Reviews of Mid-Continent Railway Museum (Tourist Attraction)

Brent Delzer

It was a really great time. The staff was very friendly and informative. The food was great, 5 courses! And the drinks kept coming! I can't say enough nice things about this whole experience. Can't wait to go again next year!

Lorrie Reed

We would highly recommend this experience. We took the BBQ Ride: the car we rode in was comfortable and air-conditioned. The volunteer servers were helpful and knowledgeable. The food was EXCELLENT! It was interesting to wander around and see the restored and in-process train cars. All in all a great place to visit!

Ali S.

While the train itself is very cool, the speed of the ride is at a snails pace... and a good portion of the time is spent looking at and turning the engine around, not too exciting for most people or children for that matter. Definitely would not return.

H. L.

Great day trip for the family! The train ride was fun, if a little shorter than expected. The train only gets up to 10 mph, and the coach cars aren't heated so we definitely bundled up!

Kate fruend

The trains were amazing to see and the staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

Kody Brand

Really cool attraction. I've been coming here since I can remember. The staff are great, very friendly and knowledgeable. Take a train ride, and enjoy some history! Great for all ages, and located just a short drive from the Dells and Baraboo.

Michelle Black

I wish we had know about this train ride when my kids were younger and into all forms of transportation. It was a fun little ride. We did the fall tour and I wouldn't say that it was spectacular. I thought we might get to a point that had really great views, but our drive up there was just as pretty as the ride. We didn't make it to the museum, but my sister said it was pretty good. It was a fun day with family and that is what really matters.

Will Hale

Very nice old railway collection train ride!

OhioTravels with Kris

Great day at mcrm!! Was a recommendation from a friend in tomah

Joshua Malszycki

THE BEST TRAIN RIDE EVER FOR a Museum!

Shamrock Park

Place was closed but kids loved it

Ms. Green

I loved it and so did my special needs son. The ride is very fun for the kids.

Gabriel Pershall

Nice nittle tour. The tour guides were informative when you could hear them. If they had some sort of speaker system it would have made it better.

Craig Steinmetz

For a rail lover it's a must visit place

Jim S

Great value and well worth the trip! History like this is hard to come by. I wish them a longevity of success into the future!

jacklyn wood

Fun place to visit

Troy Purkis

Fun train ride for the while family.

Sue Cox

Nice people good gift shop. Worth the trip and train ride.

K atkleen Pierce

We loved it , Grandkids had a blast, ages2 boys 6 and 12 and 1 girl 14. They all enjoyed trip. We went in caboose. The conducters knew every answer the kids asked(which was alot.) and the engineer eas fantastic explaining the engine.

Liz & Jesse Brockman

Mid-Continent Railway Museum was a lot of fun for my family. The staff was so friendly, the museum was free, and the kids loved looking at the old passenger trains before taking our own ride. I do recommend riding in the caboose. It adds opportunity for a different view, and we all enjoyed it. Chris was a favorite for us, he was willing to share his knowledge and answer questions, and had a great attitude. We only wished the ride was a little longer.

Jackie Becher

We did the Mother's Day Brunch. Such a neat experience for our two year old!

Laura Schweizer

Great experience

Ruth Romine

Very relaxing .

Mark Burns

Very relaxing will go again!

Ashley M

Amazing bit of history, so many cool things to look at! I especially enjoyed the fact that they're actively restoring old train cars and have amazing before and after photos

Danny Ahlers

Cause its history that's still here and alive. Yes 5 stars

Eric V

Short train ride that is sufficient for young kids and short attention spans. Excellent service and a nice museum as well.

Luke Burkholder

This place is a gem. The more you walk around, the bigger you realize it is. They have a really nice collection of cars and engines, and most things seem to be in working order. The place just has the feel of being in use (which it is) I don't know if it's every weekend, but certainly when I was there, they were running two little passenger trains on a short jaunt, one of which seemed to have active dining cars. I'm definitely going back.

june towne

Great fun

George Deaton

Took Grandkids for Train Ride.

Pete Bremer

Lots of train and railroad historical items, and a good mix of different cars and engines at different stages of restoration. The train ride is interesting, but it's pretty much just a straight shot down a spur, and the engine gets switched to a parallel track and hooks up to pull the train back in reverse, so about 1/3 of the 45 minute trip is waiting for them to manuver the engine as it gets switched around. Don't miss the displays in the building across from the depot, I thought that was the most interesting thing, and many people on our train never made it over to see that area.

