Category Archives: Wisconsin

Mid-Continent Railway Museum

[I visited in 2014 and these pictures are from that time. The same day I visited Mid-Continent Railway Museum I also visited Natural Bridge State Park and Dr. Evermore’s Forevertron.]

Wisconsin Historical sign at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Wisconsin Historical sign at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Our trip to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum actually started with breakfast at the Railroad Inn Cafe in North Freedom, WI. I only mention this because I wanted to warn you that if you go and order the pancakes they are larger then the plate so don’t order as many as you would if they were a more normal size. The railroad theme and decorations were also a great primer for the museum.

A crossing tower. Someone would be in there watching traffic and trains to know when to drop the gate across the road to keep traffic from crossing the tracks.

A crossing tower. Someone would be in there watching traffic and trains to know when to drop the gate across the road to keep traffic from crossing the tracks.

It was a gorgeous day and there was a surprising amount to see. If you are at all interested in train cars I highly recommend making the trip to North Freedom. You can even ride on a train (7 miles round trip) down a restored rail line.

Lots of history at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Lots of history at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum

A highlight for me was the restored Pullman “fish car”. This car was used by the DNR to restock fish in lakes and streams. It has fish tanks in it. Although we couldn’t actually go inside of it we were able to look through windows. The idea of a train car full of fish makes me smile.

Changing direction at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Changing direction at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

The museum has a very informative website. There is also a Wikipedia page about the museum.

North Freedom Depot at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

North Freedom Depot at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Natural Bridge State Park

[I visited in 2014 and these pictures are from that time.]

The arch at Natural Bridge State Park

The arch at Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State park is a small park between Sauk City and Baraboo. It is home to Wisconsin’s largest natural arch. I stopped there to take the short hike to see the arch and find a geocache.  Archeologists have found proof of humans being here thousands of years ago. If you are in the area it is worth a stop and short hike.

Vandalism at the Natural Bridge State Park arch.

Vandalism at the Natural Bridge State Park arch.

You can find out more at the DNR and Wikipedia.