Mid-Continent Railway Museum is presently closed as part of its normal seasonal closure. After having remained closed for the entirety of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Continent is currently planning to reopen its doors to the public starting on May 8, 2021. Here are some important notices about the planned 2021 season.
Schedule Changes
In response to anticipated decreases in the number of visitors and greater operating challenges during a pandemic, Mid-Continent has reduced its museum and train ride schedule to Saturdays and Sundays only in 2021. Typically Mid-Continent would be open 7-days-a-week during the summer. Please see the Train Ride Info page for full schedule information.
Groups of 20 or people may still be able to be charter a train ride on weekdays between May and October. Please contact our office with any group inquiries.
Increased Likelihood of Cancellations
Due to the evolving pandemic situation, Mid-Continent Railway Museum reserves the right to cancel or alter schedules from those advertised. Please refer to www.midcontinent.org for the most up-to-date schedule information.
In the event train departures are canceled, reservation-holders will be notified as soon as possible and will be offered a full cash-back refund or the ability to transfer the ticket value to a future departure or a gift card.
Book with Confidence
During the pandemic, we understand that last-minute changes of plans may become necessary due to the need to follow self-isolation protocols, quarantines, or if experiencing the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. For this reason, we have adjusted our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related concerns, please contact us as soon as possible to be offered the greatest flexibility on refunds or rebooking.
Health Safety Precautions
Mid-Continent is still finalizing its health and sanitation guidelines for our trains and museum property. These rules and precautions may change.
Face Mask Usage
Suitable face masks must be worn at all times while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard Mid-Continent Railway trains. Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry. Failure to comply with mask rules while riding trains may result in the person being subject to Federal penalties under Transportation Security Administration regulations.
With the exception of individuals with Special Circumstances listed below, all individuals must wear a mask that:
a. Completely covers their nose and mouth
b. Is secured to their head with ties or ear loops.
A face shield and/or goggles are not an acceptable substitute for the use of a mask,
but may be used in addition to one.
Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures. Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirement.
Special Circumstances
The following individuals may be permitted to proceed without a mask:
- Individuals under the age of two (2) years old
- An individual with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability, for example, individuals who do not know how to remove their masks, cannot remove them on their own, or cannot communicate promptly to ask someone else to remove their mask. This exemption does not apply to individuals for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult.
Social Distancing
Where possible, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is reducing the capacity of its trains to permit social distancing. Please follow instructions from signage and provided by museum staff and remain a minimum of six (6) feet away from persons not in your own party.
Because of reduced capacity aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s train rides due to social distancing, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended.
Volunteers and Member Activities
As part of pandemic safety and cost-reduction measures, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum property remains closed to all non-essential personnel through April 3, 2021. No on-site volunteering sessions will occur before that date. Additionally, the member meeting and banquet originally scheduled for April 3, 2021 has been canceled. Upon the return of volunteering sessions, previously adopted social distancing and safety protocols will remain applicable.
Contacting Mid-Continent
To assist with minimizing risk to office staff, our administrative office hours during the winter and early spring are expected to remain very limited. Phone messages, emails, and postal mail are typically read and responded to within two business days.
