Family Fun on the Pumpkin Train with Riverside & Great Northern
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels due to seated train ride
Overview
Take a scenic 3-mile ride aboard the Pumpkin Train through unique rock formations along the Wisconsin River. Kids get a free pumpkin, and families enjoy steam locomotives, snacks, and games in a captivating autumn setting.
Pumpkin Train
For all ages! • • One of our most popular events!
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About This Adventure
Experience a delightful 3-mile train ride through stunning rock formations and lush woods along the Wisconsin River. Kids 12 and under receive a free pumpkin or gourd, adding to the fun! Enjoy snacks, yard games, and the charm of steam locomotives at the family-friendly Riverside & Great Northern Railway.
#A seasonal favorite!
##Duration 3 mile ride
##About One of our most popular events - each kid 12 and under gets a free pumpkin or gourd on a train trip!
Mark your calendars now! Buy your tickets in advance- these sell out quickly!
##The Riverside and Great Northern Railway Experience Enjoy a peaceful two-mile train trip through the unique rock formations and beautiful woods that line the Wisconsin River. It’s not unusual to see deer, turkeys, foxes, and other animals on a train trip.
Before and after your train trip, enjoy a snack or a meal in our picnic pavilion, browse our gift shop, spend time playing yard games with the kids, or take a tour of the shops. Do it all while watching authentic steam locomotives depart and arrive with trains at Hyde Park Station.
The Riverside & Great Northern is a family-friendly museum. We make every effort to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
For the safety of our guests and employees we reserve the right to change engines as needed
Adventure Tips
Book Tickets Early
Pumpkin Train rides are popular and sell out quickly—reserve your seats well in advance.
Arrive Early for Yard Games and Snacks
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your departure to enjoy the picnic area and family games.
Dress for Variable Weather
Fall temperatures can shift quickly along the river—layer clothing to stay comfortable.
Prepare for Limited Accessibility
Steam locomotives and vintage equipment may have limited accessibility for mobility aids.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
History
The Riverside and Great Northern Railway preserves early 20th-century steam trains and runs heritage rides reflecting Wisconsin's industrial past.
Conservation
The railway emphasizes sustainable tourism by maintaining natural habitats along the route and educating visitors on local geology and ecology.
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Adventure Hotspots in Wisconsin Dells
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
Keeps you warm and comfortable during cool autumn temperatures on the open-air train.
fall specific
Camera or Smartphone
Capture scenic views of river rock formations and wildlife from your seat.
Comfortable Footwear
Recommended for walking around the picnic and yard game areas before and after the ride.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warm weather visits at the outdoor seating and picnic areas.
summer specific