Mid-Continent Railway Museum

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum Located at E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951. The official website of Mid-Continent Railway Museum is www.midcontinent.org WHAT IS MID-CONTINENT?
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Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society--also known as Mid-Continent Railway Museum--is an outdoor, living museum and operating railroad recreating the small town/short line way of life with operating trains, educational exhibits, and displays of restored rolling stock. Mid-Continent has operated at North Freedom, Wisconsin since 1963. VISION STATEMENT

The Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society sees itself as a place where visitors can learn of a time when the railroad station was the social and communication center of every small town. People came to the station to meet folks who came from faraway places, or to journey to those places. The mail, packages, newspapers, and goods came by rail, or were shipped by rail. The railroad and its telegraph were the nucleus that tied a small community to every place in the entire country. Everyone depended on the railroad for transportation, information, and the shipment of goods and mail. MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to educate the public by recreating as accurately as possible the Golden Years of Railroads, from the Civil War days until after World War II, by operating a living railroad with vintage equipment from those times. We will collect, preserve, restore, and operate artifacts from those times so as to inform the public about the development of railroading from wooden equipment to steel, and from steam power to internal combustion. We will give our visitors a firsthand experience on this equipment. We will do our best to accurately portray this Golden Age. COMMENT POLICY

We welcome you and your comments to the page for Mid-Continent Railway Museum. This site intends to inform and engage with the fans, friends, family members, and other interested persons of Mid-Continent Railway Museum. You are encouraged to submit comments, questions, and concerns, but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum. Once posted, Mid-Continent Railway Museum reserves the right to delete submissions that contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any kind, or comments we deem to be offensive, disparaging or malicious toward Mid-Continent Railway Museum, our staff, volunteers, visitors, supporters or others. Further, Mid-Continent Railway Museum also reserves the right to delete comments that:

Contain spam, advertising, solicitations or include links to other sites;
Are clearly off topic or disruptive;
Are obscene, vulgar, or sexually explicit. This includes masked words (***), acronyms, and abbreviations;
Are chain letters, pyramid schemes, or fraudulent or deceptive messages;
Promote particular services, products, or political organizations or campaigns;
Infringe on copyrights or trademarks;
Advocate illegal activity;
Violate any policies of Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Please note that the comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and official position of Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

10/22/2026

Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s Santa Express in North Freedom, WI, is SOLD OUT for all previously announced dates! Due to popular demand, we’ve added one more day with the same departure times as the previous weekends: Saturday, December 12th, 2026!

Gather the family and climb aboard our vintage, steam-heated passenger cars for a magical holiday adventure! Enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season as Mr. and Mrs. Claus make their way through the train. 🎅

📍 Location: Mid-Continent Railway Museum E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951 (Just 7 miles from Baraboo, WI. and 15 minutes from Devil's Lake State Park!)

📅 Event Dates:
▪ November 28th & 29th, 2026 — SOLD OUT!
▪ December 5th & 6th, 2026 — SOLD OUT!
▪ NEW DATE ADDED: December 12th, 2026 — TICKETS SELLING FAST!

🕒 Departure Times: 10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM

Make this holiday one to remember with a magical ride aboard the Santa Express! With our newly added date already filling up quickly, now is the time to secure your tickets via the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/286509/calendar/?language=en-us&flow=1576289&fbclid=IwY2xjawVHFMZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUNsdmo2SW5iRlg3UkM4WnJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEexQg974W_cCwf5KLa_PbLKmIcqQ7CTVJ55YI5-kuO3iWnTnoFtRLy2hQ4yWA_aem_9sVEpcQX-vnuA9Fl_CGf4g&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

The countdown is ON for our last fall-themed events of 2026, and you don’t want to miss out! Join us THIS WEEKEND at Mid...
10/20/2026

The countdown is ON for our last fall-themed events of 2026, and you don’t want to miss out! Join us THIS WEEKEND at Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, WI! 🎃🍂

Event details and ticket link below!

