We're here to help
    Book online or call (650) 414-7338
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in North Freedom…/
    3. Transportation Tours/
    4. Train Tours/
    5. Ride In A Locomotive Cab In North Freedom
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Concierge Support

    • Help Center
    [email protected](650) 414-7338

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2

    Ride In A Locomotive Cab In North Freedom

    Ride in the cab with the engineer on a 55-minute diesel locomotive trip

    4.7 stars• 981 reviews
    From$76/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    55 minutes

    Includes

    55-min train ride, Museum admission

    Highlights

    Climb into the cab of MCRY #1256 and ride on the fireman’s side as the engineer takes the train from North Freedom to Quartzite Lake and back. Your ticket also includes access to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum displays.

    • Ride in the locomotive cab with the engineer for about 55 minutes
    • Travel from North Freedom to Quartzite Lake and return
    • Watch the “run-around” moves as the engine swaps ends at each end of the line
    • Explore museum display buildings and an outdoor yard with historic rail equipment
    • Use the self-guided tour pamphlet available at the ticket window

    What's Included

    • 55-minute diesel locomotive cab ride
    • Admission to museum display buildings
    • Self-guided tour pamphlet

    Things to know

    Capacity is 1 adult, or 1 adult with 1 child (bench seat about 3 feet wide). Children 15 and under must ride with an adult; children 2 and under are not permitted. The cab requires climbing near-vertical steps and is not handicap accessible; the locomotive is loud and not air-conditioned.

    Cancellation Policy

    Tickets may be canceled up to 24 hours before the published departure time for a full refund. Within 24 hours of departure, no cash refunds are offered.

    FAQs

    Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Check in at the depot ticket office to pick up your printed ticket; you can’t board with a reservation confirmation email.

    Bring water only. Food isn’t available except on select special event dates, and you can’t bring food or drinks aboard coach trains (except water and infant formula). In the locomotive cab, food isn’t permitted (water only).

    No. Getting into the cab requires climbing near-vertical steps, and the locomotive isn’t handicap accessible. If you have trouble climbing or can’t tightly grasp handrails, don’t book a locomotive ticket.

    Experience provided by Mid-Continent Railway Museum
    Experience provided by Mid-Continent Railway Museum

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Report an issue

    Reference #GBD237

    Locomotive - Adult

    $76.32

    Ages 16+ | One seat available - Parent may ride with child (3-15yrs).

    0

    Locomotive - Child

    $13.78

    Must book adult locomotive first | Ages 3 - 15

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.7
    Excellent
    981 reviews•Google Maps

    This museum pulls in serious praise from train enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, with volunteers consistently earning recognition for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The restored rolling stock collection is impressive, housed in large sheds with everything from passenger cars to unique pieces like the historic fish car. Most guests appreciate the hour-long train rides through the countryside, though a few found the pace slower than expected and the route less scenic than anticipated. The experience can feel a bit confusing for first-timers trying to navigate what's included and where they can explore independently. Some visitors had trouble figuring out the self-guided museum portions or found viewing the trains from ground level limiting since you can't enter many cars. However, those who engaged with the volunteer-led tours and cab rides (book ahead, only one rider per excursion) came away genuinely impressed. The gift shop stands out for offering actual railroadiana collectibles rather than typical tourist merchandise. If you're into railroad history, the volunteers' dedication and the quality of restoration work make this worth the visit.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    Visited here in early July, 2025. It was a last minute decision, and one that I will always fondly remember. It is definitely a “working” museum, with good documentation and opportunities to actually ride on a vintage train. The people managing the museum were knowledgeable and helpful.

    Photo of Hana Bartlett

    Hana Bartlett

    April 2, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Visited here in early July, 2025. It was a last minute decision, and one that I will always fondly remember. It is definitely a “working” museum, with good documentation and opportunities to actually ride on a vintage train. The people managing the museum were knowledgeable and helpful.

    Photo of Hana Bartlett

    Hana Bartlett

    April 2, 2026

    Great for groups

    Thumbnail
    Boat RentalsUp to 16

    Pontoon Boat with Driver on Lake Delton

    From$501
    Thumbnail
    Boat RentalsUp to 13

    Pontoon Boat Rental on Lake Delton

    From$432
    Thumbnail
    Boat Rentals

    Lily Pad Rental in Wisconsin Dells

    From$84

    Nearby activities

    Thumbnail
    Wine Tours

    Wisconsin Dells Wine Tour with Lunch & Tastings

    $97.15/ person
    Thumbnail
    Wine Tours

    Lake Delton Winery Tour: 3 Stops & Lunch

    $109.66/ person
    Thumbnail
    Wine Tours

    Trolley Wine Tour to Three Wineries with Tastings and Charcuterie

    $86.44/ person
    Thumbnail
    Trolley Tours

    Wisconsin Dells Scenic City and History Trolley Tour

    From$27/ person
    Thumbnail
    Trolley Tours

    Haunted History Trolley Tour

    From$37/ person
    Thumbnail
    Canoeing

    Lake Delton Canoe Rental in Wisconsin Dells

    From$50