Category Archives: News

Keep up with the latest news and announcements at Mid-Continent Railway Museum.

2021 COVID-19 Impacts – Updated

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum is now open Saturdays and Sundays through October 17th. Mid-Continent is dedicated to keeping our visitors safe above all else. This post contains important information regarding visiting Mid-Continent Railway Museum during our 2021 season.

Schedule Changes

In response to anticipated decreases in the number of visitors and greater operating challenges during a pandemic, Mid-Continent has reduced its museum and train ride schedule to Saturdays and Sundays only in 2021. Typically Mid-Continent would be open 7-days-a-week during the summer. Please see the Train Ride Info page for full schedule information.

Groups of 20 or people may still be able to be charter a train ride on weekdays between May and October. Please contact our office with any group inquiries.

Increased Likelihood of Cancellations

Due to the evolving pandemic situation, Mid-Continent Railway Museum reserves the right to cancel or alter schedules from those advertised. Some previously published trains have already been canceled. Our website contains the most up-to-date schedule information and can be viewed on our Plan Your Visit page.

In the event train departures are canceled, reservation-holders will be notified as soon as possible and will be offered a full cash-back refund or the ability to transfer the ticket value to a future departure or a gift card.

Book with Confidence

During the pandemic, we understand that last-minute changes of plans may become necessary due to the need to follow self-isolation protocols, quarantines, or if experiencing the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. For this reason, we have adjusted our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related concerns, please contact us as soon as possible to be offered the greatest flexibility on refunds or rebooking.

Passengers are implored to cancel their visit if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, believe they may be infected, or recently had close contact with someone who is infected.

Health Safety Precautions

Mid-Continent is taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission aboard our trains and around the museum property.

Face Mask Usage

Suitable face masks must be worn at all times while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard Mid-Continent Railway trains. This is a federal regulation that applies to all railroads, airlines, and buses, as well as airports and railroad passenger terminals.

Although the State of Wisconsin no longer has a statewide facemask requirement, Federal-level regulations still require facemasks to be worn aboard all passenger trains and at transportation facilities, including Mid-Continent.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Order

View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order requiring the use of masks and the frequently asked questions.

Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry. Failure to comply with mask rules while riding trains may result in the person being subject to Federal civil penalties under Transportation Security Administration regulations.

With the exception of individuals with Special Circumstances listed below, all individuals must wear a mask that:
a. Completely covers their nose and mouth
b. Is secured to their head with ties or ear loops.

A face shield and/or goggles are not an acceptable substitute for the use of a mask,
but may be used in addition to one.

Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures. Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirement.

Special Circumstances

The following individuals may be permitted to proceed without a mask:

  • Individuals under the age of two (2) years old
  • An individual with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.). This exemption does not apply to individuals for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult. For additional information and examples of what constitutes an eligible exemption, refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

Individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have recovered from COVID-19 are not exempted from mask requirements.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ORDER

Social Distancing

Where possible, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is reducing the capacity of its trains by 50% or more to allow social distancing. Please follow instructions from signage and provided by museum staff and remain a minimum of six (6) feet away, or two coach seats, from persons not in your own party.

Because of the greatly reduced capacity aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s train rides to accommodate social distancing, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended this year.

Other Precautions

Hand sanitizer stations have been made available at numerous locations around Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard our trains.

High traffic areas of the museum and railroad passenger cars will be cleaned with increased frequency using FDA-approved anti-viral cleaning agents.

A capacity limit has been posted for the museum Gift Shop.

Volunteers and Member Activities

Museum staff and volunteers are required to wear masks while working in all areas of Mid-Continent Railway Museum property (including non-public areas), and aboard all trains. Social distancing is to be observed. Work session leaders can provide additional instructions.

Contacting Mid-Continent

To facilitate social distancing/telecommuting of our administrative employees, staffed office hours of the museum’s Administrative Office Building have been reduced. Mail, voicemails, and emails will continue to be checked frequently. Please allow up to 1-2 business days for a response. Any in-person meetings with office staff should be arranged ahead of time to guarantee availability.

