To appreciate the natural beauty of the eastern Badger State, one of the most exciting things to do in Milwaukee is take a train ride. It's an awesome way to take a break from road trips, sit back, relax, and let the conductors take control while enjoying the interesting scenery.

The East Troy Railroad Museum is located just 35 minutes south of the city, making it one of the best Milwaukee tourist attractions.

It protects and preserves this historic stretch of railway and offers tons of fun, unique rides as a means of educating visitors about Wisconsin's railroad history.

In the early 1900s, the East Troy line was the only means of public transportation in the area.

The electric trolley system once operated on over 200 miles of track in Southeast Wisconsin, but these days, all that remains is the small stretch between East Troy and Mukwonago.

Since 1985, the nonprofit museum has operated and maintained the East Troy Electric Railroad, and since 1995 has owned the railroad.

It opens a half hour before the first scheduled train and closes when the last train gets in for the day.

You'll enjoy the interactive historical exhibits, photographs, and artifacts while you wait to board.

For some family fun in Milwaukee, the Fall Harvest Trains run Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 9-Oct. 22, 2023, departing from the East Troy Depot or the Elegant Farmer.

The tickets are $15.00 for adults, $9.50 for kids ages 3-14, and seniors ages 65+ are $12.50. Tickets are good for the scheduled ride reserved and for additional rides on the same day if space is available.

We love to book the Dinner Trains running from May through October for one of the more scrumptious things to do in Milwaukee.

Find information about the menu and schedule on the East Troy Electric Railroad

dinner web page.

And East Troy Electric Railroad loves themed-train rides.

Fun, short seasonal rides for kids are available throughout the year, such as the Bunny Train and the ever-exciting Christmas Train.

The staff also offers special charter routes throughout the year, including the Trick-or-treat trains on Fridays in October.

Consider a train ride for some fun things to do in Milwaukee. Keep up with the current schedule on the East Troy Electric Railroad website! Don't be in a hurry to leave this cool town: Have a draft at East Troy Brewery, and make a weekend of it by booking a room on Expedia.com.