Charming Fall Train Rides in Wisconsin 2024

Have you been thinking about taking a train ride? There is no better time than in the fall. Several places offer charming and unforgettable train rides in Wisconsin.

Experience the best fall train rides in Wisconsin, where the focus is on vibrant colors, fall fun, nostalgia, and romance. The exact arrival of fall colors is unpredictable, but usually, as September arrives, so do the colors.

Wisconsin’s landscape transforms into a captivating blend of reds and golds, attracting those looking for a relaxing day filled with colorful fall views.

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Charming fall train rides in Wisconsin

This fall, embark on a journey aboard some of Wisconsin’s cherished historic trains and witness a spectacular display of fall color. Rest assured, a window seat awaits, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of this stunning fall color exhibition.

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad – Spooner

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad offers something to accommodate almost everyone. Whether you are looking for a fun afternoon aboard the wine and cheese train or a romantic overnight aboard the historic bed and breakfast car, there is no better way to experience the fall colors in the beautiful north woods of Wisconsin.

The train cars have been meticulously revitalized to make your scenic journey through the north woods as charming as possible.

Aboard the wine and cheese tour, you will enjoy Door County Peninsula Wine and cheese while you sit back and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors. You will travel alongside the Namekagon River to a point accessible only by train or canoe. And for those seeking a touch of elegance, indulge in an extraordinary experience aboard the Bed & Breakfast train.

Or climb aboard one of their dinner cruises to enjoy an evening graced with dinner in a secluded dining compartment, complete with the option of cocktails that transport you to a bygone era.

If you want something more relaxing, grab a seat on the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad’s beloved pizza train. This delightful journey combines the joy of one of our favorite foods with the breathtaking fall views of Wisconsin’s north woods.

However you look at it, Wisconsin’s Great Northern Railroad has the perfect fall train ride for any excursion.

East Troy Railroad – East Troy

The East Troy Electric Railroad Museum is a living history museum. It is all that is left of a vast network of electric rail lines that, in the early 1900s, connected cities across the state of Wisconsin.

In 1939, the lines were abandoned. It wasn’t until 1972 that it began offering tourist trolleys on the lines. Today, the trolleys are owned by the East Troy Railroad Museum, which purchased the rail lines.

Two-hour scheduled train rides depart from either the East Troy Depot, the Elegant Farmer, or Indian Head Park.

Every rail adventure includes stopping at the Elegant Farmer, a loved family apple orchard that is the perfect destination for a fall day.

Elegant Farmer offers fall options to pick your own apples, explore a corn maze, cuddle up on a hayride, or indulge in homemade delights.

While enjoying your time at the Elegant Farmer, do not overlook a slice of their legendary apple pie. This unique dessert, baked in a paper bag, has captured the hearts of locals for generations. Be sure to grab some extras to extend the autumn magic at home.

Special tours, including a fall dinner train catered by Toothpicks and a Sunday brunch, are offered aboard the restored electric trolley in the fall. Reservations are required for this relaxing memory-making adventure.

The Dinner Trains do sell out in advance. So make reservations as early as possible once you find a date and menu that works for you.

Minnesota Transport Museum – Osceola

Embark on a journey that whisks you through time as you hop aboard the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway. The vintage train cars evoke a profound sense of life as it once was in the 1940s. Their goal is to keep the spirit of the railroad alive.

Aboard the trains, you’ll enjoy the sights of beautiful fall colors along the St. Croix River Valley as they can only be seen from a train.

The railway offers a variety of rides that highlight the fall season. Hop on the Fall Colors Train to witness nature’s vibrant transformation.

In October hop aboard the Pumpkin Express for an unforgettable adventure to the Dresser pumpkin patch! This exciting journey promises a day filled with music, games, delicious food, pumpkins, and so much more.

Catch one of the departing trains from Osceola, and you have the flexibility to stay in Dresser as long as you like before riding any return train back to Osceola. It’s the perfect fall outing for the whole family where you can handpick the ideal pumpkin for the season.

For a touch of romance, consider the Wine Tasting Train, crafting the perfect backdrop for a weekend of intimacy and allure.

You’ll embark on a delightful journey aboard a vintage train, where you can savor the exquisite experience of wine tastings paired with delectable hors d’oeuvres. Please note that this is exclusively available to passengers aged 21 and over.

Indulge your palate with a curated selection of wines from renowned local wineries in Wisconsin and Minnesota. As you sip and savor, you’ll be treated to the perfect companions in the form of carefully matched hors d’oeuvres.

The highlight of this enchanting adventure is a scenic fall 90-minute roundtrip through the breathtaking Saint Croix River Valley.

Don’t miss the opportunity to combine your love for wine with a memorable train ride through this stunning landscape. This unforgettable journey will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the beauty of the Saint Croix River Valley.

Mid-Continent Railway Museum – North Freedom

Visit the Mid-Continent Railway Museum and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Baraboo Hills, adorned with the vibrant hues of fall foliage, all while seated aboard a vintage steam train from the turn of the century.

During Mid-Continent Railway Autumn Color Weekends in October, you will journey through the rural landscapes of Sauk County on a one-hour train ride, where you are guaranteed to witness Wisconsin’s vibrant colors.

You will venture down enchanting paths of a bygone railway branch belonging to the Chicago & North Western Railway, where you’ll have numerous opportunities to enjoy the transformed leaves.

