Dining On the Train
Experience the tradition of dining aboard a train! Ticketholders are welcomed aboard one of two First Class railcars, the C&NW #440 business car or the Soo Line #2017 diner-lounge car. We offer a variety of dining menus and experiences. Browse our list of onboard dining events and click on an event for greater detail.
Onboard dining is a special occasion at Mid-Continent Railway Museum and is only offered on select dates and departure times. Reservations are required for all onboard dining tickets. Book early! Onboard dining tickets often sell out quickly.
Dining Train Types
| Type of Service | Dates Offered |
|---|---|
| BBQ Train | Not currently available – see info box below |
| Beer Train | Not currently available – see info box below |
| Brunch Train | Not offered in 2022 |
| Elegant Dinner Train | Not currently available – see info box below |
| First Class | Not currently available – see info box below |
| Pizza Train | Not currently available – see info box below |
Note: Pizza Trains and BBQ Trains are the only dining trains currently planned for 2023. The more labor-intensive Elegant Dinner Trains are not being offered due a limited number of volunteers currently available. If you wish to see more dining events return, please consider becoming a Dining Services volunteer!
Information Needed for Seating on Dining Trains
Passengers are not permitted to choose their own seats using the online reservation system. Seating is assigned by Mid-Continent staff as the departure date approaches to ensure that all the parties are seated at tables appropriate to the size of their party. Mid-Continent’s dining trains use the long-time railroad tradition of community seating. This means parties may be seated at the same table with other passengers. In order to ensure proper seating for your dining experience we need the following information:
Party Size
If the size of your party size is 4 or less and you all wish to be seated at the same table, you should make one reservation for all 4 or when you make your individual reservation tell us the last name of the person(s) you wish to be seated with.
If it is your intent to have a party of 5 or more sit together, please call 608-522-4261 to place your reservation so we can more accurately accommodate your needs and instruct you on how to make your group’s reservation.
Young Children
If you have young children and are in need of a high chair, booster seat or both, please select that option during booking or call 608-522-4261 so we can have the high chair and/or booster at your table prior to boarding.
Mobility/Handicap Issues
If anyone in your party has mobility or handicap issues, please select the appropriate options in the online booking form or call 608-522-4261; that way we can seat you on a dining car that can accommodate a lift and seat that person closest to the door.
Dietary Issues
Our chef can usually accommodate most dietary issues if he has advance notice. If anyone in your party has dietary issues, when you make your reservation please call 608-522-4261 and let us know your dietary restriction(s). Then we will check with the chef to determine if he can accommodate your dietary needs.
If you are unable to make a call or receive a call during Mid-Continent’s normal business hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM), you may call after hours and leave a voice message on the phone. Please leave your name, phone number, when you are available for a return call, and a brief message. Someone from the Dining Services Department will contact you as soon as possible regarding your voice message.
