Coach Train

All Aboard the Classic Mid-Continent Experience

Climb aboard and experience the magic of rail travel as it was a century ago with a 55-minute train ride aboard historic rail cars. Then explore the museum filled with relics of railroading past, many of which have been faithfully restored to like-new condition.

Included with This Ticket

• 55 minute train ride in early-1900s coach cars with openable windows pulled by a diesel locomotive.
• Admission to museum display buildings
• Self-guided tour pamphlet (provided at ticket window)

Duration

Train ride takes approximately 55-minutes. Suggested additional time to allow for taking the self-guided tour of the museum displays and a visit to the gift shop is about 1 hour. The museum areas can be explored before or after the train ride.

About our Museum and Demonstration Train Rides

Take a memorable, seven-mile round-trip train ride on a former branchline of the Chicago & North Western Railway nestled in a valley between the Baraboo Hills in rural Sauk County. Passengers ride in restored steel coaches built over a century ago. An authentically-attired conductor will call “all aboard!” before the train leaves from a historic wooden depot, built in 1894.

Mid-Continent is much more than just a train ride. Our Coach Sheds are filled with restored wooden passenger cars, freight cars and displays from the Golden Era of Railroading. There you will find examples of Mid-Continent’s nationally-renowned wood railcar restorations such as the Badger #2 “Fish Car”, the exquisite Art Nouveau-motif of the Milwaukee Lake Shore & Western #63, the 1903-built Copper Range coach #60. In our outdoor display yard, you can inspect century-old steam locomotives up-close, including Copper Range locomotive #29, Soo Line #2645 and Kewaunee Green Bay & Western #49. In all, there are over 40 train cars and locomotives on prominent display with many more awaiting restoration.

A free self-guided tour pamphlet is available from the depot ticket office.

What to Know

• Museum grounds are open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on days of operation.
• All trains are powered by diesel locomotives.
• Seating is not assigned.
• Coach Trains are not climate-controlled. Windows can be individually opened for ventilation.
• Wheelchair lift available for Coach seating. Access to some train seating areas may require the use of a transfer chair (provided).
• Food is not available nor permitted on Coach Trains, except for water and infant formula.

Upon Arrival

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your train's departure time.** All reserved tickets will be available for pickup at the depot ticket window on the day of your departure.

There is parking next to the depot and a larger parking lot just across the street from the depot suitable for RVs and trailers. Parking is free.

Passengers must check in at the depot ticket office before boarding.** There you'll receive your printed train ticket to give to the conductor. *Reservation confirmation emails cannot be used for boarding.

Seating

Seating is not assigned - passengers select their own seats when boarding.

Conductors will validate tickets during the ride so keep them handy until the conductor visits you at your seat. Afterward, the tickets are yours to keep.

What to Wear

Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an indoor/outdoor museum, meaning some displays are found in our outdoor train yard, while others are inside buildings. The train is not temperature controlled. Wear clothing appropriate to the outdoor temperature. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for your safety.

Food Availability

Food is not available at Mid-Continent except during select special event dates. **Food and drinks are not permitted to be brought aboard Coach Trains, except for water and infant formula.** A soda/water vending machine and picnic tables are available in Mid-Continent's picnic pavilion building. For food, consider visiting the B.S. Depot Bar & Grill in downtown North Freedom or one of the numerous restaurants in Baraboo (8 mi.), Reedsburg (11 mi.), or Wisconsin Dells (15 mi.).

Cancellation Policy

Tickets may be canceled up to 24 hours before your train departure. If you need to cancel, please use the "Cancel Tickets" link found in the booking details portion of this email. The self-service cancel link in this email only supports full-party cancellations. Partial cancellations can be requested by phone or email.

See You Soon

If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming visit, please [email us] (mailto:[email protected]) or call us at 608-522-4261 or toll-free 800-930-1385.

We look forward to your visit!

Sincerely,

The Volunteers and Staff of Mid-Continent Railway Museum