in Wisconsin to this spot ASAP!
At more than a century old, Ehler's General Store has plenty of history to match its ideal location on the shores of Lake Superior. Take a Wisconsin day trip here to go back in time!
We were once a skeptic about the EAA Fly-in, thinking it wasn't for us. But there's so much to see and do here and the air show alone is worth the price of admission. Not to mention, it is a very fun day trip in Wisconsin.
Most well-known for its swap meet, there's more than meets the eye in this charming small town in Wisconsin known as Princeton. It is a wonderful day trip near me in Wisconsin.
What are your favorite fun day trips in Wisconsin? Tell us in the comments! Looking for more things to see and do in Wisconsin? Check out our ultimate bucket list for Wisconsin nature lovers. Find yourself needing a place to stay while on the road? Check out all the cool offerings from our friends at VRBO. You never know what you'll find.
