Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Mid-Continent Railway Museum The official website of Mid-Continent Railway Museum is www.midcontinent.org WHAT IS MID-CONTINENT? We will do our best to accurately portray this Golden Age.
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Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society--also known as Mid-Continent Railway Museum--is an outdoor, living museum and operating railroad recreating the small town/short line way of life with operating trains, educational exhibits, and displays of restored rolling stock. Mid-Continent has operated at North Freedom, Wisconsin since 1963. VISION STATEMENT

The Mid-Continent Railway Historical Societ

y sees itself as a place where visitors can learn of a time when the railroad station was the social and communication center of every small town. People came to the station to meet folks who came from faraway places, or to journey to those places. The mail, packages, newspapers, and goods came by rail, or were shipped by rail. The railroad and its telegraph were the nucleus that tied a small community to every place in the entire country. Everyone depended on the railroad for transportation, information, and the shipment of goods and mail. MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to educate the public by recreating as accurately as possible the Golden Years of Railroads, from the Civil War days until after World War II, by operating a living railroad with vintage equipment from those times. We will collect, preserve, restore, and operate artifacts from those times so as to inform the public about the development of railroading from wooden equipment to steel, and from steam power to internal combustion. We will give our visitors a firsthand experience on this equipment. COMMENT POLICY

We welcome you and your comments to the page for Mid-Continent Railway Museum. This site intends to inform and engage with the fans, friends, family members, and other interested persons of Mid-Continent Railway Museum. You are encouraged to submit comments, questions, and concerns, but please note this is a moderated online discussion site and not a public forum. Once posted, Mid-Continent Railway Museum reserves the right to delete submissions that contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any kind, or comments we deem to be offensive, disparaging or malicious toward Mid-Continent Railway Museum, our staff, volunteers, visitors, supporters or others. Further, Mid-Continent Railway Museum also reserves the right to delete comments that:

Contain spam, advertising, solicitations or include links to other sites;
Are clearly off topic or disruptive;
Are obscene, vulgar, or sexually explicit. This includes masked words (***), acronyms, and abbreviations;
Are chain letters, pyramid schemes, or fraudulent or deceptive messages;
Promote particular services, products, or political organizations or campaigns;
Infringe on copyrights or trademarks;
Advocate illegal activity;
Violate any policies of Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Please note that the comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinions and official position of Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

This past weekend, Mid-Continent Railway Museum welcomed its 2 millionth passenger! 🎉During our 3:00 PM departure on Sat...
06/01/2026

This past weekend, Mid-Continent Railway Museum welcomed its 2 millionth passenger! 🎉

During our 3:00 PM departure on Saturday, May 30, passengers gathered at the end of the line for a special announcement. There, we revealed that Jacob S. of Madison, WI, was our 2 millionth passenger, marking a historic milestone for the museum!

To celebrate, we held a small ceremony where museum President, Andy Spinelli, presented Jacob with a commemorative plaque.

Thank you to everyone who has ridden with us over the years. This would not have been possible without all of you. Here's to the next million!

📅 2026 Summer Schedule 📅
▪ Weekends: May 16–September 27, 2026.
▪ Tuesday–Friday: June 16–September 4, plus Memorial Day & Labor Day.
▪ Museum Grounds Open: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM.
▪ Train Departures: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM.

Location:
E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI, United States, 53951

Purchase tickets online via the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?flow=350891&fbclid=IwY2xjawSKsXtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLUFRnb3p6eXhvS3pTbVBXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkigHmpFISMk9847iYcN0wyGh1OFfQ3304o7WzU9BMVnSlxqW_wg4NYK26-q_aem_ToqnVmgORLs5X5pnjQeFUw&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

Big news from Mid-Continent Railway Museum! 🎉This weekend marks an incredible milestone for all of us here at Mid-Contin...
05/28/2026

Big news from Mid-Continent Railway Museum! 🎉

This weekend marks an incredible milestone for all of us here at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. We are expecting to welcome our 2 MILLIONTH passenger here in North Freedom, WI!

