Scenic Railroads in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 6 operating scenic and heritage railroads, spread across some of the state's most photogenic terrain. Ride types include steam, heritage trolley/streetcar, and steam & diesel, so you can tailor the experience to your interests whether you prefer a genteel parlor-car excursion, an open-air mountain climb, or an afternoon of pure steam nostalgia. Ride lengths run from 25 min to 2 hrs.

The standout ride in Wisconsin is the Camp Five / Lumberjack Steam Train, based in Laona. A steam excursion, it takes passengers a steam train carries visitors to the historic 1902 Camp Five logging camp site in northern Wisconsin. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours. It operates Mid-June through mid-August. Tickets are $22 (adult admission).

Fall is the premier season for rail touring in Wisconsin. 4 of the 6 lines run foliage specials or highlight autumn color in their marketing — and for good reason. Leaf-peeping excursion seats on steam trains routinely sell out weeks or even months ahead; if fall is your target window, treat ticket purchases as part of your route planning, not an afterthought. Summer (June through August) is the second-busiest window, with the widest schedule availability and the most family-friendly atmosphere.