🎃 Pumpkin Special | October 24–25, 2026 | Departures: 10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM
Climb aboard a vintage rail car for a cozy train ride through rural Sauk County. Take in the autumn scenery before arriving at a pumpkin patch, where your future jack-o’-lantern awaits!

NOTE: Purchase of pumpkins is optional. They are $5 each and must be added when booking.

👻 Halloween Flyer | October 24, 2026 ONLY | Departure: 4:30 PM
Aboard the train, enjoy hot apple c***r, a sweet Halloween-themed treat, and a costume contest! Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants. After the train ride, join us for trick-or-treating through our display buildings, where friendly volunteers will be waiting to greet you with candy!

📍Where: E8948 Museum Rd., North Freedom, WI 53951. Located just 7 miles from BaraBOO, WI. 👻 and 15 minutes from Devil's Lake State Park!

Plan your visit and secure your tickets using the link today: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?ga4t=G-7724MSLWEK,__1792514191;&language=en-us&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

There's still time to book your tickets aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum's new spooky event: Halloween Flyer! 👻The H...
10/17/2026

There's still time to book your tickets aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum's new spooky event: Halloween Flyer! 👻

The Halloween Flyer departs at 4:30 PM from our depot in North Freedom, WI. on October 24, 2026, and will return around 5:30 PM. Aboard the train, enjoy hot apple c***r, a sweet Halloween-themed treat, and a costume contest! Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants. After the train ride, join us for trick-or-treating through our display buildings, where friendly volunteers will be waiting to greet you with candy!

📆 When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 4:30 PM.

📍Where: E8948 Museum Rd., North Freedom, WI 53951. Located just 7 miles from BaraBOO, WI. 👻 and 15 minutes from Devil's Lake State Park!

Book your tickets today before they're gone: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/707160/calendar/2026/10/?flow=1576231&fbclid=IwY2xjawT67GpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXA3cjhVQ2hBd1lJTDlhU2NzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEetr52_wUolMnEUMwMqIBBqorQDKJJgD-IR6MVm8DwCk0kofI0WJXhxQZKJZ4_aem_0HEJK-mJVkqMAgBkkCiVWQ&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

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Hello everyone! Our special event season is in full swing here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum! Because many of the volu...
10/16/2026

Hello everyone! Our special event season is in full swing here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum! Because many of the volunteers restoring Chicago & North Western #1385 also volunteer in our operating department, you may notice fewer updates over the next few weeks. We appreciate your patience and continued support as we balance our restoration efforts with our exciting seasonal events!

Since our last update, we had Matt from Harvey Diversified Trades LLC out again to do some fine tuning on the engineer’s side crosshead and crosshead guides. Much like the crosshead on the fireman’s side, the engineer’s side crosshead now moves back and forth beautifully.

As of today, we have reached $153,604 or 51.2% of our $300,000 goal! 🎉We appreciate you all for your continued support of this restoration and helping us reach a little over 50% of our goal!

______________________________________________________________________

Earlier this year, we received two $50,000 matching grants to finish up the restoration of #1385. All donations from this point on will be applied to the first matching grant, once it has been met, all donations will proceed to go toward the second matching grant. If you would like to help us complete the matching funds, there are a few different ways that you can donate listed below.

• Donate online: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PG2UBGDPR4GNU&fbclid=IwY2xjawOB2DlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsNklBTWdSUTlEVFRpaGRic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvNwZNIOImlv0bi-bkR5Zm5asIctLh2MPqgI-Poiqtt_nvGBeb4TMIAVlHEg_aem_WkbdXCC9BUDoKcXLY1LU8g

• Donate by phone through our museum’s office: 608-522-4261

• Mail your donation: Mid-Continent Railway Museum, P.O. Box 358, North Freedom, WI 53951 (Write “ #1385 Fund” in the memo line.)

Photo Credits:
1-2: MCRM Collection, 3: Joey R.