For generations, families, railfans, history lovers, and curious first-time visitors have climbed aboard our vintage rail cars to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the golden age of railroading. Reaching 2 million passengers is more than just a number to us. This milestone represents decades of memories made and the continued support of our amazing community, volunteers, members, and guests from around the world.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting, this weekend is the perfect time to join the celebration! Come ride the rails with us, explore our historic collection, and have the chance to become our lucky 2 millionth passenger!

Thank you for helping make this milestone possible. Here’s to the next million adventures down the line!

If you would like to reserve your tickets, you can do so online using the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?flow=350891&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

📍Museum Address: E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

📅 2026 Summer Schedule
▪ Weekends: May 16–September 27, 2026.
▪ Tuesday–Friday: June 16–September 4, plus Memorial Day & Labor Day.

🕤 Museum Grounds Open: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM

🚂 Train Departures: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM

05/27/2026

🚨 It’s C&NW #1385 Wednesday! 🚨

This week, Chicago and North Western #1385 Project Manager, Mike Wahl, gives us an update on our steam locomotive’s restoration! Within the past couple weeks, we have test fired the locomotive 3 different times, set our safeties per FRA requirements, and made lots of progress in other areas.

**NOTE: #1385 is not moving under its own power yet. We are working with our contractors to finish up the crosshead slippers and piston valve rings before final installation of these parts are done and the valve timing can be performed.**

▪ Below is a $50,000 Matching Fund Update ▪
As of this week, we have reached $100,472 out of our $300,000 goal! Thank you all for your continued support!

• Donate online: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PG2UBGDPR4GNU&fbclid=IwY2xjawOB2DlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsNklBTWdSUTlEVFRpaGRic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvNwZNIOImlv0bi-bkR5Zm5asIctLh2MPqgI-Poiqtt_nvGBeb4TMIAVlHEg_aem_WkbdXCC9BUDoKcXLY1LU8g

• Donate by phone through our museum’s office: 608-522-4261

• Mail your donation: Mid-Continent Railway Museum, P.O. Box 358, North Freedom, WI 53951 (Write “ #1385 Fund” in the memo line.)

May 16th, 2026, marked 124 years since The Railroad Gazette reported in their May 16, 1902, edition that the East Jordan...
05/21/2026

May 16th, 2026, marked 124 years since The Railroad Gazette reported in their May 16, 1902, edition that the East Jordan and Southern Railroad had ordered a rebuilt passenger coach from the Hicks Locomotive & Car Works!

The car that was ordered was our EJ&S #2. At the time of delivery to the railroad, it was a full coach and was later converted to a combine by the EJ&S in 1919.

Prior to being sold to the EJ&S Railroad, the car was originally built in 1864 for the Grand Trunk Railway as their #112. The car was renumbered to #585 in November of 1885 and in 1889 the car was rebuilt at the Chicago & Grand Trunk, Gratiot Shops in Port Huron, Michigan.

East Jordan and Southern #2 is Mid-Continent’s oldest car. Its restoration began in 2015, spearheaded by volunteer and museum member, Pete B. Restoration of this car is set to wrap up later this year, and we're excited to share that you will be able to see this car in person! The East Jordan and Southern #2 will be featured in our 2026 Vintage Rail Car Tours on September 26th and 27th.

During this event, you will be able to get special access to the inside of 4 different railcars, including the EJ&S #2. Our knowledgeable restoration volunteers will be on hand to share stories, answer questions, and offer an in-depth look at the history and craftsmanship behind these pieces of history.

