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Santa Train Ride in North Freedom

Name: Santa Train Ride in North Freedom
Brand: Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Price: 31.80 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (1099 reviews)

Ride historic coaches, meet Santa at your seat, and explore railway museum displays

4.7 stars• 1.1K reviews

Duration

55 minutes

Includes

Train ride, Santa visit, museum

Highlights

Step aboard festively decorated early-1900s coach cars for a holiday ride through rural Sauk County. A uniformed conductor welcomes you from a historic 1894 wooden depot, while Santa makes time to visit every family at their seat.

After the ride, explore restored railway cars and locomotives across the museum's indoor and outdoor display areas.

Ride a former Chicago & North Western Railway branch line
Settle into century-old coach cars pulled by a diesel locomotive
Meet Santa as he visits each family at their seat
Explore nearly 40 restored cars and locomotives on display

What's Included

Santa visit at your seat
Small gift from Santa's elves for child passengers
Admission to museum display buildings
Self-guided museum tour pamphlet

Important details

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and check in at the depot ticket office before boarding
Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Keep your printed ticket available for the conductor during the ride
Food and drinks are not permitted aboard, except water and infant formula
Seating is unassigned; select your seats when boarding
Use the restroom before departure, as there are no restrooms aboard the train
Trains operate as scheduled regardless of weather conditions

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 14 days before the event for a refund minus a 25% processing and handling fee; booking convenience fees are nonrefundable. Within 14 days, if the train is sold out and your reservation is successfully resold, receive a refund minus the 25% fee.

Product ID: 9HW3TN

FAQs

Dress in layers. Santa Express coach temperatures can vary by up to 20 degrees depending on your seat’s proximity to stoves, radiators, and doorways. Dress warmly for the museum displays, as the display buildings are not heated.

Explore the museum areas before or after your 55-minute train ride. Your ticket includes admission to the display buildings and a self-guided tour pamphlet.

Stay in your train car once the Santa Express departs. Walking between cars and standing on the end platforms are not permitted.

Review summary

4.7

Excellent

1.1K reviewsGoogle 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

Very cool museum to take your loved ones to. The autumn train ride was nice with a hot apple cider and a donut to make it more enjoyable. The train station is a must see as well. The entire place is a great attraction. Make sure you donate as everyone there volunteers and they don't make a dime.

Artur Ciegotura

October 20, 2026

Artur Ciegotura

October 20, 2026

Meeting details

Mid-Continent Railway Museum depot ticket office, E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

Experience provided by Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Book with confidence

No hidden fees
The price you see is the price you pay. Nothing is added at checkout.
A real concierge team
Questions, changes or special requests? Our concierge team sorts it out with the operator for you.
Flexible cancellation
Most experiences refund in full when you cancel within the cancellation window.