Did you miss out on Autumn Color tickets this year? Don't worry! Join us for our annual Pumpkin Special in less than 2 w...
10/13/2026

Did you miss out on Autumn Color tickets this year? Don't worry! Join us for our annual Pumpkin Special in less than 2 weeks here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum! 🍂🎃

On October 24th & 25th, 2026 climb aboard for a cozy train ride through rural Sauk County. Take in the gorgeous autumn scenery before arriving at a pumpkin patch, where your future jack-o’-lantern awaits! Reservations are recommended!

NOTE: Purchase of pumpkins is optional. They are $5 each and must be added when booking.

🎃 Train Departures:
10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM

📅 Saturday & Sunday, October 24th & 25th, 2026

📍 Mid-Continent Railway Museum
E8948 Museum Road North Freedom, WI, 53951 (Just 7 miles from Baraboo, WI!)

This is one of our most popular events. Get your tickets today before they're gone: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/286474/calendar/?language=en-us&flow=1576231&fbclid=IwY2xjawU7Yr5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUEydmxiVHk1ZU1UUDh0bVBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeNDNwvUj8UztxjPQgCbHJQN0VlUnlAfHofT6eIK0EOx7fhrLDZwkveHvKnrk_aem_qiRlWzS8_CtnVhJPCrk8Jg&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

Both weekends of our Autumn Color event are NEARLY SOLD OUT! 🍂If you missed out on tickets for your chosen departure, do...
10/06/2026

Both weekends of our Autumn Color event are NEARLY SOLD OUT! 🍂

If you missed out on tickets for your chosen departure, don't worry! We have a few other special events lined up for the remainder of 2026! Reservations are recommended for all events! More information below. ⬇

🎃 Pumpkin Special | October 24th & 25th, 2026 | Train Departures -
10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM
Climb aboard a vintage rail car and soak up the fall scenery before arriving at a pumpkin patch, where your future jack-o'-lantern awaits! *NOTE: Purchase of pumpkins is optional. They are $5 each and must be added when booking.*

🍎 Harvest Flyer | October 17th, 2026 | Train Departures - NEW DEPARTURE ADDED: 6:00 PM
Enjoy hot apple c***r and a donut aboard the newly added sunset/twilight departure. Fall foliage will not be visible during the 6:00 PM departure.

👻 Halloween Flyer | October 24th, 2026 | Train Departure - 4:30 PM
Aboard the train, enjoy hot apple c***r, a sweet Halloween-themed treat, and a costume contest! (Prizes will be awarded to the top 3!) After the train ride, deboard and join us for trick-or-treating through our display buildings, where friendly volunteers will be waiting to greet you with candy!

🎅 Santa Express | November 28th-29th & December 5th-6th, 2026 | Train Departures - 10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM
Gather the family and keep warm in our vintage, steam-heated passenger cars as Mr. and Mrs. Claus make their way through the train. Along the way, enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of the holidays!

☕Holiday Flyer | December 5th, 2026 | Train Departures - 4:00 PM & 5:30 PM
Aboard the train, enjoy festive decorations and music. Hot chocolate, a cookie, and candies will be provided by North Pole elves!

📍Where: E8948 Museum Rd., North Freedom, WI 53951. (Just 7 miles from Baraboo, WI and 15 minutes from Devil's Lake State Park!)

These departures are likely to sell out! Buy your tickets today using the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?language=en-us&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

In just a few weeks, celebrate autumn with TWO different fall snack and drink trains here at Mid-Continent Railway Museu...
10/04/2026

In just a few weeks, celebrate autumn with TWO different fall snack and drink trains here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum, located in North Freedom, WI! 🍂

🍎 Harvest Flyer | October 17th, 4:30 PM
Enjoy hot apple c***r and a donut aboard this late-afternoon train ride. Harvest Flyer is the perfect way to view the stunning kaleidoscope of fall foliage bathed in dramatic golden-hour light!

