Historic Train Rides & Museum - Mid-Continent Railway, WI

North Freedom, Wisconsin, is home to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, a standout destination for train enthusiasts and families seeking an adventure that blends history with hands-on experiences. This living museum offers a variety of train rides aboard vintage locomotives such as the Baldwin Locomotive (MCRY #1256) and the ALCO S-1 Locomotive (MCRY #7). Guests can ride classic coach trains through scenic seven-mile routes, witness interactive tours in the Engine House, and even board historic rail cars carefully restored by passionate volunteers.

The museum combines outdoor charm with a slice of railroad history, sitting in a region marked by rolling Midwest landscapes and autumn’s dramatic color changes. Special seasonal rides like the Pumpkin Special and the Autumn Color Coach Train highlight fall’s fiery foliage, while festive events like the Santa Express and Holiday Flyer create family-centered holiday magic. The museum itself is a hub of ongoing restoration projects where visitors see firsthand the painstaking care involved in reviving the D&R #9 Steam Locomotive and other classic equipment.

Beyond the train journeys, the Museum offers admission to indoor exhibits detailing the area's railroading heritage and interactive tours like the Domtar 1001 tour, blending education with playful engagement. Group trains and themed rides such as the Root Beer Float Flyer and Pizza Limited provide unique flavors of fun, welcoming guests of all ages and interests.

With friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers ready to share stories and history, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum stands as a rare cultural gem in Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation scene. It invites visitors not only to ride the rails but to connect deeply with America’s railroad past, making it much more than a simple train ride—it’s a hands-on journey into the heart of railroading legacy and community spirit in North Freedom.