Take a scenic 55-minute train ride through Wisconsin’s colorful fall landscape aboard restored vintage cars. Discover autumn’s vibrant colors and step back in time with a guided journey at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
55 minutes
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness is required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
Wildlife
History
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum preserves historic locomotives and cars, showcasing regional railroad heritage dating back to the early 1900s.
Conservation
The museum promotes sustainable tourism by preserving historic equipment and encouraging responsible enjoyment of Wisconsin’s natural landscapes.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Take a scenic 55-minute train ride through Wisconsin’s colorful fall landscape aboard restored vintage cars. Discover autumn’s vibrant colors and step back in time with a guided journey at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, preserves and presents historic railroad equipment and operates authentic train experiences for visitors. The museum offers a range of guided and self-guided activities including Engine House & Domtar 1001 Interactive Tour, Vintage Rail Car Tours, and rides aboard an ALCO S-1 locomotive (MCRY #7).
Seasonal and themed trips include Harvest Flyer, Harvest Happy Hour, Root Beer Float Flyer, Pizza Limited, Autumn Color - Coach Train, Holiday Night Cap, and Group Trains that require reservations. Visitors can tour the Engine House and Car Shop, see award-winning restorations, and take walking tours of historic railcars not normally open to the public.
Several experiences include onboard refreshments such as hot apple cider, donuts, root beer floats, or pizza served during the 55-minute scenic rides through rural Sauk County. The MCRY #7 cab rides provide an up-close locomotive experience accompanied by an engineer on the run between North Freedom and Quartzite Lake.
The museum displays restored early-1900s coach cars, steel coaches, and other rolling stock alongside interpretive exhibits that document regional rail history. Programming combines hands-on tours, guided narration, and curated restorations to create educational outings for families, rail enthusiasts, and groups. Ticketed events and train schedules are published on-site seasonally.
Location
North Freedom, WI
Located in Sauk County
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Guided tours and themed rides
Typical Ride
55 minutes
Scenic short excursions
Group Bookings
Reservations required
Private group train reservations available
Reserve seats for seasonal rides, vintage car tours, or group trains and experience historic railroading in Sauk County.
Reserve Tickets Early
The Autumn Color Coach Train is popular during the fall foliage peak, so book your seats well in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Wear Layers
Temperatures can vary during the ride, so bring layers to stay comfortable throughout the journey.
Arrive Early for Museum Access
Plan to arrive before your train ride to fully explore the railway museum and its historic exhibits.
Bring a Camera
Capture the vibrant fall foliage and vintage train details, but try to keep windows clear for the best shots.
Layered Clothing
To stay comfortable during cool autumn weather and potential temperature fluctuations on the train.
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Camera or Smartphone
For capturing vivid fall colors and historic train features throughout the journey.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes
Helpful for exploring the museum grounds before or after your train ride.
Rain Jacket
Useful during wet spring weather to keep dry during outdoor sightseeing.
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