Dining Trains Canceled Through September 2021

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SCHEDULE CHANGE NOTICE:

All ONBOARD DINING departures scheduled through September 2021 have been canceled. The affected departures include:

The above cancellations are in addition to the following previously canceled trains:

These cancellations are being enacted by Mid-Continent Railway Museum to best comply with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directive aimed at reducing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus aboard railroad passenger trains and other forms of mass transit. The directive was originally set to expire in May 2021, but has now been extended by the TSA to September 2021.

After careful consideration, our Dining Services volunteers felt we would be unable to provide passengers aboard these trains the quality experience they expect and deserve while also remaining compliant with the TSA directive.

We apologize for any inconvenience these cancellations may cause. Customers already booked aboard the affected trains are being contacted and will be offered a full refund.

The cancellations do NOT affect Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s COACH TRAINS, which will continue to operate normally while observing social distancing and mask requirements. No food service is offered aboard COACH TRAINS.

Mid-Continent is currently evaluating options for our dining trains scheduled in October and will release additional information on those trains soon.

Related Links:

  1. Transportation Security Administration News Release about the extension of mask rules
  2. Centers for Disease Control Requirements for Face Masks on Public Transportation Convayences and at Transportation Hubs

Update on Mask Requirements at Mid-Continent Railway Museum

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Face masks musts still be worn while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard all Mid-Continent Railway Museum trains.

Background:

On March 31, 2021 the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the Wisconsin Governor’s executive order requiring the statewide use of masks to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This ruling does NOT overturn the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) order which requires mask usage on airplanes, trains, buses and while at transportation hubs throughout the United States. Under the CDC order, Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s entire property is considered a transportation hub and Mid-Continent’s trains are classified as a public conveyance and are subject to the CDC order.

Refusal to wear a mask while visiting Mid-Continent will result in denied entry. Failure to comply with requests to wear a mask may result in civil fines in accordance with Transportation Security Administration Security Directive 1582/84-21-01. Help make your visit enjoyable for everyone by arriving prepared and with a face mask.

2021 COVID-19 Impacts

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Mid-Continent Railway Museum is presently closed as part of its normal seasonal closure. After having remained closed for the entirety of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Continent is currently planning to reopen its doors to the public starting on May 8, 2021. Here are some important notices about the planned 2021 season.

Schedule Changes

In response to anticipated decreases in the number of visitors and greater operating challenges during a pandemic, Mid-Continent has reduced its museum and train ride schedule to Saturdays and Sundays only in 2021. Typically Mid-Continent would be open 7-days-a-week during the summer. Please see the Train Ride Info page for full schedule information.

Groups of 20 or people may still be able to be charter a train ride on weekdays between May and October. Please contact our office with any group inquiries.

Increased Likelihood of Cancellations

Due to the evolving pandemic situation, Mid-Continent Railway Museum reserves the right to cancel or alter schedules from those advertised. Please refer to www.midcontinent.org for the most up-to-date schedule information. 

In the event train departures are canceled, reservation-holders will be notified as soon as possible and will be offered a full cash-back refund or the ability to transfer the ticket value to a future departure or a gift card.

Book with Confidence

During the pandemic, we understand that last-minute changes of plans may become necessary due to the need to follow self-isolation protocols, quarantines, or if experiencing the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. For this reason, we have adjusted our cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your booking due to COVID-19 related concerns, please contact us as soon as possible to be offered the greatest flexibility on refunds or rebooking.

Health Safety Precautions

Mid-Continent is still finalizing its health and sanitation guidelines for our trains and museum property. These rules and precautions may change.

Face Mask Usage

Suitable face masks must be worn at all times while on Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard Mid-Continent Railway trains. Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry. Failure to comply with mask rules while riding trains may result in the person being subject to Federal penalties under Transportation Security Administration regulations.

With the exception of individuals with Special Circumstances listed below, all individuals must wear a mask that:
a. Completely covers their nose and mouth
b. Is secured to their head with ties or ear loops.