Tickets are on sale now! You can book online using the link: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?flow=1437499&fbclid=IwY2xjawR8TLlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRN0hOWTdVUDJIaTlsUUpmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHriA56UlREjTh9wjbxWizVjScw4u9G5DwXi6_GwDxWWQbcjrnQyTWqCwD4cT_aem_PaXSZEuBUH4avhnR5UozUA&full-items=yes

Don’t miss your chance to see how far this project has come and witness the beauty of the East Jordan & Southern #2 up close. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

05/20/2026

During the Chicago and North Western Historical Society's visit, our KGBW #7 Alco S-1 (previously known as MCRY #7) assisted Chicago and North Western #1385 to the depot for some end-of-day photos. Please note that #1385 is not moving under its own power yet. We are working with our contractors to finish up the crosshead slippers and piston valve rings before final installation of these parts are done and the valve timing can be performed. 🚂

In this video Mid-Continent Engineer, Greg V., whistled a grade crossing for our guests. Greg was a steam engineer and fireman aboard the locomotive when the #1385 was operational.

🚨 It’s C&NW  #1385 Wednesday! 🚨On Friday, May 15th, we had the incredible honor of hosting an event for the Chicago and ...
05/20/2026

🚨 It’s C&NW #1385 Wednesday! 🚨

On Friday, May 15th, we had the incredible honor of hosting an event for the Chicago and North Western Historical Society! The day was packed with several activities:

• Guided tours of the Engine House, Car Shop, Coach Sheds, and iconic pieces like Milwaukee Lake Shore & Western #63 and Badger #2 Fish Car.
• Train rides on two separate consists, with stops for photo run-bys at La Rue.
• To top it all off, Chicago and North Western #1385 was steamed up and ready to greet our visitors!

With the help of our freshly painted Alco S-1, KGBW #7 (formerly MCRY #7), #1385 made its grand arrival at the depot for a photo shoot toward the end of the day, showcasing the tremendous progress on our steam locomotive’s restoration.

**NOTE: #1385 is not moving under its own power yet. We are working with our contractors to finish up the crosshead slippers and piston valve rings before final installation of these parts are done and the valve timing can be performed.**

The excitement didn’t stop there! Presentations from Mid-Continent members were also held during the week:

• On Thursday, May 14th, #1385 Task Force Member, Pete Deets, and Mid-Continent President, Andy Spinelli, shared updates on #1385 and the museum’s growth.
• On Saturday, May 16th, #1385 Project Leader, Mike Wahl, delivered a captivating keynote speech, titled, “The Transformation of the C&NW R-1 Class Steam Locomotives and the Impact on the C&NW #1385.”

We’re deeply honored to have hosted the Chicago and North Western Historical Society and grateful to everyone who joined us for this exciting weekend.

▪ Below is a $50,000 Matching Fund Update ▪
As of this week, we have raised a total of $99,024 of our $300,000 goal! Thank you all for your continued support!

• Donate online: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PG2UBGDPR4GNU&fbclid=IwY2xjawOB2DlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsNklBTWdSUTlEVFRpaGRic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvNwZNIOImlv0bi-bkR5Zm5asIctLh2MPqgI-Poiqtt_nvGBeb4TMIAVlHEg_aem_WkbdXCC9BUDoKcXLY1LU8g

• Donate by phone through our museum’s office: 608-522-4261

• Mail your donation: Mid-Continent Railway Museum, P.O. Box 358, North Freedom, WI 53951 (Write “ #1385 Fund” in the memo line.)

Photo Credits:
Photos 2 and 3 taken by Joey Rego, all other photos taken by Jacklyn Lemke.

On the night of May 16th, we held our first ever Starliner event! ⭐🔭🚂This was an exclusive nighttime train ride (limited...
05/18/2026

On the night of May 16th, we held our first ever Starliner event! ⭐🔭🚂

This was an exclusive nighttime train ride (limited to 60 guests) with UW Space Place co-founder, Dr. Jim Lattis, featuring an astronomy presentation delivered during a special stop along the line. Although we were fighting cloud cover, Dr. Lattis and his colleagues pointed out all visible stars and planets, and discussed questions with the crowd one on one.

During the event, the train was moved away from the viewing location so that light pollution could be negated.

