SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT GROUP TRAINS

Group trains are trains rides that are scheduled by tour groups, schools, clubs, etc. during times that Mid-Continent would otherwise be closed.

The train equipment used and the route covered by the ride are otherwise exactly the same as our regular weekend Coach Train rides. The train's capacity often far exceeds the number of people in these groups so Mid-Continent makes these extra seats available for sale to the public.

Important Considerations to Know Before Booking Tickets on a Group Train

The actual departure time may vary from the times listed. The departure time shown online is the departure time scheduled by the group. If the group that chartered the train arrives late, the train will not depart the station until the group arrives. If the group arrives earlier than expected, then the train may depart earlier than scheduled. Plan to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for any such changes.

Reservations are required for Group Trains. This allows Mid-Continent to contact you in case of any changes to the charter train schedule.

The train may be cancelled or rescheduled with little advance notice. If the group chartering the train cancels or reschedules their visit, the train departure will also be canceled or rescheduled. We will notify you as soon as possible of any known changes to the train's schedule.

The museum gift shop may not be open during group train dates. The rest of the museum display buildings will be open and viewable.

Seating areas will be separate from the group, when appropriate. Don't want to sit next to an entire class of 3rd Graders? Not to worry - public seating aboard a group train will be in a different train car than any of the potentially more rambunctious groups.

Questions? Contact us at 608-522-4261 or toll-free 800-930-1385.

The Quintessential Mid-Continent Experience

Duration

• Approximately 55 minutes

About our Museum and Demonstration Train Rides

Take a memorable, seven-mile, 55-minute round-trip train ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway nestled in a valley between the Baraboo Hills in rural Sauk County. Passengers ride in restored steel coaches built over a century ago. An authentically-attired conductor will call “all aboard!” before the train leaves from a historic wooden depot, built in 1894.

Mid-Continent is much more than just a train ride. Our Coach Sheds are filled with restored wooden passenger cars, freight cars and displays from the Golden Era of Railroading. There you will find examples of Mid-Continent’s nationally-renowned wood railcar restorations such as the Badger #2 “Fish Car”, the exquisite Art Nouveau-motif of the Milwaukee Lake Shore & Western #63, the 1903-built Copper Range coach #60. In our outdoor display yard, you can inspect century-old steam locomotives up close, including Copper Range locomotive #29, Soo Line #2645 and Kewaunee Green Bay & Western #49. In all, there are over 40 train cars and locomotives on prominent display with many more awaiting restoration.

A free self-guided tour pamphlet is available from the depot ticket office.

What to Know

-Museum admission is free to everyone. Train rides require a ticket purchase.

• All trains are powered by diesel locomotives.
• Individual seating is not assigned.
• Coach Trains are not climate controlled. Windows can be individually opened for ventilation.
• Wheelchair lift available for Coach seating. Access to some train seating areas may require the use of a transfer chair (provided).