Interurban railroads once plied much of the Midwest, moving passengers easily from farm to city and vice versa. Today, a sprig of that heritage remains at the East Troy Electric Railroad, where electric trains run through the scenic countryside.
Choices
On a 14-mile round trip, the railroad offers a variety of cars to ride that includes trolleys, streetcars from Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, and electrically powered traditional coaches from the famous South Shore Line. Trains depart from both East Troy and Mukwonago. The railroad also offers picnic trains and dinner trains that run to Phantom Lake and back. After viewing the exhibits in the depot, you can walk two blocks to the shops and look at the equipment being refurbished.
When to go
Regular weekend excursions run from May through October. From late May through September, trains also operate on Fridays. There are several special events during the year including a Christmas Express that runs in November and December.
Good to know
Sheboygan car No. 26 is a 1908 interurban built by the Cincinnati Car Company for Sheboygan Light, Power, and Railway. No. 26 later became a summer cottage until it was restored.
Worth doing
Regular excursions operate from East Troy to the Indianhead Park in Mukwonago, with stops at the Elegant Farmer. What’s an Elegant Farmer? It makes a great destination as the Farmer provides a deli, greenhouse, and market all in one. Be sure and try the award-winning apple pie baked in a bag.
Don’t miss
You can explore the substation in East Troy, which is the heart of the operating gear for the electric railroad.
Getting there
East Troy is located in southeastern Wisconsin, about 35 miles from Milwaukee and 15 miles from Lake Geneva. From Milwaukee, take Interstate 43 south to Exit 38. Take Highway 20 to Main Street. Follow Main Street to Church Street and turn right to the museum.
Location: 2002 Church Street, East Troy, WI
Phone: 262-642-3263
Website: easttroyrr.org
E-mail: Form on website
