mid-continent railway museum

Off the beaten track in North Freedom, WI, this is a gem of a museum. Extensive collection of beautifully restored antique passenger and freight cars from the late 1800's and early 1900's. A fun one hour train ride on an authentic turn-of-the-century branch line. http://www.midcontinent.org

My fiancé and I were visiting family in nearby Reedsburg. We were looking for something to do on Saturday because we had some time to kill. We found the museum listed on the visitors center website. My fiancé loves trains but we are both in wheelchairs. The site said they had a one hour train tour and said it was accessible. When we got there we double checked that it was. We were told it was but found it would be difficult to get to the seats. We ended up staying in our chairs and got to ride in the cargo area with a door open(there was 3'high iron gate so we couldn't fall out) like hobos. It was an awesome experience. The train conductors were friendly and knowledgeable, even stopping in our area to talk to us. While, it was a little chilly with the large door open it was fall and the scenery with the fall colors was amazing!

A group of very hard working, dedicated volunteers make this a must see attraction. There is an impressive display of railcars and enigines expertly explained by the museum staff. We were incredibly fortunate to be allowed to ride a chartered train ride with a school group. The museum would not have normally been open for rides during the off season.

We went in the fall, so the tree colors were beautiful. We had a very knowledgeable conductor, and rode in the caboose. A great activity to do with kids, as they will let them go up into the engine to see it during the ride. A small downside, although the trip says it is 55 minutes, a good portion of that time is spent sitting on the stopped train while they uncouple the engine from one end and link it to the other (for the return trip). Be sure to tour the small museum on the grounds!

This is an opportunity to view and ride on old railroad equipment. The conductor provides a short history lesson. We rode in a 100 year old pullman car. The children and railroad buffs all enjoyed the short 1 hour ride.

We took our grand kids here to visit the museum and ride the train. They enjoyed both looking at the refurnished train cars and riding the train. We bought caboose tickets as that is where the kids wanted to ride. The caboose has 2 high seats on each side. We got on the train early and the four of us got the high window seats. An older gentleman tried to take away my 8 year old grandsons seat. My husband and I gave up our window seats to avoid a confrontation. When bringing younger children I would not let them ride in a car without you. The staff is very friendly and most knowledgeable. We all had a nice time.

We've visited the museum several times over the years and it's always fun and educational. The train ride itself is nothing spectacular, and we usually skip it. Everything else is free, including access to the train shed packed with carriages and engines. Kids love the chance to clamber through the carriages and even up onto the engines parked outside. Fun place!

I am a train enthusiast so I decided to visit the Mid Continent Railway Museum. I have actually been there before when I was a young kid so I cannot remember much about it. The day we went just happened to be one of the hottest days of the year! But that's my own fault, chose the wrong day! The old train station is beautifully restored and the people working the counter were extremely friendly and didn't mind us asking them questions. The gift shop was a pleasant surprise, they had a big selection of interesting railroad related books and memorabilia. The museum itself was pretty cool, because you can see how train cars would look back in the old days. Although you cannot walk through the cars I though the museum was pretty cool, except for the 98 degree temperature inside (But that's not their fault). As the train ride goes if your looking for a high speed train ride this is not for you! The train engine was a diesel not a steam engine, but it was still cool. The train cars are fully restored and very comfortable to ride in. As far as the scenery goes there's not much to look at except corn fields woods and swamp/marsh, but if you enjoy riding the rails like I do you will enjoy it anyways. The whole ride takes about an hour and whats cool is you can watch them disconnect the engine and re-connect the engine on the other end of the train. Also the train crew was extremely friendly and informative! If you go you have to ask them about the GHOST caboose. All in all great place to visit if you like trains, the only negative is that it is a little pricey.

The facility has been updated since our visit 30 years ago with a picnic pavilion and updates to the Station and the rolling stock display. Alas, the train ride was with a diesel electric engine rather than a smoke chuffing steam engine.

What a great place to visit. My boyfriend and I went there when visiting Wisconsin Dells. It was an unexpected surprise. We took the train ride, which we really enjoyed. Although, it was not a steam engine. The train is powered by a diesel locomotive. The conductors were real train enthusiasts and were glad to answer any questions and talk about the trains. After the ride we had lunch. They sold hamburgers, brats, and hotdogs. Also, chips and ice cream all at a very reasonable price. We toured all of the restored cars in the museum. They were so beautiful!!We spent about 4 hours here and it was so worth it. I would recommend to anyone who loves trains and families with children.

Kids loved going on the train ride. People taking tickets on the train were extremely nice and full of great information about the train and the different cars we rode in. Lots to see in the museums. Would recommend doing for any age. Great for small children

This is a little place about 25 minutes fro the Dells area. My son loves trains so we went. It is a small place and doesn't have a lot but for my 8 year old it was just enough. the train ride was nice and he really enjoyed that. Staff was super friendly and really great. We also visited the little pet cemetary they have right off the grounds next to them.

Since I like trains this was a place to visit. The people who run the train are all trained volunteers since this is considered a working railroad. These folks were willing to answer questions and talk about the original purpose of this railroad. The inside and outside museum was fantastic! This is a great place for families to experience riding a train. Our visit was actually in the fall of 2012 but that was not on the date selection list.

My father is a railroad enthusiast. He hasn't been able to get around well lately. He recently got a electric wheelchair and one of the first stops on his first trip out of the house in years was this train ride. There was a group of 19 who went along with him. Everyone we met was accommodating, friendly and helpful. The conductors on the train were very knowledgeable and were fellow train enthusiasts which made the trip more enjoyable. We all had a fun time and even learned a thing or two about old trains. Some great memories were made that day. Thank you.

Well, me and my family went to this place, we hated it, it sounded like it was going to fall apart the whole time and it was sooooo hot out and even though these trains are old, it was so hot in the train and we were sweating our butts off and the train went to slow. The only thing good that was good was the actual museum with all the old trains, my uncle did a terrible job of picking a good attraction, it was terrible but not the best thing to go to with your family.