Hop aboard the Stars & Stripes Special for a festive 55-minute train ride through Wisconsin’s scenic Baraboo Hills. Enjoy historic cars, tasty treats, and family fun at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
Hop aboard the Stars & Stripes Special for a festive 55-minute train ride through Wisconsin’s scenic Baraboo Hills. Enjoy historic cars, tasty treats, and family fun at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
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 American independence with the Stars & Stripes Special, a unique 55-minute train ride aboard historic coach cars at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin. This family-friendly adventure offers more than just a scenic journey through the beautiful Baraboo Hills. Along the way, enjoy a refreshing snow cone, perfect for warm weather, while exploring engaging museum exhibits that showcase the rich railroad history of the region. The ride combines nostalgia, history, and festive patriotic flair, making it an ideal outing for all ages. Whether you're a history buff, train enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun, educational day trip, the Stars & Stripes Special offers a memorable experience packed with charm and scenic beauty. This seasonal event captures the spirit of summer celebrations and provides an opportunity to learn about the golden age of railroading while enjoying Wisconsin’s picturesque landscapes.
easy.
55 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families and seniors.
The train ride lasts approximately 55 minutes, providing plenty of time to enjoy the historic cars and scenery.
Yes, snow cones are offered during the trip, and you can also explore museum displays before or after the ride.
Absolutely! The ride is family-friendly and accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
Yes, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum can be explored independently, allowing you to enjoy exhibits even if you don't ride the train.
Reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy holiday periods.
Yes, there is on-site parking available for visitors at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum preserves historic rail equipment and celebrates the significance of railroads in the development of Wisconsin.
The museum promotes sustainability by maintaining restored railcars and encouraging responsible visitation to protect the natural Baraboo Hills environment.
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