A face shield and/or goggles are not an acceptable substitute for the use of a mask,
but may be used in addition to one.

Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures. Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirement.

Special Circumstances

The following individuals may be permitted to proceed without a mask:

  • Individuals under the age of two (2) years old
  • An individual with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability, for example, individuals who do not know how to remove their masks, cannot remove them on their own, or cannot communicate promptly to ask someone else to remove their mask. This exemption does not apply to individuals for whom mask-wearing may only be difficult.

Social Distancing

Where possible, Mid-Continent Railway Museum is reducing the capacity of its trains to permit social distancing. Please follow instructions from signage and provided by museum staff and remain a minimum of six (6) feet away from persons not in your own party.

Because of reduced capacity aboard Mid-Continent Railway Museum’s train rides due to social distancing, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended.

Volunteers and Member Activities

As part of pandemic safety and cost-reduction measures, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum property remains closed to all non-essential personnel through April 3, 2021. No on-site volunteering sessions will occur before that date. Additionally, the member meeting and banquet originally scheduled for April 3, 2021 has been canceled. Upon the return of volunteering sessions, previously adopted social distancing and safety protocols will remain applicable.

Contacting Mid-Continent

To assist with minimizing risk to office staff, our administrative office hours during the winter and early spring are expected to remain very limited. Phone messages, emails, and postal mail are typically read and responded to within two business days.

2021 New Trainman Class

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The Operating Department will hold a class for new trainmen on April 10-11 and May 1-2. The class will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day with a one-hour break for lunch. Attendance at all four days is mandatory to complete the class. The class is held at Mid-Continent and is limited to 6 people, we will create a waiting list for anyone requesting to join the class after the 6th person signs up. The class consists of both classroom and hands-on sessions, with the first weekend being mainly held in the classroom. You must be a member in good standing to be eligible to attend the class, you must be able to lift 50 lbs, and you must be at least 18 years of age. Be aware that you will be required to work outside in all types of weather. The cost to attend the class is free, but you will need to equip yourself with the proper clothing/uniform and will need to buy a rule book. If, after completing your student trips, you qualify as a brakeman you will also have to provide a deposit for the keys you will be issued. All requirements for the class will be explained in the invitation email. Ongoing requirements of staying in the Operating Department will be explained during the class.

We try to hold a class for new trainmen once each year in the spring. If you are considering joining the operating department, you must attend this class to become a trainman. If you left the department without taking any kind of approved leave (leave applies only to a small number of people), you also must take this class if you wish to return and will start as a trainman. No credit will be given for previous service or positions held.

Due to the cancellation of last year’s class, applicants from 2020 have first choice this year, but if you would like more information on the program or would like to be added to a waitlist in the event a seat is available, please send an email or call the MCRM office at (608) 522-4261 or inquiries@midcontinent.org.

If you are selected to attend this year’s class: The first weekend will be entirely indoors at the North Freedom Town Hall. The second weekend in the yard will be mostly outside and require a few specific items (Steel-toe Boots, Gloves/Leather Mittens) and will be discussed in a follow-up email and at the first class. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks/face coverings will be required at all times indoors and on museum property. You will be required to obtain a Consolidated Code of Operating Rules, Edition of 1980, which you can purchase from the museum for $10. The museum has limited quantities and you are free to acquire your own copy of a Consolidated Code of Operating Rules, Edition of 1980 outside the museum (ebay or other sellers), but it is a REQUIRED item to have on your person while on duty. As well, once you qualify, you will need to pay $5 for a switch and “O” key. This is a one-time deposit fee and you will be given a receipt. You will be expected to return the keys should you no longer remain an active volunteer in operations, at which time your deposit fee will also be returned.

ALL details subject to change. We welcome any suggestions or other input. If you are still interested in the Trainman class, but not at this time, please let us know so we can keep you on a list for future classes. We also recommend following our Facebook page and reading the Steamer newsletters.

Thanks,

Christopher E Lorr
Assistant Training Officer
Mid-Continent Railway Museum