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.
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. All Onboard Dining Trains scheduled for 2021 have been canceled due to the added challenges associated with offering food service during a pandemic. At this point, all Coach Trains (i.e. non-food-service trains) are operating as scheduled, but additional cancellations are possible. 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
Although the State of Wisconsin has eliminated its mask mandate and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has relaxed its mask recommendation for vaccinated individuals, the CDC still requires mask usage aboard public transportation, including all airplanes, trains, buses, and while inside transportation facilities. This includes Mid-Continent Railway Museum. This is a federal regulation and is not up to Mid-Continent. Suitable face masks must be worn at all times aboard Mid-Continent trains and while inside Mid-Continent’s depot building. Masks are provided free-of-charge and can be obtained from the ticket agent or conductor.
Federal-level regulations still require facemasks to be worn aboard all passenger trains and at transportation facilities, including Mid-Continent.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Order
View the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order requiring the use of masks and the frequently asked questions. View the Federal Railroad Administration mask order.
Refusal to wear a mask will result in denial of entry.
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
Other Precautions
Hand sanitizer stations have been made available at numerous locations around Mid-Continent Railway Museum property and aboard our trains.
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.
