Plan Your Visit
Take a memorable, seven-mile, 55-minute 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. Explore the indoor/outdoor museum filled with award-winning restorations and railroad exhibits. In all, there are over 40 train cars and locomotives on display and more under restoration. See them all in our online Equipment Roster.
2025 Dates of Operation
Mid-Continent Railway Museum is open and trains operate on the following schedule:
| 2025 Dates | Status |
|---|---|
| Jan. 1 – May 16 | CLOSED |
| May 17 – June 16 | Open Saturdays and Sundays (plus Memorial Day) |
| June 17 – Sept 2 | Open daily except Mondays (plus Labor Day) |
| Sept. 6 – Oct. 18 | Open Saturdays and Sundays |
| Oct. 19 – Nov. 28 | CLOSED |
| Nov. 29 – Dec. 7 | Open Saturdays and Sundays for Santa Express event |
| Dec. 8 – April 2026 | CLOSED |
Museum Hours
The museum grounds and buildings are open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on days trains operate (from 9:00 AM during fall special event weekends).
Train Ride Schedules and Booking
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All trains are powered by diesel locomotives. Read more about our ongoing effort to again operate steam locomotives on our Steam Status page. Mid-Continent reserves the right to substitute equipment without notice.
Are Reservations Necessary?
Reservations are not mandatory for most trains, but are encouraged. Passengers without reservations are encouraged to arrive no less than 20 minutes before the train departure time.
Reservations are highly recommended during special events such as Autumn Color Weekends, Pumpkin Special, and Santa Express. These special events often sell out in advance.
Reservations are required on trains with food or beverage service such the Freedom Flyer, Root Beer Float Train, Harvest Flyer, and Holiday Flyer.
Special Events
Join Mid-Continent for a trip through the fall foliage, a ride with Santa, and more! Special events mean more departures, more experiences, and a wider variety of ticket options. Click the events listed below for more information.
| Special Event | 2025 Dates |
|---|---|
| Stars & Stripes Special | July 4-6 |
| Root Beer Float Flyer | August 23 at 5:00 PM |
| Vintage Rail Car Tours | Sept. 27-28 |
| Autumn Color Weekends | Oct. 4-5 and 11-12 |
| Pumpkin Special | Oct. 18-19 |
| Harvest Flyer/Harvest Happy Hour | Oct. 18 at 5:00 PM and 7: 00 PM |
| Santa Express/Holiday Flyer/Holiday Nightcap | Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7 |