Wisconsin Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: April 30, 2026
By: Adam Burns
The state of Wisconsin enjoys a long and fascinating history with railroads, which is very much worth exploring if you might be interested in the subject.
During a time long, long ago one could see everything from colorful and fast passenger trains, such as Chicago & North Western's '400s' and Milwaukee Road's "Hiawathas," to slow-moving freights serving bucolic farms and business via nearly forgotten, weed-covered branch lines.
Today, there are several locations in Wisconsin offering train rides and some even preserve the state's trolley/streetcar heritage! All of these organizations attempt to rekindle the bygone era of rail travel, offering such things as dinner on-board and other perks.
The locations listed below offer either train rides designed specifically to view the peak fall colors, or are still operating their excursions during the height of autumn.
Overview
Lumberjack Steam Train
(Laona): The Lumberjack Steam Train is located in Laona and operated by the Camp 5 Museum.
They feature a restored 2-6-2 "Prairie" steam locomotive, #4, and all rides board from the restored Soo Line depot in Laona.
During late September and October they host Saturday Fall Festivals for the entire family including a "...Green Treasure Forest Tour, pumpkin patch, face painting, a marshmallow roast, and fresh apple cider."
The steam locomotive was originally built for the Fairchild & North-Eastern Railway in 1916 by the Vulcan Iron Works. The F&NE was a logging operation located in Fairchild and owned by the N.C. Foster Lumber Company.
The locomotive later worked on the Laona & Northern Railway (Laona), a system owned by R. Connor Company, another logging operation. The L&N was a common-carrier tailored towards the movement of lumber products.
Its lines radiated to the southwest of Laona (where numerous spurs snaked their way into rich timerland) while its main line headed north.
Here, it roughly paralleled the Chicago & North Western's until reaching Laona Junction and interchanged with the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway (Soo Line).
The L&N was listed at 23 miles as of 1929. In 1965 the railroad was still operating #4 in a mixed train capacity (carrying both freight and passengers). Finally, in 1983 the 2-6-2 was donated to the Camp 5 Historical Society.
Today, only about 2 miles remain of the old L&N, from Laona to the Connor Farm at Camp 5. The museum's typical summer season runs from June through August while they also have a short fall season from late September through early October.
Your trip departs from east of Laona with the train skirting Scattered Rice Lake before arriving at Camp 5. Leading the way is #4!
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
(North Freedom): This museum's primary goal, since its 1957 inception, has always been to preserve the region's and state's rail history. In doing so it also operates public excursions over 7 miles of the old Chicago & North Western.
One of their annual special events is the Autumn Color Weekend held during October and just before the museum's season comes to an end.
Your trip departs from an original C&NW depot at Walnut Street (originally built in 1894 and located in Rock Springs) and heads south from their small yard. The line stays near the Baraboo River before heading through open farmland.
Tracks end at a point known as Rattlesnake Station whereupon the train returns to North Freedom. The beauty of this experience cannot be understated as trains roll past beautiful Midwestern farms intermixed with patches of woodland; a classic Americana setting.
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad is a growing tourist attraction in the state's northwestern corner which operates about 20 miles of the old Chicago & North Western between Spooner and Springbrook.
The railroad began operations in 1997 and has grown from a single pizza train excursion to multiple events hosted throughout the year. The company, which also operates freight trains when necessary, does not offer exclusive fall foliage trips.
However, they do host regularly scheduled excursions throughout September and October during the peak fall colors. This includes their popular dinner trains. The Wisconsin Great Northern operates some of the finest rail equipment in the state and is well worth a visit any time of the year!
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
