NORTH FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Pumpkin Special: A 55‑Minute Harvest Ride from North Freedom to Quartzite Lake
Board restored early‑1900s coaches for a seven‑mile, 55‑minute round‑trip through the Baraboo Hills to Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins from a local grower await — this guide explains logistics, accessibility, and what to bring.
Pumpkin Special: A 55‑Minute Harvest Ride from North Freedom to Quartzite Lake.
Each autumn the Mid‑Continent Railway Museum stages the Pumpkin Special: a nostalgic, 55‑minute train excursion from the historic North Freedom depot through a valley in the Baraboo Hills to Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins from a local grower are available at the end of the line. The outing combines a short scenic rail journey with access to the museum’s display buildings and self‑guided exhibits, making it equal parts harvest outing and living‑history visit.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A seven‑mile run through the Baraboo Hills
Passengers travel a seven‑mile round‑trip on a former Chicago & North Western branch line, winding through a valley between the Baraboo Hills on a roughly 55‑minute journey aboard restored steel coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive.
Pumpkins at the end of the line
The train’s destination is Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins supplied by a local grower are available for purchase; buying a pumpkin is optional and sales are handled by an independent vendor.
Turn‑of‑the‑century rolling stock and displays
Beyond the ride itself, the museum’s coach sheds and outdoor yard present nearly 40 train cars and locomotives — restored wooden passenger cars, freight cars and century‑old steam locomotives — that visitors can inspect as a self‑guided experience.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The Pumpkin Special is a compact autumn ritual: board at the historic 1894 North Freedom depot, ride for roughly 55 minutes in century‑old coaches pulled by diesel power, disembark at Quartzite Lake to browse pumpkins, then return to the depot. Tickets include access to the museum display buildings and a self‑guided tour pamphlet, so visitors can pair the short scenic ride with a deeper look at restored cars and locomotives.
THE ROUTE
A seven‑mile run through the Baraboo Hills
Passengers travel a seven‑mile round‑trip on a former Chicago & North Western branch line, winding through a valley between the Baraboo Hills on a roughly 55‑minute journey aboard restored steel coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive.
THE HARVEST
Pumpkins at the end of the line
The train’s destination is Quartzite Lake, where pumpkins supplied by a local grower are available for purchase; buying a pumpkin is optional and sales are handled by an independent vendor.
THE MUSEUM
Turn‑of‑the‑century rolling stock and displays
Beyond the ride itself, the museum’s coach sheds and outdoor yard present nearly 40 train cars and locomotives — restored wooden passenger cars, freight cars and century‑old steam locomotives — that visitors can inspect as a self‑guided experience.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should take precautions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The train ride itself takes approximately 55 minutes; allow about an additional hour to explore the museum displays and visit the gift shop. Museum grounds are open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Train cars are not climate‑controlled and windows open individually; dress for outdoor fall temperatures. Food is not allowed on the train except water and infant bottles.
All trains are powered by diesel locomotives. Seating is unassigned; reservations ensure seats will be available. Pumpkin purchases are handled by an independent vendor at Quartzite Lake and are optional.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Pumpkin Special ride?
The train ride takes approximately 55 minutes for the seven‑mile round trip.
Are pumpkins included with the ticket?
No. Pumpkins are made available by an independent local vendor at Quartzite Lake and purchase is optional.
What payment methods are accepted for pumpkins?
Pumpkin sales at Quartzite Lake are cash‑only.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
A wheelchair lift providing handicap accessibility to the train is located at the North Freedom depot, but a lift is not available at Quartzite Lake, preventing the alighting of handicapped passengers there.
What does my ticket include?
Tickets include the 55‑minute train ride in early‑1900s coach cars pulled by a diesel locomotive, admission to museum display buildings, and a self‑guided tour pamphlet provided at the ticket window.
Can I eat on the train?
Food items are not allowed on the train except water and infant bottles. A food truck will be serving near the depot and a picnic shelter is located next to the depot.