Find a train ride in the Midwest USA…
America’s rail heritage burns bright in the Midwest USA. Thanks to the great 19th century westward migration and the demands for meat and grain back east, Midwest cities like Chicago quickly became national destinations, rail junctions where finance and industry converged and great passenger railroads followed. Today, the vast area sprawling from the Great Lakes to the Plains buzzes with remnant tracks hosting scenic train rides where the aficionado and the curious can sample Midwest railroading as it was in its heyday.
With its “Loop” of “L” lines, Chicago treats urban rail explorers to a unique perspective as its rapid trains dart between landmark towers, scale traffic-jammed avenues, and offer brief glimpses of waterfronts and treetops. Beyond the Loop, check out the Fox River Trolley Museum and catch a streetcar ride along a remnant line that once was a part of Chicagoland’s vast interurban railroad network. The museum is about an hour from the Loop, around the same distance as the country’s largest train museum! The Illinois Railway Museum is a train lovers mashup of rail excursions, streetcar rides, and miles of vintage equipment spread across 100 acres.
Across the Wisconsin state line, the National Railroad Museum picks up where the IRM leaves off. Among its collection are a rare Big Boy locomotive, Gen. Eisenhower’s WWII command train, and one of only two GM Aerotrains in existence. In neighboring Minnesota, the Twin Cities’ Minnesota Streetcar Museum offers opportunities to experience old fashioned streetcar rides on its pair of revival lines.
Several incomparable wilderness train rides also exist. Deep in the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Tahquamenon Falls Train — aka “Toonerville Trolley” — sets off on the same bear-glimpsing excursions it’s made for nearly a century. Down country, Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway is a full-blown medium-distance hauler that traverses a 50 mi (80 km) route through its namesake national forest.
Many popular Midwest USA vacation and day trip destinations offer easy access to historic and scenic train rides. Two of the region’s most famous resort towns boast namesake train rides aboard Indiana’s French Lick Scenic Railway and Missouri’s Branson Scenic Railway. North Dakota’s Black Hills Central Railroad is a popular side-trip for Mt Rushmore visitors and the state’s Prairie Village is home to the Herman & Milwaukee Railroad.
Of all the Midwest’s “railroad towns,” Duluth, Minnesota has the good fortune of being home to two tourist railroads. That makes it the perfect day trip! The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad’s early day train rides along the Saint Louis River leave plenty of time to catch one of the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s afternoon excursions along Lake Superior.
Find a train ride in the MIdwest USA…
Find a train ride in the MIdwest USA…
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Chicago Loop
CTA – Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, Illinois
Five rapid transit ‘L’ lines converge along this 2 mi (3.2 km) lap of elevated track that has encircled the Windy City’s central business district for over a century; ducking around corners, squeezing between towers, and glimpsing postcard views along the way. The Orange, Purple Express, Brown, and Pink Lines serve all eight Loop stations (the Green Line serves four) but for the full effect get on and off the “L” at a station just outside the Loop (like the Brown Line at Merchandise Mart station) so you’ll be sure to ride the whole circuit. Trains operate year-round. Telephone: +1 (888) 968-7282.
Fox River Trolley Museum
South Elgin, Illinois
Antique trolleys roll along a segment of original interurban trolley line beside the tree-shaded Fox River to a picnic grove in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve. Highlights include rail museum and dinner trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (847) 697-4676.
Illinois Railway Museum
Union, Illinois
North America’s largest train museum offers scenic train rides through rolling farmland plus an on-site streetcar loop and trolley-buses to shuttle visitors among 11 storage barns housing around three miles of vintage equipment. Highlights include exhibits of over 400 pieces of rail and transportation equipment and Take the Throttle engineer experience. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 244-7245.
Monticello Railway Museum
Monticello, Illinois
MRM’s 6 mi (10.5 km) round-trips link the museum site’s Nelson Crossing depot with downtown Monticello’s historic Wabash Depot. The fully operational Camp Creek Yards is open for tours and contains an enormous roster of locomotives and rolling stock. Highlights include cab rides. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (877) 762-9011.
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Ed note: The Indiana Transportation Museum, formerly of Noblesville, Indiana, has tentative plans to reopen in Logansport, Indiana. An updated listing will be published when information becomes available.
