Welcome to the Wisconsin Railroad Database

Our Mission Statement begins: “The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the railroad legacy for the educational benefit of the general public.” In addition, statement number five reads, “To maintain a library and archival collections in the interest of promoting historical studies of the industry.” It is in this context that the Wisconsin Railroad Database has a well-defined home on our public web site.

Mid-Continent believes that its own Wisconsin Railroad Database represents the single most comprehensive and publicly accessible searchable database available. It is also among the first to provide all the available information in one place, and serves as a dynamic resource that will be updated regularly as new bits and pieces are found.

Though the database is still a work in progress, Shawano and Bayfield Counties have been completed and are ready to be enjoyed by all. You will find extensive information about all railroads known to have operated in both counties, including right of way maps, equipment lists, and images. Information in the database has been compiled county by county as this approach focuses the visitor’s attention while permitting a greater view of the larger railroad systems of the state. Railroads from Wisconsin’s remaining seventy counties will be added to the online database as they are converted to a web-friendly format.

Please feel free to send us your comments and feedback, by using the Feedback link located at the bottom of every page. Enjoy!