👻 Halloween Flyer | October 24th, 4:30 PM
Aboard the train, enjoy hot apple c***r, a sweet Halloween-themed treat, and a costume contest! (Prizes will be awarded to the top 3!) After the train ride, deboard and join us for trick-or-treating through our display buildings, where friendly volunteers will be waiting to greet you with candy!

📍Where: E8948 Museum Rd., North Freedom, WI 53951. (Just 15 minutes from Devil's Lake State Park!)

Tickets are available now! Reservations recommended.

Purchase Harvest Flyer tickets here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/527226/calendar/?language=en-us&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/

Purchase Halloween Flyer tickets here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/707160/calendar/?flow=350891&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum's annual Pumpkin Special event is coming up fast! 🍂🎃Join us in North Freedom, WI, on Octobe...
10/03/2026

Mid-Continent Railway Museum's annual Pumpkin Special event is coming up fast! 🍂🎃

Join us in North Freedom, WI, on October 24th & 25th, 2026 for a cozy train ride through rural Sauk County. Climb aboard a vintage rail car and soak up the fall scenery before arriving at a pumpkin patch, where your future jack-o'-lantern awaits! Reservations are recommended!

NOTE: Purchase of pumpkins is optional. They are $5 each and must be added when booking.

🎃 Train Departures:
10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM

📅 Saturday & Sunday, October 24th & 25th, 2026

📍 Mid-Continent Railway Museum
E8948 Museum Road North Freedom, WI, 53951

This is one of our most popular events. Get your tickets today before they're gone via the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/286474/calendar/?language=en-us&flow=1576231&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

We are a little over a week away from our first weekend of "Autumn Color" and tickets are almost sold out! 🍂There’s no b...
10/01/2026

We are a little over a week away from our first weekend of "Autumn Color" and tickets are almost sold out! 🍂

There’s no better way to experience Wisconsin’s stunning fall colors than from the windows of a vintage railcar rolling through rural Sauk County! Join us at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, WI on October 10th-11th and 17th-18th for a cozy autumn journey surrounded by a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and gold.

📍 Where: Mid-Continent Railway Museum
E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

📅 When: October 10th–11th and October 17th–18th, 2026

🕒 Train Departures: 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM | 1:00 PM | 2:30 PM

Looking For An Extra Special Experience?

Book a private caboose for up to 8 people! This car is rarely offered and due to popularity, we have added the private caboose option to the 10th and 11th! There are only 4 spots left, so act fast!

Gather your favorite people and make some unforgettable fall memories on the rails!

Book your tickets today: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/286466/calendar/2026/10/?flow=1475163&fbclid=IwY2xjawToWPdwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMW5lRFZMWTJEb1VpemIzbFZzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeq3kwF2LGjDHXsS77zK4ML_hhvsGoxZuZJwrXvmddkP1m5JPD3wHFVNDIdx0_aem_GD8AIcohb_A8dpvEc-4RAA&full-items=yes

Book private caboose tickets here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/669838/calendar/?flow=1576231&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

Interested in our other fall-themed events? Click here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?language=en-us&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/

09/30/2026

Mid-Continent Railway Museum's Santa Express event in North Freedom, WI. is just around the corner! Gather the family and keep warm in our vintage, steam-heated passenger cars as Mr. and Mrs. Claus make their way through the train. Along the way, enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of the holidays! 🎅

📍Location:
Mid-Continent Railway Museum @ E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951. (Just 7 miles from Baraboo, WI and 25 minutes from Wisconsin Dells!)

📅 Dates:
• November 28th and 29th, 2026
• December 5th and 6th, 2026

🕒 Departure Times:
10:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 1:00 PM • 2:30 PM

Tickets are available now and sell out quickly. Reserve your family’s holiday adventure using the link today: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/286509/calendar/?ga4t=G-7724MSLWEK,__1788894904;&language=en-us&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes&flow=1576289

Address

E8948 Museum Road
North Freedom, WI
53951

Opening Hours

Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+16085224261

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