It’s pretty common knowledge that Wisconsin is brimming with striking sights and breathtaking views. But what you may not know is that you can take in all that beauty via a leisurely train ride! The scenic vistas are only made better by centuries-old railcars, authentically-attired conductors, and other small but delightful touches.
North Freedom, a small town of just over 600, probably isn’t on your radar – but it should be! And that’s because it’s home to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum.
Open seasonally, May – October, Mid-Continent Railway Museum has been delighting visitors of all ages for decades.
The grounds include an indoor/outdoor museum, railroad exhibits, and more than 40 train cars and locomotives. It's the perfect place to soak up some railroad history.
But you can do more than simply look at the trains while at the museum. You can actually ride on one.
That’s right; you can hop aboard the Coach Train for a scenic 7-mile, 55-minute, round-trip train ride through the beautiful Baraboo Hills.
Fun right from the start, the train leaves from a wooden depot, which was built in 1894. The restored steel coaches that passengers ride in are just as historic – they were built a century ago!
Before the train pulls out from the station, a conductor (who, by the way, is dressed in authentic attire) calls out, “All aboard!”
Once the train starts chugging along, the lovely vistas begin to appear almost immediately.
The views are fantastic throughout the year, especially in fall when colorful foliage consumes rural Sauk County.
In addition to this train ride, which is billed as “the quintessential Mid-Continent experience,” the museum offers themed and dinner train rides, so make sure to check the website for upcoming events.
Ticket prices vary depending on seating, age, and train ride. Click here for pricing.
Ready to book a seat on this scenic train ride? For more information, call the Mid-Continent Railway Museum at (608) 522-4261. You can also visit the museum’s website or Facebook page.
So, did you know about the Mid-Continent Railway Museum? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think of the train ride? Or, maybe you know of another way to enjoy the state's scenic sights? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only spot for some scenic fun. Read about another here.
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