Are you on the lookout for a unique day trip that is a sure-fire hit with kids?
Look no further than the East Troy Railroad – a hidden gem nestled in the heart of East Troy, Wisconsin. It’s one of our favorite family day trips from Milwaukee.
Step back in time, when trains chugged through picturesque landscapes, and the simple joy of a train’s whistle filled the air.
At the East Troy Railroad, this nostalgic experience is brought to life, captivating young and old alike. From the moment you board the historic train, you’ll embark on an old-fashioned journey that will transport you to a bygone era – and to Elegant Farmer!
So, gather your little conductors, prepare for a day full of excitement, and let’s explore everything this enchanting destination has to offer.
Getting there
Getting to the East Troy Railroad from Milwaukee is a breeze, and the journey itself can be part of the fun!
The address to put into your GPS is 2002 Church Street, East Troy, Wisconsin.
The approximate driving time is around 40 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting location in Milwaukee.
To make the car ride more fun, put on an upbeat playlist and make sure to have plenty of snacks and car activities.
Once you arrive, the museum is well-marked and there’s plenty of free parking.
East Troy Railroad Museum
You’ll get your ticket inside of the historic museum, where you can also immerse yourself in the rich history of railroads at the museum exhibits.
Discover fascinating artifacts, vintage mementos, model train layouts, railroad souvenirs, photographs, and interactive displays that showcase the evolution of trains and their impact on transportation.
Learn about the stories of the railway workers and the communities they served, gaining a deeper appreciation for the significance of this mode of travel.
There’s also a hands-on area where kids can pretend to be a trolley motorman.
Pro Tip: Go to the bathroom in the museum before your board.
Choosing Your Seats
There are several trains to choose from each day the trains run.
Most seats are like airplane seats and do not face each other. But there are a few seats on every train that do face each other. When you pick your seats, you choose them from a graphic of each car’s seat layout.
If you cannot see seats facing each other, you could pick seats one in front of the other or right across the aisle from each other. Every passenger needs a seat, even toddlers.
All aboard!
We purchased tickets for the first scheduled train on Sundays at 9:30 a.m., and soon it was our time to board.
The kids were so excited when they heard the announcement that the train was about to depart, and they loved handing their own tickets to the conductor.
The trains currently operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. (See schedule.)
Tickets start at $9.50 for children, and kids 2 and under are free. Adult admission is $15, and there’s a discount for seniors and those with a military I.D. All proceeds and sales benefit the education and preservation work of the museum.
The seats on the rail cars are old-fashioned as expected, but also padded and quite comfortable. We found a small room with two long seats facing each other, and it was perfect for our group of five.
Throughout the ten-mile ride, we enjoyed the sunny countryside and spotted farm animals, wildflowers, wild berries, country houses, and more.
The ride was about 30 minutes, and the kids were transfixed on the scenery for most of that time, thought my one year old was not impressed with the loud train horn. Luckily grandma was there to snuggle her while the big kids enjoyed the ride.
Destination: Elegant Farmer
You have the option to disembark at Elegant Farmer, or to keep riding on to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago.
We disembarked at Elegant Farmer because, well, have you ever tried their pie?
We arrived at 10:00 a.m. and at first I was a little worried about what we would do there for an hour before the train came back to get us. But the timing turned out perfectly.
First, we spent some time on the wooden rocking horses, and then we meandered through the country store.
The store is filled with gourmet, local products including raw honey, caramel popcorn, old-fashioned candy, salt water taffy, cheeses, meats, pies and other baked goods. My kids opted for ice cream.
After enjoying our dairy delights, we had a little bit of time before the train was scheduled to come get us. We mosied around a nearby store that sells kitschy signs and old-fashioned furniture.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the depot. We got to ride in a different train car on the way back, filled with vintage advertisements and original 1920’s decor.
Somehow my kids had not completely fallen apart yet, and we had a genuinely fun day together. It was such a unique adventure, and we’re so lucky to live within an hour of it.
Pro Tips
- Ride more than one train! Tickets are good all day long for as many different cars as you would like to ride on.
- You have the option to board at the historic depot in East Troy or at the Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. (See schedule.)
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you have enough time to purchase tickets, explore the museum, and use the bathroom.
- Remind your kids before the ride that they need to keep their hands and body inside the train. There is brush along the way that can scratch them.
- If you haven’t already enjoyed ice cream at the Elegant Farmer, you can end your day with a visit to Lauber’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor next to the depot.
Special Events
- Railfan Day: Enjoy a day filled with interesting exhibits, train rides, and family fun activities. Different trains run every hour, starting from 10am with the last train departing at 3pm. Your ticket allows you to ride multiple trains throughout the day (subject to availability). Additional attractions include face painting, model railroad displays, free popcorn, and miniature train rides. Free parking and picnic tables are available at the East Troy Depot.
- Chicago Day: Kids can complete a Junior Ranger Program to earn an East Troy Electric Railroad Pin during Chicago Day on July 15th. National Park Rangers from Indiana Dunes National Park will be on hand to explain the history of the South Shore Line and the historic South Shore & South Bend railroad cars from the 1920s. Learn about Chicago’s electric railway history by riding the South Shore cars from the 1920s, enjoying one of three 1924-era Chicago Elevated Cars, or touring the recently restored Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Car 761. Free tickets to active-duty military members and to veterans in uniform.
- Milwaukee Day: Celebrate Milwaukee’s electric railroading history with a chance to see and ride on historic Milwaukee Streetcars and a newly-restored Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Silverliner car. Work cars from The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company (TMER&L) will be on display, along with historic tickets and timetables. Trains run on the hour from 10am to 3pm. Free tickets are available for active duty military members and veterans with valid ID.
- Trick or Treat Trains: Fridays in October: Experience fall fun with the Trick-or-treat trains. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy a 20-minute ride from the East Troy Depot to Byrnes Park. At the park, there will be trick-or-treat stations and fall activities. Upon returning to East Troy, each child can pick out a pumpkin to take home. Advance reservations are required for this approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes experience.
- Christmas Train: Embark on a magical ride from the East Troy Depot to Santa’s workshop located at the Elegant Farmer. Children can visit Santa and take a photo with him. The trolleys are heated, and there are available bathrooms at the East Troy Depot. The total experience is two hours, including a 30-minute train ride to the Elegant Farmer, 1 hour at the Elegant Farmer, and a 30-minute train ride back to the East Troy Depot.
Each of these special events offers unique opportunities for families and rail enthusiasts to create lasting memories while exploring the fascinating world of trains and railways.
F.A.Q.
Are there restrooms on the train?
No. Some of the cars were built with restrooms but they are not currently working. The one exception is the Dinner Train, cars 24 and 25, each of which has a working restroom. Restrooms are available in the East Troy Depot. The Elegant Farmer and Indianhead Park also have restrooms.
Is eating allowed on the train?
No. The exceptionvis the Dinner Train, cars 24 and 25, where meals are served.
Is smoking allowed on the train?
No.
Are the trains climate-controlled?
The dining cars, cars 24 and 25, have air conditioning and heat. All of the other cars have heat with the exception of Car 26 and the open car.
Are your trains accessible for the disabled?
No. The cars used at the East Troy Railroad Museum is historic, original streetcar and interurban equipment, designed long before the ADA was enacted. However, many people with physical limitations are able to board and enjoy their trip if they can navigate a few steps with some help and taking the time they need.
Where can we park?
Parking is available at the East Troy Depot.
For more information and to buy tickets, head to easttroyrr.org.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
