East Troy, WI
East Troy Railroad Museum
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-23- TypeVolunteer-run electric interurban railroad museum with regular, dining, harvest, and holiday trains
- LocationEast Troy, WI
- Rating4.7 ★711 Google reviews
- UpcomingSat, Sep 26
- Typical rideRegular trips cover about 14 miles round trip; schedules allow hop-off time and repeat rides on valid all-day tickets
- Tickets & faresRegular and Harvest Fest passes are good all day; dining and holiday trains require a reserved specific departure
- AccessibilityOriginal historic cars are not ADA accessible; boarding requires several steps, though staff may assist riders who can navigate them
About East Troy Railroad Museum
The volunteer-run East Troy Railroad Museum owns and operates the East Troy Electric Railroad, the last surviving segment of Wisconsin's once extensive interurban network. Historic electric streetcars and interurban cars travel a roughly 14-mile round trip between the 1910 East Troy substation depot and Mukwonago, with regular all-day ride passes plus dining, harvest, Halloween, and Christmas experiences.
Choose an East Troy Electric Railroad Experience
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies, first-time visitors, and flexible day trips
Regular summer trains
Use an all-day pass on the final August Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and ride between East Troy and The Elegant Farmer.
Families, orchard visitors, and fall outings
Harvest Fest trains
Ride weekend shuttle-style service September 5-October 31 with all-day travel between the depot and farm festivities.
Adults, couples, and food-focused outings
Dining trains
Reserve one of nine remaining brunch, lunch, tasting, or dinner dates aboard restored art-deco dining cars.
Families planning a dated holiday trip
Halloween and Christmas trains
Book a specific reserved departure for Trick-or-Treat or Santa experiences.
Food, farm-market, and seasonal-festival visitors
The Elegant Farmer
Shop the bakery, deli, produce market, and orchard at the railroad's independent Mukwonago station.
Upcoming Events
Official schedule information
2026 special-event calendar
Schedule information was checked against the linked official source. Dates, availability, and operating conditions can change. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree parking, picnic tables, museum, gift shop, and restrooms are available at East Troy Depot
- AccessibilityOriginal historic cars are not ADA accessible; boarding requires several steps, though staff may assist riders who can navigate them
- WeatherTrains run rain or shine but do not operate during nearby lightning; equipment may be substituted
- Regular FaresAdults $17; seniors and military $14.50; children ages 3-14 $11; age 2 and under free, plus tax and online fees
- Harvest FaresCurrent Harvest Fest page lists $19 adult, $16.50 senior or military, $13 child, and free age 0-2 before tax
- Ride LengthRegular trips cover about 14 miles round trip; schedules allow hop-off time and repeat rides on valid all-day tickets
- BoardingStart at 2002 Church Street; regular and Harvest Fest trains also board at The Elegant Farmer
- TicketsRegular and Harvest Fest passes are good all day; dining and holiday trains require a reserved specific departure
- FoodEating is not allowed on regular cars; dining cars 24 and 25 are the exception and have working restrooms
- ClimateDining cars 24 and 25 have heat and air conditioning; other cars have heat except Car 26 and the open car
- TimezoneAll published times are local Central Time
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum reports more than 30 pieces of historic electric equipment. Passenger cars used in service were built between 1908 and 1930 and draw 600-volt direct current from the overhead wire. The roster includes city streetcars, interurbans, work equipment, and art-deco dining cars 24 and 25. The specific equipment operating on a chosen day depends on availability and weather.
History
The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company completed the interurban line to East Troy.
The neo-Egyptian East Troy substation building, now the depot museum, was completed.
The village purchased the surviving East Troy-Mukwonago segment after abandonment of through service.
East Troy began municipal operation of the electric freight railroad.
Weekend public trolley rides began on the line.
The Wisconsin Trolley Museum took over railroad operation.
Friends of East Troy Railroad purchased the line and continued the nonprofit museum.
See full history
The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company completed the East Troy interurban line in 1907. After abandonment of through service in 1939, the Village of East Troy purchased the remaining segment to preserve freight access and operated it municipally from 1950. Museum trolley rides began in 1972. The Wisconsin Trolley Museum took over operation in 1985, and the Friends of East Troy Railroad purchased the line in 1995, continuing it as today's nonprofit museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a steam railroad?
No. It is an authentic electric interurban and trolley operation powered from overhead wire.
How long is the ride?
The public experience is described as a roughly 14-mile round trip, with exact timing depending on the schedule and any stop.
Can I board at The Elegant Farmer?
Yes on regular summer and Harvest Fest service. You must pick up or purchase the required paper ticket at East Troy before the return trip.
Are tickets good all day?
Regular and Harvest Fest tickets are. Dining, Bunny, Trick-or-Treat, and Christmas tickets apply only to the reserved train.
Are the trains wheelchair accessible?
No. The original historic cars predate ADA standards and require several steps. Call before buying if boarding access is essential.
Do trains run in rain?
Yes, but not during nearby lightning. The museum may substitute equipment for weather or availability.
Are restrooms aboard?
Only dining cars 24 and 25 have working onboard restrooms. Restrooms are available at East Troy Depot; The Elegant Farmer has portable toilets.
What 2026 dates remain?
The verified calendar contains 48 dated ride entries after August 23 across regular, harvest, dining, Halloween, Christmas, and special programs.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official schedule for 2026 regular and seasonal service, station addresses, and contact
- Official 2026 brochure for exact calendar dates, fares, dining trains, and special events
- Official summer page for departures, all-day fares, ticket policy, and boarding
- Official FAQ for access, weather, restrooms, food, boarding, and reservation rules
- Official experience page for trip, historic passenger equipment, and depot planning
- Official history for the interurban line, municipal era, preservation, and ownership
- Official museum and gift shop page for depot history and facilities
- Official dinner-train page for remaining dates, timing, prices, policies, and dining-car experience
