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Enjoy a scenic 55-minute train ride through the Baraboo Hills with the Pumpkin Special. Pick your perfect pumpkin and explore historic train exhibits for a true autumn adventure in North Freedom, Wisconsin.
Enjoy a scenic 55-minute train ride through the Baraboo Hills with the Pumpkin Special. Pick your perfect pumpkin and explore historic train exhibits for a true autumn adventure in North Freedom, Wisconsin.
Book with Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mid-Continent Railway Museum · North Freedom, Wisconsin
Embrace the magic of fall with the Pumpkin Special at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin. This charming 55-minute scenic train ride takes you through the beautiful Baraboo Hills to Quartzite Lake, where you can handpick your very own pumpkin, perfect for carving or decorating at home. The journey is not just about pumpkins—explore fascinating historic train displays at the museum before departure and enjoy the peaceful countryside painted in autumn colors. The family-friendly experience offers the ideal way to celebrate the season away from busy city life. Whether you’re traveling with kids or friends, the Pumpkin Special combines nostalgic train travel with outdoor fun, creating memories that last well beyond the season. Cozy up in the vintage train cars, breathe in the crisp fall air, and snap photos of the stunning landscape blanketed in fall hues. This unique Wisconsin adventure blends history, nature, and seasonal festivity into one unforgettable autumn outing.
easy.
55 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels including families with children and seniors.
The train ride lasts approximately 55 minutes, traveling to Quartzite Lake and back.
You can pick and purchase pumpkins directly at Quartzite Lake during the trip.
Yes, this is a family-friendly experience perfect for children of all ages.
Pets are not allowed on the train or in the pumpkin patch, with the exception of service animals.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the museum for visitors.
The train ride operates rain or shine, so come prepared with appropriate rain gear.
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum preserves historic rail equipment and tells the story of Wisconsin's railway heritage through immersive train rides and exhibits.
The museum and local partners promote sustainable tourism by maintaining trails and encouraging eco-friendly practices during visitor activities.
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.
Book with Mid-Continent Railway Museum