Mid-Continent Railway Museum - North Freedom, Wisconsin

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum: A Journey Through History

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Overview: The Mid-Continent Railway Museum, located at E8948 Museum Rd, North Freedom, WI 53951, offers enthusiasts a unique blend of educational and entertainment experiences centered around railroading history. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of American railroads through its museum exhibits, historical society activities, and various interactive experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, ride historic trains like the Santa Express, explore a beautifully maintained gift shop, and savor festive treats at the concession stand.\n\nLocation & Accessibility: Conveniently situated at E8948 Museum Rd, North Freedom, WI 53951, United States, the museum is easily accessible with on-site parking, including a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. The museum's facilities cater to all visitors, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone, especially noting that active military personnel receive discounts.\n\nHighlights:\n

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• Rail Museum: A comprehensive collection of railway artifacts and exhibits that delve into the history and technology of rail travel.

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• Historical Society: Engaging activities and events organized by a dedicated group of history enthusiasts.

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• History Museum: Exhibits showcasing the evolution of transportation through railroads, complete with interactive displays.

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• Souvenir Shop: A delightful place to purchase unique railway memorabilia and gifts.

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• On-Site Services: Includes a restaurant, gift shop, and facilities for visitors' convenience.

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• Family-Friendly: With activities suitable for children, including rides and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus.

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• Discounts: Active military members receive special discounts on admission.

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• Seasonal Events: Special events throughout the year, particularly popular during festive seasons.

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\n\nGetting There: Visitors can reach the museum via phone at 608-522-4261 for information or to purchase tickets in advance, which is highly recommended to secure entry.\n\nTicket Purchasing: While tickets can sometimes be purchased on-site, it's advisable to buy them online or over the phone to avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons.\n\nTips for Visitors:\n

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• Check the museum's website midcontinent.org for up-to-date information on exhibits, events, and special offers.

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• Arrive early to fully enjoy the museum's offerings without rush.

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• Consider visiting during off-peak times for a more personalized experience.

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• Bring a camera to capture the memories of your visit, especially for the kids.

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• Take advantage of the free parking lot for a hassle-free arrival.

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\n\nOpinions and Reviews:\nThe museum has received an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 based on 878 reviews on Google My Business. Visitors frequently praise the festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season, with many highlighting the enjoyable experience of riding the Santa Express train and meeting Santa Claus. The gift shop is often mentioned as a highlight, offering unique railway-themed souvenirs. The hot chocolate served in the concession stand is also a frequent subject of praise, with many visitors describing it as wonderful.\n\n",
"summary": "The Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, WI, is a family-friendly destination rich in railway history, offering interactive exhibits, a festive atmosphere, and discounts for active military, all set against a beautifully maintained backdrop of historical railroad memorabilia.",
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👍 Reviews of Mid-Continent Railway Museum

L P.

5/5

We rode the Santa Express for the second year in a row with our almost three year old grandchild. We all enjoyed the ride and visit with a Santa and Mrs. Claus. Festive and fun and well organized. Nice gift shop. Grandchild loved it best of all. The peppermint hot chocolate at the concession stand by the station was wonderful. Highly recommend and will visit again next year!

Meka R.

5/5

We were just trying to find something new to do! Came across this, bought our ticket in advance online. Once we got there checked in and they give you physical tickets to give the person once on the train! Before we rode on the train checked out the 2 museums they have, spent an hour looking and reading about the trains😊 Then it was time to ride! Such an amazing experience for us, the attendant was so amazing with the history and how this is volunteering and you get training if you want to volunteer. This is a donation only place, and the funds from the gift shop go towards restoring trains, fuel, etc. So much to learn and see here, great for kids!!

David W.

5/5

Love old trains. This place didn't disappoint! Have some great example of early engines and cars.

We had no problem getting a seat. Tour took an hour. Staff was awesome. Some have volunteered for multiple decades!

If you enjoy old trains, you have to come here.

Sue A. J.

4/5

Nice museum with a lot of interesting exhibits in the out buildings. Nice little gift shop. Ride was enjoyable. People working there were great. My only complaint was that the backs of the seats, which are a light color, were very dirty and grubby. I know this is an antique coach. I’m not talking about restoration. I’m talking about once in a while gently wiping them with a wet sponge and mild soap, especially considering how many people ride it. I hesitated to touch them.

Steve K.

5/5

If you like old trains, this is the place for you. The museum has two wings and is filled with train history. There are many displays of vintage trains on site. We also took the train ride. This is a one hour scenic tour. We rode in the caboose and sat in the cupola for part of the ride. The view from here was nice. All the staff were friendly and were available to answer any questions. If you enjoy vintage trains, check this place put.

Elise A.

5/5

My family and i visited yesterday and it was the COOLEST experience. Everyone was incredibly kind and so informative!!! It was my son’s third birthday and he’s obsessed with trains. They even took the time to answer all my other kids questions!!! We got to see how the train gets turned around on the tracks and then ride in the caboose! The gift shop is super affordable and the staff is incredible. Probably about a two hour excursion so just know you won’t probably spend the whole day there but it’s so fun!! Lots to see and lots to learn!

Keith B.

5/5

Very fun place for families to couples young and old. There were many displays of mechanical devices showing how steam and diesel locomotive engines worked. There are full restorations of many different types of railroad cars. Wife and I ended our fun with a 1 hour train ride where half hour into the trip they stop the train. You can get off at this time. They disconnect the engine car then move the engine car to the opposite end all while explaining this task as performed in the late 1800's. We were there 3 hours but could have spent more time looking at more train cars.

Dave V.

4/5

Little out of the way. Really nice place. Guide was very informative and fun. Lots of restored train cars and well maintained. Lots to see if you like trains. Ride was enjoyable. Worth a look.