Colfax, WI
Colfax Railroad Museum
4.7· 53 Google reviews
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-23- TypeSeasonal railroad museum with a 7½-inch-gauge miniature public railway
- LocationColfax, WI
- Rating4.7 ★53 Google reviews
- AccessibilityNo current ride vehicle, transfer, platform, surface, or securement specifications are published; call before an access-dependent visit
About Colfax Railroad Museum
Colfax Railroad Museum preserves railroad equipment and everyday artifacts associated with western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota in Colfax's sandstone depot complex. Its collection includes Soo Line caboose 273, coach 991, a Porter 2-6-2T, Soo Line GP30 703, dining-car china, lanterns, signals, uniforms, paperweights, archives, and model-railroad work. The museum normally advertises a paid 7½-inch-gauge miniature ride on first and third Saturdays during its May-through-October season. A later operator update placed that ride under maintenance for equipment and track work without a reopening date, so the museum visit remains current but no ride date or availability is promised.
Plan a Colfax Railroad Museum Visit
Choose the visit that fits your groupRailroad-history visitors and families
Museum and depot tour
Tour the sandstone depot, preserved equipment, and indoor collection during current seasonal hours.
Visitors whose trip depends on riding
Miniature railway status check
Call before travel; the ride remains under maintenance until the operator announces reopening.
Equipment and material-culture enthusiasts
Regional railroad collection
Connect locomotives and cars with dining-car, signal, uniform, archive, and model-railroad material.
Visitors extending the regional-history day
Rassbach Heritage Museum
Continue about 17.5 road miles to an independent Dunn County history museum and hands-on workshop.
Current Operating Status
Official operating information
Miniature railway under maintenance · no reopening date published
Schedule information was checked against the linked official source. Dates, availability, and operating conditions can change. Check official operating status ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingExact current parking and accessible-space details are not published on the museum site; follow onsite signs
- AccessibilityNo current ride vehicle, transfer, platform, surface, or securement specifications are published; call before an access-dependent visit
- WeatherThe outdoor miniature railway can be suspended for rain or maintenance; current operator notice controls
- Museum SeasonMay 1-October 31
- Museum HoursWednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; other hours by appointment
- Ride StatusMiniature lawn train under maintenance at the latest operator update; no reopening date published
- Normal Ride PatternFirst and third Saturdays when operating; do not use this recurrence until reopening is confirmed
- Ride Fare With TourAdults $3; children $1 when operating
- Ride Fare Without TourAdults $5; children $3 when operating
- Museum AdmissionAdults $10; youth ages 7-14 $5; ages 2-6 $2; under two free; family maximum $25
- Gauge7½-inch miniature railway
- CollectionRegional rolling stock, dining-car china, lanterns, signals, uniforms, archives, paperweights, and model railroads
- GroupsGroup tours welcome; arrange ahead
- Contact715-962-2076
- TimezoneAll published hours are local Central Time
Find the Depot
The Trains
The official collection overview names Soo Line caboose 273, Barney & Smith coach 991, a Porter 2-6-2T steam locomotive, and Soo Line GP30 703 among the preserved equipment. The public ride is a separate 7½-inch-gauge miniature railway. Preserved full-size equipment and the miniature ride must not be conflated, and no locomotive, consist, accessible car, or operating condition is promised for a future ride.
History
Construction began on Colfax's sandstone third depot.
The depot was completed on the prior depot foundation.
A tornado damaged the freight-house side of the depot.
Village planning documented the museum's miniature railway and Soo Line Park expansion.
The operator announced miniature-train equipment and track maintenance without a reopening date.
See full history
The museum occupies the village's third depot, built in 1914–15 from locally quarried sandstone on the foundation of the second depot. A 1958 tornado damaged the freight-house side; part of the women's waiting-room wall was rebuilt from rubble while the freight house was not restored. The museum subsequently developed the depot and grounds into a regional railroad collection and added a library, archive, events center, and 7½-inch-gauge miniature railway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the miniature train running now?
Do not assume it is. The latest operator update placed the ride under maintenance and gave no reopening date. Call 715-962-2076 before a ride-dependent trip.
When is the museum open?
The museum publishes Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., May 1 through October 31, with other times by appointment.
What does museum admission cost?
Adults $10, youth ages 7-14 $5, ages 2-6 $2, under two free, with a $25 family maximum at the source check.
What are the miniature-train fares?
When operating, the durable page lists adults $3 and children $1 with a museum tour, or adults $5 and children $3 without a tour. Maintenance status controls.
What can I see without riding?
The depot and grounds preserve regional rolling stock plus dining-car china, lanterns, signals, uniforms, archives, paperweights, and model-railroad material.
Is the ride wheelchair accessible?
The museum does not publish enough current vehicle, platform, transfer, surface, or securement detail to promise access. Call before booking an access-dependent visit.
Are group tours available?
Yes. The museum welcomes group tours and asks visitors to arrange them in advance.
Where is the museum?
Use 500 East Railroad Avenue, Colfax, Wisconsin 54730.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official museum home page for identity, hours, admission, ride pattern, fares, collection, phone, and address
- Official museum history for depot construction and 1958 tornado damage
- Official rolling-stock gallery for collection identity
- Official museum calendar reviewed for current dated events
- Operator social channel for the June 29 miniature-railway maintenance notice
- Village of Colfax resolution supporting the museum's regional railroad mission
- OpenStreetMap geocoding and route-data attribution