S C

Wonderful train ride. All volunteer efforts.

Christie McGee

Wonderful experience! Very nice staff!

TwoFatRednecks

Really cool place really friendly staff

Mike G

it's a great place to visit if you're in the trains and got some really nice and retro and refurbished cars in one of their sheds people are nice cool looking train depot Lobby and little concession stand and gift shop

Dawn Hlava

Beautiful trains.

Tom Kevil

Fun place to see old trains. I was looking for a steam engine, not yet available. Great fall train ride ($20.) Thru LaRue, Wis. Fun distraction from HoChunk.

matt p

This was an awesome experience with the family. Especially for someone who hasn't been on a train before. A big thanks to all the volunteers who help make this happen.

Tony Morton

Stopped in again at this rail museum. Each time I stop I learn something new.

Raymond Smale

Loved the old train engines

Lascelle May

It was awsome! I loved it they were friendly and my whole family enjoyed it! This made our Dells trip so much more fun!

Joe Kennedy

I love it. It is a museum like atmosphere and time stands still when you look at some restored train cars and see some that are waiting to be restored to their former glory

Linda Wozniak

We had a great time lots of fun. Museum was great.

pat Klug

Fabulous for kids and adults. Cute gift shop with many choices. The train ride was awesome.

Jeffrey Horstman

Definitely awesome experience and very nostalgic. Will have to come back. Family absolutely loved it. Heck I might even move to this small beautiful town.

Laura Gulbransen

Full of historical information. Really enjoyed the train ride.

Ry2d2

Super lame, it's a slow 10-15 minute ride to nowhere, then a 20 minute stop to turn around and go back, tour guide was extremely uninvolved. Bugs galore everywhere and the ride is also through the woods. I advise NOT GOING HERE, but if you must bring bug spray

Derald Smith

Really cool seeing old locomotives & train cars up close. Great history of our country. Thanks to those who help to preserve our past.

Kate Mackay

A lot of old rolling stock in both restored and unrestored condition. Multiple steam engines to check out. You can go for a train ride during the warmer months. Everyone was really friendly and knowledgeable.

Erich Huemoeller

Pretty cool if you're into old trains.

Paul Meinzinger

Been there many times

Susan Amanti

We took our family for the train ride and visit the museum. We had so much fun and it was very educational! My family and I would highly recommend taking time to enjoy a ride on the train!

Randall Kapaun

Great value!

Judith Hutchinson

We had such a fun day! The lady conductor was so friendly and nice. Everyone was so accommodating and they have a place to get souvenirs. It is a great place to take young and old who enjoy the history and fun of riding trains.

Mary Bradford

Open from May thru Labor Day. Check hours. You can drive in and few their rolling stock, even when it’s closed.

Tim Schloz

Awesome day trip up here. Well worth it. Conductor, brakeman and engineer all very friendly.

Spencer Manning

Volunteer staff were very polite and knowledgeable. The restorations were incredible and beautiful. Nice selection of various cars on property.

Larry Blaha

Awesome ride, about an hour round trip.. Caboose available too.

Ben Snyder

Expensive but fun little train ride and the history is cool.

Patrick McDougall

Nice place to visit

I Hall

Italian Trio Dinner Train Ride was WONDERFUL! The food was so delicious and the portions just right. It was a nice leisurely train ride in the country with pretty scenery. The volunteers who work to keep this great little piece of history running are AWESOME! All of them are so friendly, helpful and have a great sense of humor. They have a tremendous amount of knowledge which they happily shared with everyone - it was very interesting and entertaining information. They can not only give you the history of each train and their various restorations, but all the history of the Depot and the surrounding area as well. You can really tell they love what they do and care deeply about this place! We enjoyed this event so much! We can't wait to come back for the Elegant Dinner Train Ride in October to see the fall colors!

Richard Jones

Great find for us! All pieces on display were beautifully restored. Was pleasantly surprised by the prices in the gift shop! We’ll be returning once the second car house opens.

A Milk Man

All the employees were super courteous and professional with a great deal of information, if I'm back in the area I believe we would stop back and see what they have done they are restoring locomotives and train cars

Hope Bindl

Great train ride, but the kids were a little bored.

Bob Jos

Good history nice train station, and car barn , can get eats there too. Good train ride reasonable.

kristen Brantner

Great place. Price is fair

Richard Thraves

Cool place...the train ride was underwhelming.