*NOTE: Some of the photos in this post were taken using a nighttime camera mode, which makes them appear brighter than they would under normal lighting conditions.*

05/13/2026

🚨 It’s C&NW #1385 Wednesday! 🚨

This week, member and volunteer, Colton Taylor, discusses several components of the front end arrangement on Chicago and North Western #1385. 🚂

▪ Below is a $50,000 Matching Fund Update ▪

With your donations matched, we have raised an additional $5,350 since last week! We have now reached 32% of our $300,000 goal!

If you missed the announcement, we received two $50,000 matching grants to finish up the restoration of #1385. All donations from this point on will be applied to the first matching grant, once it has been met, all donations will proceed to go toward the second matching grant.

If you would like to help us complete the matching funds, there are a few different ways that you can donate listed below. We thank you for your consideration and your continued support!

• Donate online: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PG2UBGDPR4GNU&fbclid=IwY2xjawOB2DlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsNklBTWdSUTlEVFRpaGRic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvNwZNIOImlv0bi-bkR5Zm5asIctLh2MPqgI-Poiqtt_nvGBeb4TMIAVlHEg_aem_WkbdXCC9BUDoKcXLY1LU8g

• Donate by phone through our museum’s office: 608-522-4261

• Mail your donation: Mid-Continent Railway Museum, P.O. Box 358, North Freedom, WI 53951 (Write “ #1385 Fund” in the memo line.)

Over the past few weeks, our beloved Alco S-1, KGB&W  #7 (formerly known as MCRY  #7), received some much-needed body wo...
05/12/2026

Over the past few weeks, our beloved Alco S-1, KGB&W #7 (formerly known as MCRY #7), received some much-needed body work and a Kewaunee Green Bay & Western paint job in homage to the railroad, sponsored by one of our life members. As you can see, the before and after is stunning!

The #7 was built in 1944 by the American Locomotive Co. in Schenectady, New York and was originally built as a switcher for John Morrell & Co. Meat Packing. At an unknown date, it was sold to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), and assigned to their Chicago office. In 1996, the #7 was donated to Mid-Continent after AAR’s Chicago facility closed.

The engine served in place of our steam locomotives for daily operating service as they went down for restoration. After some time, the #7 was out of service for several years due to mechanical issues, and after funds were raised, the locomotive was fixed and has been used during Mid-Continent’s special events since then. The locomotive retains its original McIntosh & Seymour model 539, inline 6-cylinder diesel engine.

Currently, the #7 is not under shelter. However, we do have plans to build another Coach Shed to protect more of our rolling stock. If you would like to donate to help us protect the #7 and more of our collection from the outside elements, please consider donating to our building fund here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=77TLLRCNHFDBA

If you would like to support the #7 and its future maintenance, you can donate online here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=A6BZA3YA5EHTW

If you would like to come out and see the engine’s new look, we will be operating the #7 during certain special events this year. Please keep an eye on our social media for more information!

Second and third photos taken by Jordan Auberg.

05/11/2026

Planning your summer adventure in south central Wisconsin? Make time for a ride through history at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom! 🚂

Step aboard beautifully restored vintage train cars and experience rail travel the way it was over 100 years ago. Explore historic railroad exhibits and enjoy a fun, family-friendly outing.

📍Museum Address: E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

📅 2026 Summer Schedule
▪ Weekends: May 16–September 27, 2026.
▪ Tuesday–Friday: June 16–September 4, plus Memorial Day & Labor Day.

🕤 Museum Grounds Open Daily: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
🚂 Train Departures: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM

You can purchase tickets for summer train rides online here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?flow=1576226&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

Interested in our seasonal events and their schedules? Learn more here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/midcontinent/items/?flow=350891&full-items=yes&back=https://www.midcontinent.org/&g4=yes

Tickets can also be booked through our office staff via phone at 608-522-4261.

Address

E8948 Museum Road
North Freedom, WI
53951

Opening Hours

Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16085224261

Website

https://www.youtube.com/@MCRHS

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