Nothing seems to capture the imagination like trains do. Something about the big, old engines seems to captivate children and adults alike. We're so lucky here in Wisconsin to be home to not only the National Railroad Museum but also a couple of amazing train lines that offer a chance to see our beautiful state like never before.
If you're a train lover, this trip will take you to some (but not all) of the amazing trains and train-themed spots in Wisconsin. Plan to do some or all of this amazing route and get to see much of our great state at the same time.
You can find an editable version of this map and itinerary here.
Please note, Riverside and Great Northern Railroad is temporarily closed.
No matter where you are in the state there's something train-themed nearby - this is just one option for fitting much of what you can see and do in one trip.
This is the ultimate train-themed restaurant. Every detail here has been thought of, from outside decor and play areas to the interior where your food is delivered via model train. Located at 7898 Co Rd A, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202.
More railroad history than you could ever imagine. A country's worth of railroad history right at our fingertips here in Wisconsin. Admission that includes a 25 minute train ride through the museums stock is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $9.50 for children ages 2-12. Trains run from May to October. The also have a Polar Express in the winter. Located at 2285 S Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54304.
Housed in an old Metra station, this kid-centric train restaurant constantly has train-themed movies playing, has four different trains running and looking out the windows, especially in summer, you're likely to see trains and the trolley. Located at 5414 13th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140.
Though probably best enjoyed in warmer months, these folks do have a holiday-themed train. This is the last remaining stretch of track left from the Wisconsin interurban network. Passenger excursions run on a 7-mile stretch of track from East Troy to Mukwonago. They also have a Pizza Train, a Dinner Train and multiple themed events throughout the year. A daily ticket gives you unlimited rides all day and will cost you $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors and $8.00 for children ages 3 to 14. Located at 2002 Church St, East Troy, WI 53120.
Take a ride on restored century-old steel coaches through some gorgeous parts of the state. They have a bunch of theme rides including a Snow Train, a fall foliage train, a pumpkin train and a stars and stripes train. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for children ages 3-12. Open weekends in May, September and October and open every day from June through Labor Day Weekend. Located at E8948, Museum Rd, North Freedom, WI 53951.
6. Riverside and Great Northern Railroad - Wisconsin Dells
Another warmer weather option, this is a miniature train ride that lets you get out and explore some of the beauty around the Dells. It's a 5-inch gauge light railroad and the trip lasts about 40 minutes. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children and free for kids 3 and under. Located at N115 County Rd N, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
This awesome and unique overnight option near all the bike trails and outdoor fun in Sparta is a must-stay for any train enthusiast. The renovated caboose has tons of original details inside while providing all the comforts of home. Located at 1102 S. Water St., Sparta, WI 54656.
Located right along the Mississippi River, the views from these trains are absolutely stunning. There are 50 minute and 90 minute train ride options as well as brunch, pizza, dinner and a few seasonal specialty rides. Excursions run on the weekends and begin for the season in May. The St. Croix Valley Railway is located at 114 Depot Rd. Osceola, WI. 54020
Ever wanted to spend a night on the train? This one of a kind bed and breakfast offers a totally unique and amazing experience that you'll talk about for years to come. The company also offers an adult dinner train, family pizza rides, short sight-seeing trains and winter Santa trains. Located at N6639 Dilly Lake Rd, Trego, WI 54888.
The only thing I love more than a good book is... the search for a good book! There's something truly magical about browsing the aisles and seeing what I can find that feels like a real-life treasure hunt. Let's stay with this metaphor: a good bookstore or library is worth its weight in gold! Go out in search of bibliophilic booty with this Wisconsin literary road trip that will take you across the state to some of its biggest cities and most charming small towns, each with a hidden trove of books. Some of these are the biggest and most famous bookstores in the state, while others are the definition of hidden gems. The only thing that's for sure is that you're guaranteed to come home with more books than you have space on your shelves!
Wisconsin is a fairly large state, so this literary road trip itinerary will take just under nine hours of driving to see all the bookstores and libraries across the state. That makes it ideal for a weekend adventure - giving you all the time you need to spend hours browsing the aisles!
1. Blue House Books (Kenosha)
Kenosha's best boutique bookstore started its life as a pop-up, but established a full brick-and-mortar location in 2020. Blue House Books sells a lot of popular books as well as lesser-known and frequently challenged "banned books". It's become quite the community hub, hosting frequent signings and events featuring writers.
2. Boswell Book Company (Milwaukee)
This old-school Milwaukee gem is particularly beloved among book fans because it still does things the way they remember - collating their own best-sellers list rather than relying on outside sources, and running a trade-in business where used book sellers can get store credit. Boswell Book Company is a great place to meet authors, or just to spend the whole day browsing for rare and offbeat books.
There's nothing I love more than a good bookstore cafe, and the one at Lion's Mouth features a diverse menu of caffeinated drinks - perfect to enjoy a book by. This is one of Wisconsin's newest bookstores, and has quickly put itself on the map thanks to an aggressive schedule of events including author signing and local book clubs for all interests.
4. Town of Wabeno Public Library (Wabeno)
The library in Wabeno is far from the largest or most modern in the state - but that's why it's worth the drive from anywhere in the Badger State. This unincorporated community is perfectly historic, and its only library is actually located in an authentic Northwoods log cabin. It's the only library of its kind in Wisconsin, and this small book have is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
5. Janke Book Store (Wausau)
Speaking of historic, Janke Book Store is actually the oldest bookstore in Wisconsin! Found in Wausau, it's been part of the local environment since 1874, it carries a very large selection of local history books and hosts regular events catering to those with an interest in Wisconsin history. The place has a great rustic vibe and still pays tribute to the atmosphere that owner Carl Janke wanted to create.
It wouldn't be a bookstore road trip without a stop at one truly massive book warehouse, and Driftless Books and Music certainly qualifies. The largest bookstore in Wisconsin, it holds over 500,000 books along with a live music venue and a host of great reading nooks inside this former tobacco warehouse. It's the kind of place where you can easily spend all day browsing and still want to come back tomorrow. The bookstore is only open seasonally, so check the schedule before you head outl.
What are your favorite bookstores in Wisconsin? Ask a friend and put together your own Wisconsin literary road trip! Your end point on this road trip is pretty close to Wisconsin Dells, so if you're looking for a unique place to stay in the area, we highly recommend the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast - a truly one-of-a-kind inn with a circus theme.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
