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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.
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.
Book with The Riverside and Great Northern Railway
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Riverside and Great Northern Railway · Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Set along the scenic banks of the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells, The Riverside and Great Northern Railway crafts a unique seasonal experience that blends outdoor charm with a touch of nostalgia. The Pumpkin Train offers a gentle, three-mile journey winding through striking sandstone rock formations and dense, mixed hardwood forests that are home to local wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. This ride isn't just a trip—it’s a moment transported back to a bygone era of steam-powered locomotion, with authentic engines chugging along well-maintained tracks that have been lovingly preserved by the community.
The Pumpkin Train stands out as a family-focused outing, especially in the crisp fall months. Children 12 and under receive a complimentary pumpkin or gourd, turning this ride into a festive adventure perfect for young nature lovers and families seeking quality time outdoors. Before or after the ride, visitors can enjoy snacks and light meals in the picnic pavilion, engage in classic yard games, or browse the gift shop for memorabilia celebrating the region’s railway heritage. Hyde Park Station serves as the vibrant hub where steam locomotives depart, their whistles slicing through the autumn air, adding atmosphere to what is already a sensory-rich outing.
Beyond its seasonal draws, the railway operates year-round, providing a tranquil way to experience Wisconsin Dells’ natural beauty and its geological wonders—especially the sandstone outcrops sculpted by millennia of river flow. This combination of outdoor scenery, historical preservation, and family-friendly activities makes The Riverside and Great Northern Railway’s Pumpkin Train a distinctive highlight within Wisconsin’s broader outdoor recreation scene. Whether visiting locals or travelers, this experience offers an accessible yet memorable step back in time while embracing the region’s stunning environment.
easy.
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels due to seated train ride
Tickets sell out quickly, so purchasing in advance online is highly recommended.
The vintage steam locomotives have limited accessibility; contact the railway for specific accommodations.
The event is family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages, with special treats for kids 12 and under.
The ride covers approximately three miles and lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
Yes, snacks and meals are available at the picnic pavilion before and after the rides.
Pets are generally not permitted on the trains for safety and comfort of all guests.
The Riverside and Great Northern Railway preserves early 20th-century steam trains and runs heritage rides reflecting Wisconsin's industrial past.
The railway emphasizes sustainable tourism by maintaining natural habitats along the route and educating visitors on local geology and ecology.
The Riverside and Great Northern Railway operates a family-oriented heritage railroad in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The attraction runs scenic train rides along the Wisconsin River, offering views of dramatic rock formations, woods, and local wildlife. Trips include a two-mile daytime Scenic Train Ride and special seasonal excursions such as the Father’s Day Scenic Train Ride, Mother’s Day Scenic Train Ride, Easter Bunny Train, Grandparent's Day Weekend Train, Santa Express, Pumpkin Train, and other themed events. The railroad features authentic steam locomotives at Hyde Park Station, a picnic pavilion, yard games, and a gift shop. Riders can relax on short, accessible routes that wind past riverside cliffs and wooded areas, with opportunities to spot deer, foxes, and other wildlife. Special holiday runs provide family-focused activities: the Easter Bunny Train stops at an egg patch for children’s hunts; the Pumpkin Train includes a free pumpkin or gourd for kids 12 and under; the Santa Express offers visits with Santa and seasonal treats. Mother’s Day promotions have included half-price tickets for moms. Ticketed excursions vary in length from approximately one hour for select holiday rides to three miles for the Pumpkin Train and generally suit families, multi-generational groups, and rail enthusiasts. As a local attraction in Wisconsin Dells, the Riverside and Great Northern Railway emphasizes safe, family-friendly experiences, period steam locomotive operation, and accessible amenities for visitors seeking a relaxed, scenic outing along the Wisconsin River. On-site staff assist with ticketing information and boarding to ensure a smooth visitor experience with clear schedules.
Book with The Riverside and Great Northern Railway