Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Little bit out of the way. Plenty of parking. Lot’s of rolling stock, would be nice to see it outside rather than in the shed. (I understand why though). Wish the ride could be longer. All in all, if you’re in North Freedom it’s a nice place to spend a couple of hours.

My kids love trains and when I saw a family 4 pack on a discounted web site I decided to give it a shot. It is located in a very small town just outside Baraboo but fairly easy to find. The actual train ride is maybe around 45 minutes with a 5 – 10 minute break in between to turn the train around. It was a Saturday but plenty of room on the train. The kids enjoyed it quite a bit and had a good time. Don’t know if I would go again as there isn’t much replay value but if you know somebody interested in trains then you can’t go wrong stopping by here. They also had a nice collection of restored trains in a barn like area. Cost $ 30 with coupon, would be $ 60 without.

Ok I love everything railroad so this place was just a matter of time. It’s not as spectacular compared IRM and is not as hands but quite enjoyable. It’s out in the country in the middle of no where in the small town of North Freedom Wi.
There is a barn with restored equipment and an area to view old trains. The train ride lasts about 50 minutes. They also have brunch trains and so on if you check the web site.
This is a great place to take the children for a couple hours and ride an old train from the past.

It was fun, but this is definitely a better attraction for someone who has kids (i.e. not me). The train ride, while very pretty, also seemed very short. We drove halfway across the state for a fall train ride, and while it was a decent experience, I can’t say as though I’d do it again unless I was taking a child.

It may be hard to find, but Mid-​Continent Railway Museum is tough to beat as a family attraction and Wisconsin treasure. It is more than just a train ride, it is history before your eyes everywhere you look. Specializing in traditional steam engines, Mid– Continent is currently undergoing painstaking restoration of several units.
Until then, you can take a variety of rides on its passenger trains now pulled by diesel power. You might feel like you are on a movie set as you ride the trains featuring restored Pullman coaches. From the World War I era soon to celebrate their 100^th anniversary, they form the period from which the Museum is recreated.
Equally spectacular to your 7 mile round trip train ride is a visit to the amazing
Coach Shed. Awaiting your inspection is more than a dozen historic railroad cars and vast history on railroading. You might even depart an «expert!»
When all is said and done Mid-​Continent is even more amazing when you realize everyone you meet are all volunteers. Just having concluded its 50^th anniversary
this is an amazing experience that will make you want to come back again. You might even think about becoming a Museum member. All Aboard!

We have been to other states and always seem to end up riding the train attraction. This one was okay and they let you get up and walk around. I recommend getting a coupon since it was 50.00 total for 2 adults and one child. The gift shop is pretty small so good luck if you are looking for a nice souvenir.

Every railroad museum has its niche. I my opinion, this museum’s strength is the variety of rolling stock, mainly coaches. In addition there are more than a handful of steam locomotives which do not operate. The museum also offers a train ride where an ex-​Army switcher, 1954 Whitcomb, pulls a number of Delaware Lackawanna & Western Pullman 1914 – 1917 coaches. This museum publishes a compendium which is loaded with information and history; I really wish that other rail museums would follow suit. In the back are a wide variety of cabooses in which those affliliated with the museum live. I arrived before opening hours and the engineer for the day personally gave me a tour of the car barn. Taking about personalized service. Why should you visit? Well perhaps all of the immaculately restored rolling stock in the coach shed will move your heart from the «Badger» (last surviving fish car), the 1940 Montana Western doodlebug which by the way is a Natl Historic Mechanical Eng. Landmark, the OLDEST EMC car in existence or the Milwaukee Lake Shore & Western 1888 coach which should knock you dead with its wood interior motif.
PS As an added incentive, steam locomotive #1385 (C&NW 4−6−0) is on the Natl Register of Historic Places.