5 Wisconsin Train Rides That Belong On Your Bucket List
By Daniella DiRienzo|Updated on August 16, 2023(Originally published September 04, 2022)
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Daniella DiRienzo
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Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
There are tons of places in Wisconsin to soak up some railroad history. But one of the best has got to be the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. In addition to several static displays, the museum offers a variety of train rides. And with rides focusing on everything from fall foliage to beer and wine, there really is something for everyone. Take a look at the variety of train rides in Wisconsin offered at this amazing attraction:
1. Autumn Color Weekend
Mid-Continent Railway Museum, E8948 Museum Rd, North Freedom, WI 53951, USA
The perfect way to do some leaf-peeping in Wisconsin, this train meanders through the rural Sauk County countryside. During the 55-minute ride, you’ll enjoy great views of the surrounding foliage from the comfort of restored vintage passenger cars. Book your tickets on one of the most colorful Wisconsin train rides on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Make this year’s visit to the pumpkin patch extra special with a ride on the Pumpkin Special. The seasonal ride takes passengers straight to Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins are ready for picking. The seven-mile round trip should take about 55 minutes; however, could take longer depending on the crowd size. Book your tickets on one of the most fun train rides in Wisconsin on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Get into the spirit of the season with a ride aboard Santa Express. Every minute of the 55-minute train ride is full of festive fun, which includes a visit from Santa and his elves and lots of Christmas carols. Santa Express trains operate as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. But don’t worry; you’ll be nice and cozy since all cars are kept warm using the centuries-old tradition of steam heating or coal-fired stoves, just like at the North Pole. Talk about embracing the magic of the season! Book your tickets on one of the best Wisconsin train rides on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Held on select days throughout the year, this Wisconsin dinner train offers passengers the chance to enjoy a BBQ meal in an unforgettable setting. Watch beautiful scenery whiz by as you nosh on BBQ. Book your tickets on one of the most delicious Wisconsin train rides on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
This pizza train in Wisconsin might be the tastiest day trip in the state! The Pizza Train uses the same cars as the Elegant Dinner Train but features a menu that younger passengers will enjoy. And just to be clear, we’re talking about pizza! Book your tickets on the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website.
Please note that some of these Wisconsin train rides are only offered on select dates; you can also visit the Mid-Continent Railway Museum website or the Mid-Continent Railway Museum Facebook page to learn more and see the current schedule! And if you’re looking for a place to stay near the museum, check out the vacation rentals on Vrbo.
Of course, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum isn’t the only place for train-related fun in Wisconsin. Did you know about the Toy Train Barn Museum? The museum is located in tiny Argyle, Wisconsin, and is one of the most delightful day trips in Wisconsin for train enthusiasts young and old!
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In addition to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum's robust amazing train day trips, there are many railroads in Wisconsin that offer passenger train trips and family-friendly rail excursions throughout the year. Here are a few:
One of our favorites is the Spooner Train, one of the most unique bed and breakfast/rail experiences you could ever imagine. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad — also known as the Spooner Train — is the only bed and breakfast of its kind in the country. You'll ride a train overnight, see amazing scenery, have some stellar meals, and have the experience of a lifetime!
If you're looking for an amazing and kid-approved train ride in Wisconsin, we love the options at Riverside and Great Northern Railway. Ride their live steam trains over a three-mile track through scenic canyons, wooded areas, and by majestic rocks through the wondrous Wisconsin Dells. This train ride in Wisconsin is the perfect length for young attention spans!
