Enjoy a festive, adult-only train ride through Sauk County with spiked hot chocolate and historic railcars. Discover a memorable holiday escape at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
55 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most adults comfortable with mild standing and walking.
Wildlife
History
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum preserves a rich collection of Midwest railroad history, showcasing over a century of railroading heritage.
Conservation
The museum promotes sustainable tourism by maintaining historic equipment and minimizing environmental impact through responsible operations.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Enjoy a festive, adult-only train ride through Sauk County with spiked hot chocolate and historic railcars. Discover a memorable holiday escape at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
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.
Book Early for Holiday Dates
Weekend rides tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season, so reserve your spot in advance.
Dress Warmly
Although the train is heated, outdoor museum exploration can be chilly—layer up to stay comfortable.
Arrive Early to Explore the Museum
Arriving 30 minutes before departure allows time to visit historic railcars and learn about the railway heritage.
Carry ID for Alcohol Purchase
This is an adult beverage experience; ensure you have valid ID to enjoy spiked drinks responsibly.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during chilly museum exploration and outdoor wait times.
winter
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for walking around the museum grounds before or after the train ride.
ID for Alcohol Purchase
Required to enjoy the spiked hot chocolate and other adult beverages offered.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture festive decorations, historic trains, and scenic views during the ride and museum visit.