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A Wisconsin Christmas Train Ride In North Freedom!

Published: November 12, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Nestled in the scenic Baraboo Hills of south-central Wisconsin, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum offers both rail enthusiasts and families a chance to step back into the “Golden Age of Railroading.” Established in the mid-20th century, it preserves historic equipment, recreates the feel of a short-line railway community, and today offers some of the region’s most popular holiday-themed train rides — notably the Santa Express, Holiday Flyer and Holiday Nightcap. Here is a detailed look at its history, its evolution, and how the museum brings festive cheer each winter.

Origins and Early Days

The museum traces its roots to 1959, when a group of Milwaukee-area rail fans formed the Railway Historical Society of Milwaukee with the goal of preserving steam locomotives.  One of their first major acquisitions was a small steam engine (Consumers Co. No. 701) as the foundation of their collection.

By 1962 the group had arranged to operate weekend excursions on the short line Hillsboro & Northeastern Railway (H&NE) under lease, marking the first operating run of what would become the museum’s living-history railway.

In May 1963 the museum acquired the former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) at North Freedom, Wisconsin — a 3-mile (and later extended) spur known historically as the “Rattlesnake Line.”

On May 27, 1963, the museum ran its first excursion on the North Freedom branch — laying the groundwork for the museum site and operating railway that exists today.  At that time the name changed formally to the “Mid-Continent Railway Historical Society, Inc.” to reflect its broader focus.

Location, Collection and Living History

The museum is located at E 8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, Wisconsin — approximately one hour northwest of Madison and about 30 minutes southwest of the Wisconsin Dells.  It operates on the branch line formerly owned by the C&NW, running south from North Freedom through the Baraboo Hills region and ending at a quarry near Quartzite Lake.

The museum’s mission is described as: “an outdoor living history museum and operating railroad recreating, preserving, and interpreting the small-town/shortline way of life from the ‘Golden Age of Railroading.’”  Its collection emphasizes equipment and rolling stock from approximately 1880-1916, the era when many Midwestern shortlines proliferated.

The museum boasts one of the largest collections of wooden passenger cars in the United States, as well as a notable roster of steam locomotives — including the 1907 ALCO 4-6-0 “Ten-Wheeler” C&NW No. 1385, currently under restoration.

In addition to the rolling stock, historic structures have been relocated to the site (including an 1894 C&NW depot from Rock Springs/Ableman, Wisconsin, moved in 1965) and new buildings have been designed to look period-appropriate.

One major challenge in recent decades was the flood of June 2008, when the Baraboo River inundated the museum grounds and required a temporary closure for repairs; the route was unaffected but access to the mainline connection was disrupted until the bridge reopened in 2018.

Operating Excursions and Visitor Experience

Guests at the museum can take a 7-mile round-trip excursion (approximately 55 minutes) aboard restored vintage coaches, pulled currently by diesel locomotives, on the branch line.  During the ride a uniformed conductor shares railroad history, punches tickets, and answers questions — reinforcing the living-history aspect of the experience.

The lay-of-the-land is friendly for families and railfans alike, with picnic shelters, free parking, a gift shop in the historic depot, and walking access to yard displays and restoration shops.

Regular operating season typically runs from mid-May to early October, with special-event weekends (Autumn Color, Pumpkin Special) and the winter holiday events as noted below.

Present-day Highlights & Preservation Challenges

While the museum continues to operate excursions and manage its collection, it faces the common challenges of vintage-equipment preservation: funding, volunteer labor, regulatory compliance (especially for steam locomotives), and infrastructure upkeep. The restoration of No. 1385, for example, was found to require a complete rebuild estimated at over $2 million, and as of 2025 remains underway.

Nevertheless, the museum remains vibrant: it invites volunteers and members to assist with restoration, offers special-event trains, and has broadened its appeal beyond hardcore railfans to families and general visitors.

Holiday Season Train Rides

One of the annual joys at Mid-Continent is its trio of festive train rides offered in late November and early December. These trains combine historic-rail charm with holiday atmosphere, and they have become popular booking options.

Santa Express

The Santa Express is the museum’s traditional holiday-family train: typically happening on two weekends (Nov 29-30 & Dec 6-7 in 2025).

On the 55-minute ride, children and families board vintage cars, enjoy the warm historic atmosphere (steam-heat or coal-stove warmth in the cars), and receive a visit from Santa. The elves aboard also hand out small gifts to the younger passengers.

Multiple departures each day allow families to choose a convenient time. This event serves not only as a fun outing but also as a community tradition: families return year after year, combining nostalgia for the rail ambience with holiday excitement.

Holiday Flyer

The Holiday Flyer is a slightly older-child and adult-friendly holiday train, scheduled in 2025 on December 6 with departures at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM.

Onboard, passengers receive hot chocolate and light snacks, ride in festive-decorated vintage cars, and enjoy the twilight or early evening ride through Wisconsin countryside. Importantly, Santa is not aboard this train (for Santa you would choose the Santa Express).

This event offers a unique alternative to the daytime family train — more relaxed, perhaps a date-night or older-child experience.

Holiday Nightcap (21+ experience)

A more recent addition is the Holiday Nightcap — an adults-only (21+) evening departure (December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM) where passengers receive a hot-chocolate beverage spiked with Bailey’s Irish Crème or peppermint schnapps.

This version of the holiday train keeps the charm of the vintage ride, the festive ambiance, and the historical coaches, but with a grown-up twist. It offers an appealing alternative for groups of friends or couples looking for holiday fun without the younger-child centered features.

Looking Ahead: Preservation & the Future

The museum continues to advance its restoration priorities. One major project is the return to steam of C&NW No. 1385, which will further enhance the authenticity of excursions when completed.

As facilities age and equipment requires upkeep, the museum depends on membership, volunteers and donations. The holiday trains serve not only as visitor attractions but also as important revenue-generators helping sustain operations.

Conclusion

The museum is much more than a static display—it is a working heritage railway that invites visitors into a bygone era of railroading, preserved with care and enthusiasm by volunteers and professionals alike.

Its holiday-season train rides extend that mission into delightfully festive territory: the Santa Express, Holiday Flyer and Holiday Nightcap each offer a unique angle on rail-based holiday fun, catering to families, mixed-age groups and adults respectively.

Whether you’re a railfan documenting coach-types and builder-plates, or a family looking for a memorable winter outing, Mid-Continent delivers both history and holiday spirit.  To learn more about the museum's Christmas trains mentioned above please click here to visit their website.