Riverside & Great Northern Railway
4.7· 758 Google reviews
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationWI
- Rating4.7 ★758 Google reviews
- UpcomingThu, Aug 13
About Riverside & Great Northern Railway
Riverside & Great Northern Railway offers a 15‑inch (381 mm) gauge miniature train ride through the historic grounds of Wisconsin Dells, winding past the restored Sandley Light Railway Equipment Works shops and a scaled‑down C&NW depot. The line follows the former La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad right‑of‑way, featuring operational steam locomotives built on‑site in the 1950s, a joinery workshop where coaches are maintained, and a picnic area with a gift shop.
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree lot · paid lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Riverside & Great Northern Railway operates on 15 in (381 mm) gauge track and runs a collection of miniature equipment that includes the former Milwaukee County Zoo steam locomotive No. 82 and the former Hoot‑Toot & Whistle Railway steam locomotive No. 98, both built at the Sandley shops in the late 1950s. The railway also incorporates more than 30 pieces of rolling stock fabricated by Elmer and Norman Sandley, ranging from passenger coaches to freight cars, and it follows the former La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad right‑of‑way near Wisconsin Dells.
History
See full history
The Riverside and Great Northern Railway began as a demonstration line for Sandley locomotives in Janesville, Wisconsin, before the Sandley family moved the operation in 1952 to the former La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad right‑of‑way near Wisconsin Dells. The line ran under Sandley management until 1980, when that season marked the final year of service before Norman Sandley’s bankruptcy in the early 1980s. In the late 1980s a group of enthusiasts formed the Riverside and Great Northern Preservation Society and acquired the property, replacing ties and repairing buildings to restart operations. In 2024 the society added the two remaining steam locomotives from the Milwaukee County Zoo to its collection, completing the revival of the historic miniature railroad.
Around the Depot
Wisconsin's Riverside & Great Northern Railway is close to the Circus World Museum about 12 mi off and the Mid-Continent Railway Museum roughly 13 mi away.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Riverside & Great Northern Railway located?
Riverside & Great Northern Railway is located in WI.
How do I get tickets to Riverside & Great Northern Railway?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://dellstrain.com/.
When is the next event at Riverside & Great Northern Railway?
The next scheduled event is "Scenic Train Ride" on Thursday, August 13, 2026. See the full upcoming-events list on this page.