6 Scenic Train Rides to Take in Wisconsin This Fall
Discover six scenic train rides in Wisconsin for the best views of fall in all its splendor.
Autumn is the best time to drive Wisconsin’s roads as you’re shouldered by fall foliage and the crisp, cool air entering through the car’s open windows. But it’s hard to take it all in while keeping your eyes on the road. Scenic train rides, on the other hand, leave the driving to someone else and are often narrated, providing an educational component. We compiled a list of options across the state.
Before you make a plan, though, review the train’s schedule, making sure it’s still running for the season and checking the actual times you’ll need to hop on board. And because most of these train rides are operated by railroad museums, be sure to save time before or after your ride to browse their exhibits!
1. Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, Trego
This rail attraction offers five themed rides during the fall: an overnight “bed & breakfast” trip, a wine-and-cheese train, a dinner train, a Sightseeing Train, and a Family Pizza Train. If you’re just looking for a short ride that focuses on the scenery, then the Sightseeing Train is perfect, taking passengers on Fridays and Saturdays through the first weekend in November. Views include that of the Potato Creek Valley, the Namekagon River, and Bean Brook.
2. The Cherry Train, Washington Island
While you won’t be seated in a railcar, this open-air tram functions like any train would. On the two-hour, narrated route are cultural attractions like the Washington Island Farm Museum (each of the nine buildings at this 20-acre, living-history museum focus on life between 1870-1940), Stavkirke Church (this wooden chapel is a nod to the island’s Scandinavian heritage and resembles an historic Norwegian chapel), and Schoolhouse Beach (on the island’s northern tip and lined with smooth limestone rocks). The season runs through Oct. 19.
3. East Troy Electric Railroad, East Troy
At this offshoot of the East Troy Railroad Museum, you board the train at the East Troy Depot or at The Elegant Farmer (a fabulous farmstand selling the locally famous apple pies baked in a bag). This fall there are several themed train rides, including Trick-or-Treat Train Rides on Fridays in October, an Oktoberfest dinner train on Oct. 5 and Epicurean Express (lobster and filet mignon are on the five-course dinner menu) on Oct. 12. Trains also run Saturday and Sunday.
4. Mid-Continent Railway Museum, North Freedom
Traveling seven miles, the museum’s hour-long train ride travels on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway in rural Sauk County. Fans of history will love that it departs from a wooden depot built in 1894. You can ride in a locomotive, railcar or caboose. Rides focused on autumn color are on Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13, and the Pumpkin Special trains (where pumpkins are available at the end) are on Oct. 19-20.
5. Riverside & Great Northern Railway, Wisconsin Dells
Everybody knows about the Ducks in the Dells, but this train ride, which is in that same region, falls under the radar. During the 2-mile journey on a steam-powered train, you see unique rock formations, the Wisconsin River and wildlife. The snacks that are sold include popcorn and mini donuts. While originally this train ran in Janesville, its right-of-way was moved here during the 1950s.
6. Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, Osceola
This is the only train ride here that crosses into another state—in this case, Minnesota. The 20-mile trek takes you along the St. Croix River and over the Cedar Bend Draw Bridge, tucked into vintage restored cars powered by diesel. Trips are on Sundays and depart from the 1916 Soo Line Depot. Or, hop onto the Pumpkin Express Oct. 18-20 (featuring pumpkins, of course) or the Oktoberfest Express on Oct. 12 (beer is served on board).
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