Wisconsin "BBQ Tasting" Train Rides

Published: May 17, 2026

The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad will once again welcome passengers aboard its popular Spring BBQ Dinner Train in 2026, a seasonal excursion that combines classic rail travel with hearty Midwestern barbecue. Departing from the railroad’s depot in Trego, Wisconsin, the event offers guests an evening ride through the forests and wetlands of northwestern Wisconsin while enjoying a freshly prepared meal served aboard restored vintage passenger cars.

Operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad (WGNRR), the dinner train is one of several themed excursions the heritage railroad hosts each year. The Spring BBQ Dinner Train has become a favorite among visitors, particularly as the region transitions from winter into the early days of spring. The combination of scenic rail travel, historic equipment, and a full-course barbecue dinner provides an experience reminiscent of the classic dining services once common aboard North American passenger trains.

A Scenic Ride Through Wisconsin’s Northwoods

The excursion begins at the railroad’s headquarters in Trego, a small community located roughly 20 miles north of Spooner in Washburn County. After boarding the train, passengers settle into climate-controlled vintage railcars, many dating from the mid-20th century. Large windows provide expansive views of the surrounding countryside as the train departs the depot and begins its leisurely journey through the region’s forests, farmland, and wetlands.

The route traverses former Chicago & North Western trackage that once served the timber and agricultural industries of northwestern Wisconsin. Today the line offers a peaceful excursion through landscapes dominated by pine forests, lakes, and marshlands. During springtime the scenery begins to come alive as wildlife returns and the first hints of green appear across the Northwoods.

Unlike the fast-paced schedules of modern rail travel, the dinner train operates at a relaxed pace, allowing passengers to fully enjoy both the scenery and the dining experience.

Vintage Equipment Enhances The Experience

Part of the charm of the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad is its fleet of restored passenger cars. Many of the railroad’s coaches and dining cars were originally built during the 1940s through the 1960s, an era when railroads across North America offered extensive onboard dining and lounge services.

The railroad has carefully refurbished these cars to preserve their historic character while ensuring passenger comfort. Features often include:

Classic upholstered seating
Dining tables with linen service
Period lighting fixtures
Climate-controlled interiors
Large picture windows for sightseeing

The combination of historic equipment and attentive onboard service helps recreate the atmosphere of mid-century passenger rail travel.

Part Of A Growing Excursion Program

The Spring BBQ Dinner Train is just one of several themed excursions offered by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad throughout the year. The railroad has built a reputation for creative rail experiences that appeal to families, couples, and rail enthusiasts alike.

Other popular excursions include:

Pizza trains
Wine tasting trains
Fall color excursions
Holiday-themed rides during the Christmas season

These events have helped make the railroad a significant tourist attraction for northwestern Wisconsin, drawing visitors from across the Midwest.

A Unique Northwoods Dining Experience

For many passengers, the Spring BBQ Dinner Train offers something difficult to replicate elsewhere: a leisurely evening of dining, scenery, and historic rail travel combined into a single experience.

As the train rolls through the quiet forests and wetlands of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, guests can relax, enjoy a hearty barbecue meal, and experience a tradition that once defined long-distance passenger travel.

With its blend of hospitality, scenery, and railroad history, the Wisconsin Great Northern's Spring BBQ Dinner Train continues to showcase how heritage railroads are keeping the romance of rail travel alive while creating memorable experiences for modern passengers.

2026 Spring BBQ Dinner Train

For the 2026 season, the Wisconsin Great Northern will operate its Spring BBQ Dinner Train from March 5 through May 2. These special early-season excursions are generally scheduled on weekend evenings, giving passengers an opportunity to enjoy the experience before the railroad transitions to its full dinner-train program later in the spring.

Each excursion typically lasts about 2½ hours, departing from the railroad’s depot in Trego, Wisconsin, and traveling through the forests and countryside of northwestern Wisconsin before returning to the station later in the evening. The leisurely pace allows passengers plenty of time to enjoy their barbecue meal while taking in views of the scenic Namekagon River valley and surrounding Northwoods landscape.

During the spring operating window, passengers can select from several barbecue-themed entrée options prepared in the train’s onboard kitchen. Menu selections commonly include St. Louis-style BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or vegetarian options such as four-cheese ravioli, all served with traditional sides and dessert.

The Spring BBQ Dinner Train serves as a seasonal kickoff to the Wisconsin Great Northern’s annual excursion program. After the spring runs conclude in early May, the railroad transitions into its regular Elegant Dinner Train schedule beginning May 5, followed by additional themed excursions throughout the summer, fall, and holiday seasons. To learn more about this experience and purchasing tickets please click here to visit the railroad's website.

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