French Lick Scenic Railway
French Lick, Indiana
The “Tunnel Route” takes in the scenic hillscape of the Hoosier National Forest and burrows through the Burton Tunnel on its 100-minute run. Highlights include “Wild West” train robbery reenactments and other theme trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 748-7246.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum
North Judson, Indiana
From the museum’s replica C&O Depot home, trains embark on a laid-back round-trip through Indiana farm country to English Lake. Railroad memorabilia displays and equipment restorations are open to view. Highlights include caboose and cab rides and a guest engineer program. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (574) 896-3950.
Whitewater Valley Railroad
Connersville, Indiana
Along the the one-time tow path of the Whitewater Shipping Canal, the WVRR’s Valley Flyer makes its way to the 1838 revival canal town of Metamora. From there, a shorter Metamora Shuttle extends the adventure along an active stretch or restored canalway. Highlights include open-air coaches and Train to Dinner excursions. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (765) 825-2054.
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Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Boone, Iowa
The canary yellow locomotive and coaches of the B&SVRR are a familiar sight in the Des Moines River Valley as is the restored 1915 Charles City & Western trolley which trundles through downtown Boone. Highlights include train museum and dinner trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 626-0319.
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Abilene, Kansas
Not far from the Eisenhower Presidential Center, trains steam out of Old Abilene Town’s historic Rock Island Depot bound for the prairie town of Enterprise. Highlights include caboose and locomotive cab rides, and steam engine train runs on selected days. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (888) 426-6687.
Kansas Belle Dinner Train
Baldwin, Kansas
Seasonally changing gourmet menus feature selections ranging from prime rib to mahi mahi to Vegetarian Garden Penne. Highlights include murder mysteries and seasonal themes. Trains operate year-round. Telephone: +1 (785) 594-8505.
Midland Railway
Baldwin City, Kansas
The bucolic farmsteads and scenic woods of Eastern Kansas form the backdrop for these vintage train excursions through heartland America. Highlights include caboose and caboose copula rides. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (913) 721-1211.
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Coopersville & Marne Railway
Coopersville, Michigan
Rolling across Western Michigan’s farm country the C&MR welcomes locals and visitors for its popular scenic train rides. Highlights include caboose and locomotive cab rides. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (616) 997-7000.
Huckleberry Railroad – Crossroads Village
Flint, Michigan
An historic Baldwin steam locomotive hauls authentic wooden passenger cars through and around Crossroads Village, a living train museum that recreates a turn-of-the-century Midwestern town. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 648-7275.
Michigan Transit Museum
Mt. Clemens, Michigan
Thomas Edison operated the telegraph in the historic Grand Trunk Depot that houses the museum’s collection of equipment and rail artifacts. Scenic train rides, which follow a route interspersed with open fields and woodland thickets, depart from a separate station a couple of miles away. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (586) 463-1863.
The Old Road Murder Mystery Dinner Trains
Blissfield & Charlotte, Michigan
Patrons aboard both trains are served a five-course dinner while viewing a comical interactive murder mystery. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (888) 467-2451.
Southern Michigan Railroad
Clinton & Tecumsah, Michigan
Along Michigan’s oldest branch line, train tours snake their way through the historic River Raisin Valley, twice crossing the “world’s crookedest river.” Trains highlights include an open-air gondola. Limited days of operation. Telephone: +1 (734) 396-0416.
Tahquamenon Falls Train and Riverboat Tours
Soo Junction, Michigan
Tucked away in the Wolverine State’s Upper Peninsula, the 24-gauge Toonerville Trolley serves up an exciting 1¾-hour journey through the virgin forest habitat of moose and bears. An expanded 6½-hour tour includes a riverboat trip and a visit to Tahquamenon Falls. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (888) 778-7246.
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Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Twin Cities’ popular Chain of Lakes is home to this heritage revival streetcar. Scooting between Lakes Harriet and Calhoun, the streetcar is popular with folks who take advantage of the area’s many recreational opportunities. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (952) 922-1096.
Excelsior Streetcar Line
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Excelsior, Minnesota
Some 15 mi (24 km) west of Minneapolis, this restored streetcar line curls around Excelsior’s charming little downtown and leads to the Lake Minnetonka departure point of the popular Minnehaha steamboat. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (952) 922-1096.
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad
Duluth, Minnesota
Due to Superfund cleanup, the LS&M will be closed for the 2021 season. Service wll resume in 2022.
North Shore Scenic Railroad
Duluth, Minnesota
Vintage trains explore Lake Superior and the Northwoods on a variety of rail adventures. Duluth Zephyr, Music and Pizza Train, and Two Harbors Turn are the most popular excursions. Highlights include Depot Museum, steam engine train runs, dinner trains, and Birthday Caboose packages. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 423-1273.
