Mineral Point Railroad Society

Mineral Point Railroad Society Open May-October. The Mineral Point Railroad Depot, built in 1856 from native stone and timber, stands today as Wisconsin’s oldest surviving railroad depot.

We operate a vibrant railroad and community museum in the historic 1856 Mineral Point Railroad Depot — the oldest surviving railroad depot in Wisconsin and one of few remaining from before the Civil War. In continuous operation from 1856 to 1984, the depot played a vital role in the development of Mineral Point and the surrounding region. Following a dedicated six-year restoration effort, the buil

ding was reopened to the public in September 2004 as a museum honoring the region’s rich railroading heritage. Our museum’s collection of artifacts, photographs, and interpretive exhibits brings to life the stories of the men and women who powered the railroads—engineers, conductors, depot agents, and telegraph operators. Exhibits explore the history of the depot itself, constructed by the Mineral Point Railroad Company, as well as the legacy of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railway—better known as the Milwaukee Road. Visitors also learn about the Mineral Point Zinc Works, which once operated the largest zinc oxide plant in the nation, and the Mineral Point & Northern Railroad, the city's second major rail line. Additional displays highlight railroad tools, communication systems, and daily life at the depot, offering a vivid window into a bygone era of American transportation and industry.

Here are some photos from the Mineral Point Insulator Show held last weekend at the Mineral Point Railroad Musuem.
09/02/2026

Here are some photos from the Mineral Point Insulator Show held last weekend at the Mineral Point Railroad Musuem.

09/01/2026

It was a great show!

Why the Mineral Point Railroad Museum Is Important to the CommunitySometimes we are asked why the Mineral Point Railroad...
08/28/2026

Why the Mineral Point Railroad Museum Is Important to the Community

Sometimes we are asked why the Mineral Point Railroad Museum is important. Here are some of the reasons.

The museum preserves a unique piece of Mineral Point’s history while helping connect the past to the present. Housed in the historic railroad depot, the museum tells the story of how the railroad helped shape the growth, economy, and daily life of Mineral Point and the surrounding region. Without the railroad, it is most likely that Mineral Point would be only a mere shell of what it is today.

The museum is more than a building filled with old artifacts. It is a place where residents, visitors, students, and families can learn about the people and events that helped build our community. By preserving the depot and sharing its stories, the museum helps ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the role the railroad played in Mineral Point’s history.

The museum also contributes to the community today. It attracts visitors, supports local tourism, creates opportunities for volunteers, and serves as a source of community pride. As Mineral Point continues to grow and change, the Railroad Museum provides an important connection to our heritage and reminds us that preserving our history is an investment in our future.

Image: Wisconsin Historical Society, Brosius, H., Bird's-Eye View of Mineral Point looking southeast, Unique Identifier W014GGG.

We’d love to hear why you think the Mineral Point Railroad Museum is important in the comments.

Here’s another reason to attend the Mineral Point (Wisconsin) Insulator Show on August 29! One of our featured raffle it...
08/26/2026

Here’s another reason to attend the Mineral Point (Wisconsin) Insulator Show on August 29! One of our featured raffle items will be the incredible artwork "The Team" by renowned railroad illustrator M.F. Kotowski (Mike Kotowski). Valued at an estimated $200, this limited-edition print is an absolute must-have for train enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or 25 for $20 and the drawing time is 1:00 PM. You do not need to be present to win! If you have to leave early, just write your name and phone number on the back of your ticket.

About the Artwork: Completed and signed by the artist, "The Team" is a stunning, highly detailed piece capturing the human and industrial heart of classic American railroading. It features a hardworking train crew posing proudly in front of the historic Southern Pacific Diesel Locomotive #2547, set against the backdrop of an active freight yard. Kotowski is nationally celebrated for his vintage realism and technical accuracy with his original work housed in the California State Railroad Museum.

Don't miss your chance to take this beautiful piece of railroad history home. See you at the show!

THIS SATURDAY (August 29) at the Mineral Point Railroad Depot - An Insulator Show!
08/24/2026

THIS SATURDAY (August 29) at the Mineral Point Railroad Depot - An Insulator Show!

We’ve officially welcomed more visitors to the railroad (and community!) museum so far this season than we had in all of...
08/18/2026

We’ve officially welcomed more visitors to the railroad (and community!) museum so far this season than we had in all of 2025—and that’s even with the road construction! Clearly, there’s something special happening here. Whether you’re a history buff, a train enthusiast, or looking for a great weekend activity with the family, there’s no better time to visit. Come see what all the excitement is about and join the rush!

We are so pleased to have been the subject of artists for the Paint the Point Nocturne, sponsored by Arts Mineral Point....
08/08/2026

We are so pleased to have been the subject of artists for the Paint the Point Nocturne, sponsored by Arts Mineral Point. Here are four works of art that were displayed. (details provided with each picture)

08/07/2026
08/07/2026
UPDATE: Turns out, inspiration doesn't have a curfew! We left our building lit up on Thursday night to give the Paint Th...
08/06/2026

UPDATE: Turns out, inspiration doesn't have a curfew! We left our building lit up on Thursday night to give the Paint The Point artists a hand with their night painting. When we went to turn the lights off at 11:30 p.m., the brushes were still flying—so we decided to let it burn all night long. We’re always proud to light the way for our community's incredible creatives!

Address

11 Commerce Street
Mineral Point, WI
53565

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16089872695

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