Root Beer Float Flyer Train Ride in North Freedom, WI
Difficulty
easy
Duration
55 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels as most time is spent seated.
Overview
Enjoy a nostalgic 55-minute train ride through Sauk County while savoring a classic root beer float. Discover vintage coaches and historic exhibits at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum near North Freedom, WI.
Root Beer Float Flyer
1 Hour • 7 mile ride • Late Afternoon Ride with an Ice-Cold Root Beer Float • 1 Day only, Aug 23
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the charm of a bygone era on a 55-minute Root Beer Float train ride through scenic Sauk County. Enjoy a refreshing float as you travel in restored early-1900s coaches, led by an authentic conductor. Explore fascinating museum displays and historic locomotives for a truly memorable outing.
A Refreshing Root Beer Float Train Ride
Take in the final days of summer with a Root Beer Float train ride. Embark on a 55-minute through rural Sauk County.
Aboard the train, passengers will enjoy an ice-cold Root Beer Float included with the ticket price.
Included with This Ticket
- 55 minute train ride in early-1900s Coach Cars pulled by a diesel locomotive.
- Root beer float, served aboard the train.
- Admission to museum display buildings.
- Self-guided tour pamphlet (provided at ticket window).
The 5:30 PM Flyer will return at about 6:25 PM. The museum grounds will remain open for an hour after the train's arrival.
Duration
Train ride takes approximately 55-minutes. Suggested additional time to allow for taking the self-guided tour of the museum displays and a visit to the gift shop is about 1 hour. The museum areas can be explored before or after the train ride.
About our Museum and Train Excursions
Take a memorable, seven-mile round-trip train ride on a former branchline 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 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 turn of the century. There you will find examples of Mid-Continent’s nationally renowned wood car 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 nearly 40 train cars and locomotives on prominent display with many more awaiting restoration.
What to Know
- The museum gift shop will close when the last train departs. Plan to visit the gift shop prior to the departure of the last train ride.
- All trains are powered by diesel locomotives.
- Seating is not assigned.
- The train car windows can be open for ventilation but are not air-conditioned. Please dress accordingly for the weather.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Explore the Museum
Give yourself extra time to tour the museum’s historical train exhibits before your ride starts.
Bring Cash for Souvenirs
The gift shop accepts cash and card, but having cash handy can speed up purchases.
Dress for the Weather
The train has open windows and some outdoor boarding areas—dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Book Tickets in Advance
This popular seasonal train ride often sells out quickly, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Various songbirds like cardinals and blue jays
History
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum preserves and operates historic railway equipment primarily from the early 20th century, providing a living history experience of railroading in the Midwest.
Conservation
The museum promotes sustainability by maintaining and restoring historic trains rather than building new infrastructure, reducing environmental impact while educating visitors about transportation history.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Madison
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm during cooler spring weather and breezes on the train.
spring specific
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from sun exposure during the summer ride.
summer specific
Camera or Smartphone
Capture nostalgic views and the scenic countryside along the route.
Comfortable Shoes
Useful for walking around the museum and train boarding areas.