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Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad
Belton, Missouri
Picturesque Olde Town Belton is the starting point for this 5 mi (8 km) family rail adventure. Highlights include cab and caboose rides and weekly ice cream trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (816) 331-0630.
Branson Scenic Railway
Branson, Missouri
Dark tunnels and high trestle crossings add excitement to “The Mainline through the Ozarks” as it whisks passengers off on a 40 mi (65 km) roundtrip through the Ozark foothills. Highlights include a domed observation car. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 287-2462.
St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway
Jackson, Missouri
A heritage diesel engine pulls vintage rolling stock on a 10 mi (16 km) roundtrip through the Midwestern countryside. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (573) 243-1688.
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Cincinnati Dinner Train
Cincinnati, Ohio
Roll back the clock to the mid 20th century and experience rail’s golden age while enjoying a four-course dinner served restaurant-style. Panoramic views and onboard entertainment enhance the experience. Highlights include the Oasis Tavern bar car and locomotive cab rides. Trains operate year-round (except January) . Telephone: +1 (513) 791-7245.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway
Independence, Peninsula, and Akron, Ohio
Running through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the CVSR follows the Cuyahoga River and the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway… to Akron’s Quaker Square…and on to Canton. The park is a wildlife habitat and home to the artisan village of Peninsula. Highlights include breakfast and dinner trains; also Hale Farm & Village excursion. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 468-4070.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Nelsonville, Ohio
Amid the rolling hills of Southeastern Ohio, the HVSR delights a steady stream of visitors looking to recapture the magic of a traditional steam engine train ride. Highlights inclde train robbery reenactments and theme trains.Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (740) 249-1452.
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad
Lebanon, Ohio
Departing historic Lebanon Station, 90-minute theme trains roll across the hills and dales of Southwestern Ohio. Highlights include steam engine train runs, theme trains, and an open-air gondola. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (513) 933-8022.
Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum
Grand Rapids, Ohio
Until repairs to the “Bluebird” passenger train are complete, rail motorcars are operating in its place. Pioneer-era cabin and century-old horse barn can be spotted along the way. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (419) 878-2177.
Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad
Mount Perry, Ohio
Classic diesel locomotives haul vintage coaches on a 12 mi (19 km) excursion over Southeast Ohio’s historic Glass Rock Line. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (740) 233-4010 .
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1880 Train
Black Hills Central Railroad
Hill City, South Dakota
Not far from Mt. Rushmore National Monument and the Crazy Horse Memorial, the 1880’s 90-minute round-trip journey through the Black Hills recalls the bygone era of Western discovery and settlement. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone:+1 (605) 574-2222.
Prairie Village Herman & Milwaukee Railroad
Madison, South Dakota
Heritage trains loop a 2 mi (3 km) track encircling the recreation of a turn-of-the-century midwestern settlement. Highlights include rare Emmanuel Chapel Car and a working turntable. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 693-3644.
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East Troy Electric Railroad Museum
East Troy, Mukwonago, and The Elegant Farmer, Wisconsin
Guests choose between open streetcar or interurban coach for a memorable excursion aboard the Badger State’s last interurban line. Highlights include nuseum exhibits; also Family Picnic and Dinner Trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (262) 642-3263.
Lumberjack Steam Train
Laona, Wisconsin
Visitors to the Camp 5 Logging Museum take a nostalgic steam engine ride to the site of an abandoned work camp where exhibits of logging life and lore share billing with the natural wonders of the Northwoods. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (715) 674-3414.
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
North Freedom, Wisconsin
The recreation of a century-old rail yard is the departure point for a 7 mi (11 km) rail journey through the Ice Age outcroppings and virgin woodlands of the Barboo Hills. Highlights include displays of restored rolling stock and educational exhibits; also themed onboard dining events. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (800) 930-1385.
National Railroad Museum
Green Bay, Wisconsin
A 25-minute spin around the train museum grounds gives riders an onboard close-up of rail operations. Highlights include one of the last remaining Big Boy locomotives, Gen. Eisenhower’s WWII command train and the once-futuristic Aerotrain. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (920) 437-7623.
Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
Spooner, Wisconsin
Down a century-old route, the WGNR treats passengers to an assortment of outings including countryside excursions to Springbrook and Veazie Springs. Highlights include Bed and Breakfast, Dinner, and Family Pizza Trains. Trains operate seasonally. Telephone: +1 (715) 635-3200.
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