You can choose to travel in one of the meticulously restored passenger coaches of the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, or opt for a truly special excursion by riding in the caboose itself!

As the moment of departure draws near, a conductor, adorned in attire true to the era, calls out with the timeless cry of “All aboard!” This scene unfolds against the backdrop of a historic wooden depot.

For the ultimate experience, plan your visit on specific weekends featuring rides dedicated to fall’s charm. Autumn Color Weekend coincides with Sauk County’s Fermentation Fest, where you can continue your autumn adventure.

Another delightful option is the Pumpkin Special, a ride that allows you to select a pumpkin midway through the journey, ensuring the fall festivities continue as you take your chosen pumpkin home.

Lumberjack Steam Train – Laona

Camp 5 Museum in Laona is the place to head for an extra special fall train ride in Wisconsin. Climb aboard a one-of-a-kind vintage steam train for a journey back in time to the 1800’s.

Board this authentic 1916 lumberjack steam locomotive from a restored Soo Line depot, and you will be whisked away through the fall colors in Wisconsin’s Northwoods to the actual site of a Northwoods logging camp.

When you arrive at the logging camp, you’ll step back in time and wander through some of the original barns, the museum, the blacksmith shops, the Old Slaughterhouse, and the original boarding house.

Before you return, don’t forget to make a stop at the Cracker Barrel Store and grab a bite to eat at the Choo Choo Hut Restaurant.

Special Saturday Fall Festivals take place in late September and October. If train rides, fall colors, fresh apple cider, toasted marshmallows, and pumpkin patch tours sound like the perfect fall day, a steam train ride awaits you in Laona, Wisconsin.

National Railroad Museum – Green Bay

The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay is one of the most respected rail museums in the US. They are one of the oldest and largest museums with over 70 trains and over 100,000 rail artifacts.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor museum, they also offer seasonal train rides using one of their diesel locomotives.

In the fall, the special Great Pumpkin Train, being pulled by a diesel locomotive, takes passengers through the beautiful hardwoods along the Fox River, making a stop at the pumpkin patch where riders will get to find the perfect pumpkin to take home with them.

During the ride, the train conductor will point out highlights, describe the various landmarks, talk about railroad safety, and even give you a glimpse of the past hobo culture that once resided along many rail lines.

Chippewa Valley Railroad – Carson Park, Eau Claire

Established in the 1970’s the Chippewa Valley Railroad is where you can step back in time and relive the golden age of rail travel. You can enjoy a nostalgic journey through beautiful landscapes aboard wooden passenger coaches from the 1880s, all pulled by coal-fired steam locomotives.

This delightful experience is available during the summer months and early fall, allowing you to traverse a scenic route nestled within a serene forest, alongside the tranquil Half-Moon Lake.

As you embark on this adventure, you’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of a 1/4 size working railroad, complete with a fleet of remarkable locomotives.

The star of the show is the coal-fired steam locomotives, but the experience doesn’t stop there. You’ll also encounter a diesel locomotive, wooden 1880s-style passenger coaches, streamlined passenger coaches, a gondola car, and a classic caboose.

The journey takes you through a series of captivating sights, including the historic depot, a welcoming passenger waiting canopy, a roundhouse, a turntable, a bustling switchyard, and the state’s oldest interlocking tower.

Two of their three engines are coal-powered, ensuring that you get to relish the sights, sounds, and even the aroma of a traditional steam locomotive journey.

Adding to the ambiance, you’ll be greeted by friendly conductors adorned in suspenders and pin-striped engineer’s hats, just like the railroaders of yesteryears. As you explore the vintage train station, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule, surrounded by the charm and history of the 1880s.

So, if you’re seeking a delightful adventure that combines history, nature, and the romance of the rails, the Chippewa Valley Railroad is the perfect destination.

Come aboard, and let the rhythmic chug of the locomotive and the gentle sway of the wooden coaches transport you to a simpler, more enchanting era of travel.

Riverside & Great Northern Railway – Wisconsin Dells

Riverside & Great Northern Railway emerges as the ultimate Wisconsin Dells hotspot and the ideal addition to a Wisconsin Dells Fall Road Trip. All ages, even the little ones, are delighted as they embark on a journey aboard a uniquely compact steam locomotive.

You’ll venture into the heart of northern Wisconsin Dells as the open-air train car guides you through the woods, bringing you intimately close to nature. You’ll travel through scenic canyons with the rugged beauty of rock formations alongside you as you enjoy the vibrant hues of fall.

To ensure everyone can be part of the experience, a specially designed rail car awaits those with wheelchairs, promising comfort and accessibility for all during this autumn escapade.

Elevate your adventure by packing a picnic basket to enjoy after your scenic journey through the crisp fall air. Being just a stone’s throw from the tracks allows you to add an extra touch of magic as you watch the trains gracefully glide by as you enjoy your picnic lunch.

Conclusion ~ Fall Train Rides in Wisconsin

Fall train rides in Wisconsin offer an enchanting and memorable experience that captures the essence of autumn in this beautiful state. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, the gentle rhythm of the train’s wheels creates a soothing backdrop as you take in the natural splendor of Wisconsin’s countryside.

Each train journey provides a unique perspective on the season’s beauty. With the crisp air, cozy amenities on board, and the camaraderie of fellow rail lovers, fall train rides in Wisconsin are an ideal way to embrace the magic of the season and create cherished memories together.

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