Autumn Color - Coach Train

Train Rides Amid the Brilliant Hues of Fall

There’s nothing comparable to enjoying the beautiful brilliant hues of autumn in the rural Sauk County countryside from the comfort of our restored vintage passenger cars. Join us for “leaf-peeping” in style along the unspoiled right-of-way of our historic former Chicago & North Western rail line.

Included with This Ticket

• 55-minute train ride in early-1900s Coach Cars 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 Train Excursions

Take a memorable, seven-mile round-trip train ride on a former branch line 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 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 turn of the century. There you will find examples of Mid-Continent’s nationally-renowned wood car 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.

What to Know

• Museum grounds are open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
• All trains are powered by diesel locomotives.
• No food or drinks (other than water or baby formula) permitted aboard the train.
• A picnic shelter is located next to the depot.
• A food truck will be serving food during the event (Saturdays and Sundays only).

Onboard the Train

• Seating is not assigned. Passengers select their own seat upon boarding. Reservations ensure that seats will be available for you.
• Windows can be individually opened for ventilation. Train cars are not climate-controlled. Onboard temperatures can be chilly during fall events. Be prepared by wearing clothing appropriate to the outdoor temperatures, especially in the morning.

Upon Arrival

Please arrive at 20-30 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

Your train will not be climate controlled and the onboard temperature can be cool in October, especially during morning departures before the sun begins warming the cars. You may wish to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket with you. Train windows can be individually opened for ventilation if temperatures are adequately warm. The museum display areas are a mix of outdoor and indoor areas, most of which are not climate controlled, so dress for the weather.

Food Availability

Food and drinks are not permitted to be brought aboard Coach Trains, except for water and infant formula.

A food truck will be here during the event serving food! These food items are not allowed on the train.

A soda/water vending machine and picnic tables are available in Mid-Continent's picnic pavilion building.

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