NORTH FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Root Beer Float Flyer — A 55‑Minute, Late‑Afternoon Ride Through Sauk County
A seven‑mile round‑trip aboard restored early‑1900s coaches with an included ice‑cold root beer float and access to museum displays — this guide helps you plan the short, late‑afternoon outing.
Root Beer Float Flyer — A 55‑Minute, Late‑Afternoon Ride Through Sauk County.
Experience the charm of a bygone era on a 55‑minute Root Beer Float train ride through rural Sauk County. Passengers travel in restored early‑1900s coach cars led by an authentically attired conductor, enjoy an included ice‑cold root beer float served aboard, and have admission to the Mid‑Continent Railway Museum’s display buildings for a self‑guided exploration of historic cars and locomotives.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Root beer float served aboard
Ticket price includes an ice‑cold root beer float served during the 55‑minute ride — a simple, late‑afternoon treat that’s part of the excursion.
Seven miles through a valley between the Baraboo Hills
The train makes a roughly seven‑mile round trip on a former Chicago & North Western branch line, carrying passengers in restored century‑old coaches behind a diesel locomotive over a 55‑minute run.
Coach sheds and nearly 40 display pieces
Mid‑Continent’s coach sheds and outdoor display yard feature dozens of restored wooden passenger and freight cars plus century‑old steam locomotives on view, all accessible with museum admission included in the ticket.
What the day feels like
What the afternoon feels like
You board at a historic depot before a conductor calls “all aboard!” and settle into a restored early‑1900s coach. Over the next 55 minutes the diesel‑powered train rolls through a valley between the Baraboo Hills on a seven‑mile round trip; during the ride an ice‑cold root beer float is served, and the outing includes admission to the museum’s display buildings and a self‑guided tour pamphlet.
THE TREAT
Root beer float served aboard
Ticket price includes an ice‑cold root beer float served during the 55‑minute ride — a simple, late‑afternoon treat that’s part of the excursion.
THE ROUTE
Seven miles through a valley between the Baraboo Hills
The train makes a roughly seven‑mile round trip on a former Chicago & North Western branch line, carrying passengers in restored century‑old coaches behind a diesel locomotive over a 55‑minute run.
THE MUSEUM
Coach sheds and nearly 40 display pieces
Mid‑Continent’s coach sheds and outdoor display yard feature dozens of restored wooden passenger and freight cars plus century‑old steam locomotives on view, all accessible with museum admission included in the ticket.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress for the weather: coach windows can be opened but cars are not air‑conditioned. Bring layers for late‑afternoon rides and anything you need for comfort given limited climate control.
The train ride itself takes approximately 55 minutes; the 5:30 PM Flyer returns at about 6:25 PM and the museum grounds remain open for roughly an hour after the train’s arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Root Beer Float Flyer ride?
The train ride takes approximately 55 minutes.
Is a root beer float included with the ticket?
Yes — an ice‑cold root beer float is served aboard the train and included with the ticket price.
Can I visit the museum displays with the same ticket?
Yes — admission to the museum display buildings is included with the ticket, and a self‑guided tour pamphlet is provided at the ticket window.
Are seats assigned on the train?
Seating is not assigned.
Are the trains steam or diesel?
All trains are powered by diesel locomotives.
When does the late‑afternoon Flyer return and how long will the museum stay open?
The 5:30 PM Flyer will return at about 6:25 PM, and the museum grounds will remain open for about an hour after the train’s arrival.