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Step aboard the Santa Express in North Freedom, Wisconsin, for a festive 55-minute train ride with Santa himself. Enjoy holiday magic in early 1900s coaches and make lasting Christmas memories.
Step aboard the Santa Express in North Freedom, Wisconsin, for a festive 55-minute train ride with Santa himself. Enjoy holiday magic in early 1900s coaches and make lasting Christmas memories.
Book with Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mid-Continent Railway Museum · North Freedom, Wisconsin
Celebrate the holiday season with the Santa Express, a delightful 55-minute train journey through the scenic landscapes of North Freedom, Wisconsin. Hosted by the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, this experience offers a unique chance to travel in beautifully restored early-1900s coaches warmed by authentic steam heating. The festive atmosphere, complete with vibrant decorations, sets the perfect mood for families and guests of all ages. Onboard, children receive a personal visit from Santa Claus along with a small gift from his elves, creating cherished memories for the whole family. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, a lover of holiday traditions, or simply looking for a heartwarming winter outing, the Santa Express offers a cozy, joyous experience that captures the spirit of Christmas. Conveniently located near larger cities, this charming seasonal adventure provides the perfect blend of history, holiday cheer, and outdoor winter fun all wrapped into one unforgettable ride.
easy.
55 minutes.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including children and seniors.
The entire train ride lasts approximately 55 minutes, including the visit from Santa.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended as the Santa Express sells out quickly each year.
Absolutely, the ride is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, including infants.
Yes, the coaches are steam heated to keep riders warm and comfortable.
Madison, Wisconsin, is the nearest major city with an airport about 40 minutes from North Freedom.
For safety and comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted on the Santa Express train rides.
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum preserves a collection of early 20th-century railroad equipment critical to Wisconsin's transportation heritage.
The museum emphasizes sustainable practices by restoring and maintaining historic railcars, extending their life and limiting waste.
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