Pumpkin Special™ — Mid-Continent Railway Museum

The Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, runs its Pumpkin Special as a harvest-time tradition on its seven-mile line, a former branch of the Chicago & North Western Railway in a valley between the Baraboo Hills. Trains leave from the museum's historic wooden depot, built in 1894, and passengers ride in restored steel coaches built a century ago.

The operator describes the trip as a ride to Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins brought to the train from a local farmer are waiting. Passengers pick out their pumpkins and bring the new "cargo" aboard for the return trip to North Freedom. Each departure covers the full seven-mile round trip and is scheduled to last 55 minutes; depending on the size of the crowd, trips may run a little longer so that passengers have time to buy pumpkins.

The museum says its trains are diesel powered and that special events such as the Pumpkin Special often sell out in advance, so it recommends reservations. Buying a pumpkin is optional: pumpkins are sold by an independent local vendor and are not included in the ticket price.

A 55-minute round trip of seven miles in restored coaches, with a stop at Quartzite Lake at the end of the line where pumpkins are on sale. Buy one if you wish and bring it back on the train. The museum grounds and its collection of more than 40 train cars and locomotives can be visited as well.

Departs from the Mid-Continent Railway Museum depot, E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, Wisconsin. Reservations are highly recommended for special events; passengers without one are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Pumpkins are sold by an independent local vendor and sales are cash only. A wheelchair lift serves the train at the North Freedom depot but not at Quartzite Lake, so wheelchair users cannot get off at the pumpkin stop. Advance ticket sales carry a convenience fee. Phone: 608-522-4261.