Eric Borchardt

What a wonderful place for a quiet day of activity. I brought my kids for a ride on the Santa Express and it was so great to see their faces light up when the train started moving. The staff is all very knowledgeable and I think most of them are volunteers. I would love to come back without the kids just so I can spend some time looking at the details.

Daniel Glover

We went on the Snow Train. Short ride, nice warm passenger cars, pretty scenery. Will come back in the summer to check out the outdoor trains and the rest of the museum.

Suzann Cole

We loved it. Something for all ages to see. The conductor and trainman were super knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions.

Alan Vicstein

Great place to visit. Lots of vintage locomotives and rolling stock that have been beautifully restored. Adminsion to the building and grounds are free.They charge for an hour long ride on a vintage train.

Monica Wood

Took the elegant dinner cruise. Excellent food! Great time

Russell Schramm

Many railroad artifacts.

Nick Stewart

Such an awesome collection of old trains! Any train lover would freak out. Nice gifts shop with all sorts of cool stuff! Will certainly be back for a train ride.

Evelyn Tatum

Very clean, very nice people and enjoyable ride on the Train!!

Caroline Nitz

Honestly we were very excited to go to this. The drive out there was beautiful. The train was pretty cool considering the cars you ride in are over 100yrs old. But if asked to go again I would say absolutely not. The mosquitoes were so thick, you were getting eaten alive even while the train was moving. There were also biting flies and wasps. It was only 78 out but felt like 98 in the train. Theres no leg room so very uncomfortable. Also it being a scenic train, there was nothing to look at and see. Its straight trees and a couple farmers fields. $80 for the four of us to go was soooo not worth it. No good views, hot and stuffy and your fighting mosquitoes and flies the entire ride. The only decent part is the guy that told us the history about the trains he was great and knew so much information and history. But I would so much rather pay half the price to not have to go for that terrible ride and just listen to his knowledge. The Riverside and Great Northern Railway was much more enjoyable. It had zero mosquitoes, very friendly staff and better prices. This Mid-Continent Railway was an overall disappointment.

Michael Metzger

Olds trains. Has everything you'd expect from at 1900s train. Hot, uncomfortable, buggy, loud.

Barbra Bloyer

Grandson had an awesome time

Nicole Becker

Nice place to visit with the family. Great for children interested in trains because it is a short ride and not too time consuming or overwhelming. Staff and conductors are awesome and willing to tell stories and answer questions.

Karl Eggert

Must place to visit. Lots of history.

Tim Mackay

Huge collection of rail care, engines, and memorabilia, all for free. And you can buy a ticket to take a short train ride in a vintage coach car or the caboose. The staff here has much to be proud of, and are fantastic at describing rail operation.

Charlie Pattridge

Really like old trains having riden them including the steamers. I enjoyed my visit here but missed seeing the steam loco.

Rhonda Kisting

Very Historical. Great Day Trip. She'd full of Restored trains. Living Social coupons were helpful. Volunteers were knowledgeable and friendly.

Justen Worden

Excellent experience. As a Wisconsin Dells local, I almost feel ashamed that this was my first time there. Will return. Will recommend.

mary Pergande

It was interesting and the train ride was fun especially for the kids

Connie Hansen

Really a neat place to bring your family tonlearn about railroad history.

Craig Gault

Great people that do this for free. Very interesting stuff.

Leon Foerster

A neat place for the entire family.

Steve Sandifer

Went out of their way to be helpful. Hard to see cars in the barns.

Neil Jacobs

The museum is not bad, but I felt that it could have been a little bit better. The train ride was ok, but it felt short because the train takes you along a spur line, then at each end they switch the engine, back it up and couple it to the caboose to pull you back to the station. I wish they had more track to take you on, and or had a second train to take you back to the station, so there would be less down time waiting for the engine to be recoupled. If they had like a turntable demonstration at one of the ends, that would be interesting to see. They do have a lot of interesting static displays, with all sorts of equipment to see, however a lot of it is in unrestored shape, and kind of looks like it is just deteriorating away. They need more volunteers to help make all of the equipment look it's best, even if it is in not good mechanical shape. They also have a lot of really interesting equipment sitting back by the restoration sheds that would make good small displays when not in use, such as the railway truck or the little motor inspection car they have kind of sitting on a siding. As with anything I suppose, too many things to do and not enough dedicated workers to do it. I would have really liked to see one of their steam engines in use, instead of a diesel engine, because kids and adults really like to see steam trains when you want to go to a train museum. Just the rarety alone would help generate more money for the museum and bring more passingers for train rides.

Suzzanne Arnold

This place is cool. The old fashioned train ride is fun. This is so much fun for children.

RyanandAlina Addison

Visited with our one and two year old and they loved the train ride.

The Adventures of Dan&Stella

The Mid-Continent Railway Museum was definitely educational and interesting, and I love the fact that everybody who works there is a volunteer. The staff were all friendly and knew their information well. However, one would have to look at this as a very informative, rather than entertaining ride. The train didn't go very fast, or very far, and it was relaxing but almost puts you to sleep. It goes down the tracks for maybe a couple miles at a snail pace with all the same Wisconsin farmland scenery, then stops and lets the visitors get out and look at the train, ask questions, take pictures, etc. Also the town of North Freedom was a little difficult for me to find, coming from the house on the rock, but that just might be me. I would advise train enthusiasts to check this out for sure, while people who are just looking for some fun entertainment might want to find it elsewhere.

Chad Lemieux

Nice place to visit

Henry Minis

Easily one of my favorite date nights of my life so far! Everyone there is so passionate about antique trains! They can't wait to share their passion with others! Can't recommend highly enough!

Kate Payne

Cool to see all the old trains.

Jody Sanders

Well worth a detour. Great trains, years of history.

Wayne Zelhofer

Went on the Santa Express! Wonderful experience with the old restored trains.

Alvonne Wimmer

Conductor and Train Engineer were very informative about the history of the railroad.

Doug Newby

Step back in time and discover what train travel used to be.

JOHN COX

Got on train and wound up in Switzerland

Paul Smith

Nice display of rolling stock - steam locomotives, passenger and freight cars, railroad utility cars (e.g. a wooden rotary snowplow). The scenic ride is a short and easy trip with fascinating history. This out-of-the-way museum is well worth the trip.

Michael Engel

I liked this place.

Laurel Carlson

Good for the price. We thought of a couple dozen things that they could do to make it a little fun. Maybe they are all tired cuz it is tge end of the season...

D Lopez

Great ride. Beautiful setting. They have a small concession at the picnic shelter with the best burgers ever!

manda bebensee

Went on the Santa Express was very fun however, I wish there was something inbetween Santa and the carolling. Overall, we live this place the people who are working anf running it are so friendly.

Debbie White

It was a very friendly place

Linda Kinzel

Save your money! This was a joke. Highly disappointed. Carolers were obviously bored to death. Cars were way too hot. No interaction at all. Old tires and garbage all along the tracks. Will not recommend this to anyone .

Rene Droese

Nice ride and kid friendly

Irene Scott

Cool place to go loads of information

Rachel Blynn

My boys had an absolute blast. They loved learning so much and being able to ride the train was so exciting. Love, love, LOVE it!

Leslie Nelson

Good times!

Jennifer Shaw

Fun ride on the train. Wish we could see out further. Grass could be cut.

Pamela Pospichal

Great time riding the train little snow beautiful scenery!

Jonathan Zarinnia

They give daily train rides, and they allow kids to explore the cars, locomotives, etc. The museum displays after good too.

Debbie Burns

It was closed for the season but we still walked around and looked at the trains. Will go back next year when open.

Darlene Bong

Wish the ride was longer and the train could go faster, informative and cool

Suzie Que

We had a great time at this little out of the way spot. The work and care being put into the restoration is amazing! Our engineer and train man and conductor were super friendly and knowledgeable. We had a beautiful day for a relaxing jaunt through the countryside! Thank you members of the museum, you're doing a wonderful job and service!

Connie Grube

1hour train ride great displays

Megan Goesch Bird

Wonderful staff, impressive displays, and a delightful train ride! I recommend sitting in the top of the caboose!

Mark R

Train rides was nice. Grandson enjoyed it a lot. Lots of nicely restored cars. Many more to work on.

Michael Wagner

Enjoyed so much and very friendly will be back next month for the Santa Express with grandkids

alyssa slocum

My kids loved it got windy and cold of course winter coming but was very nice

Whitney P

We've ridden the train twice. The kids love riding the train. The Santa train was pretty fun. The kids (1 & 3) had a hard time sitting so long since the ride took longer than it was supposed to, but what's new.

vulkee vang

Great experience/history.

Jan Corbeille

Such a fun day. Beautiful foliage trip.

brian who

Awesome place. I loved the old craftsmanship of how the trains and cars were made. So many details all made by hand. New stuff is only made cheap and quick.

chris deters

Nice little train ride several displays but you cant go in any of the old train cats and such

Richard Klemundt

Became a member

anne6723

Grandkids loved it. Packed a lunch and had a picnic

Jennifer Rutledge

We would give this a 10 star review if we could! Best experience of our Wisconsin trip so far! Wonderful ride for our family! We paid extra for the caboose which held all 8 of us. We were given so much information it was like a class and we all came out knowing so much about trains! It was super and would highly suggest this to anyone who loves trains or who simply wish to try something new and informative and exciting!!!

Heather Krogh

Nice staff and a very nice train ride through a scenic area. We will return!

Derek Larsen

Awesome place if you love trains. Even though it's closed now for the season, still tons of trains to look at outside. However I will be back again real soon.

Samantha Headley

We all had a great time

Jesse Billington

This is the only place that I've seen with a Shay in beautiful condition. If you don't know, a Shay is a steam locomotive designed for logging railroads, because it uses a complex piston and gear system instead of the normal piston/drive shaft system hit see on regular steam engines. Anyway, due to the rarity of these it's extremely rare to find. On top of that, they have numerous engines, cars, and other such, and it's completely free to view. There is a tour, on rails, with two coach cars that are over a hundred years old, fully restored for use. Currently it is pulled by a diesel locomotive, but I've been told by staff next year (2018) they hope to have a few weeks where they can operate a steam locomotive (shamefully, coal prices are 3-4 times higher than they have been in the past few years). Tickets are $20 for adults, with child and senior discounts. Wheelchair users are welcome, they have a full lift system. All in all, well worth the visit

Richard Camacho

Found some great stuff there. 2 jeans for $11!

Marc Dewey

Loved this place! As a railroad fanatic, I enjoyed seeing the old steam engines and passenger cars in various states of restoration. You're basically free to wander the yard on your own for no charge (but please donate). There's lots of beautifully restored cars in the shed with information on their history. We didn't have time for the train ride (wish they were using one of the steamers) but spent time in the gift shop where you'll find something for everyone. Very friendly staff. Worth the stop!

richard karwowski

Have a great train ride and picked up a pumpkin for my grandson. Everybody should check out this place at least once in their lives.

John Strange

Great time very good service!

dave corey

Cool little train ride and musem ..

Nelsinia Ramos

This is a must stop for all Wisconsinites. It transported me to the all times.

Michael Bonome

Family Friendly

Jim Lauer

A really nice modestly priced train ride and facility, definitely worth visiting and trying again.

Danny Andersen

Very historic. Friendly staff and conductors.

angel amazze

Very nice and calming

Christopher Bloyer

Great display of the old days.

Sheryl Grotenhuis

Educational and enjoyable experience!

David Woll

Great place to go for a day trip if you like trains.

Jean Edie

It was unique and interesting museum on trains along with a real train ride

Tom Redman

If you like trains you have to go here. Lots of great train equipment to see and very helpful staff willing to share their knowledge with you. Book tickets in advance for a ride in the caboose, you'll love it.

L Martin

If you love trains and want to go on a ride- this is the place

imran baloch

Do not think it is worth the $20 they charge. If it were $5 and on the way, I guess it would be fine. I wouldn't drive up for this regardless of ticket price.

Jane Lorr

Awesome place to see train cars up close and personal! Love the authenticity!

Joan Gundlach

Very nice experience with my grandson.

Christine Jameson

Wonderful country experience. First class car included cocktails, a few snacks and a small serving of cheese cake. Very slow paced. Then looking in restoration barns, amazing beautiful history.

Amanda Bergemann

We rode the Santa Express, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were so kind and took their time to visit with each family. I would highly recommend this experience for any family, especially ones with train-loving children. Choo choo!

Barb Muff

Great place for railroad enthusiasts.

Anna Chan

I won't try to pretend like I am all that interested in "trains", but I thoroughly enjoyed my 2 hour stop here. The museum was not merely about trains, but the history of the advancement of transportation and technology in transportation. I found it thoroughly interesting and would stop in again.