This was a fantastic attraction for people of all ages, but especially to some of the older people that can remember some of these trains. This is a working museum dedicated to the history of the railroad and more specifically the engines and the cars that would travel over the rails. This is a museum that is operated by volunteers and all of the restoration of the various engines, cars and tenders is done by the volunteers and by donations and grants that the museum receives. You can take a ride on a restored vintage steel coaches built in 1915 and normally it will be pulled by a steam engine that was built from 1900 up to 1930's. While the steam engines are being rebuilt, the coach is pulled with a diesel engine built in 1944. The train ride is on the same historical tracks that were laid 100 years ago from North Freedom to the Iron Mines in LaRue. The journey is a 7 mile trip through some scenic areas and you stop in Larue and disembark and watch as they switch the engine around to head back.
The platform you depart from in North Freedom has also been restored, but is the original platform built in 1894. You have to purchase tickets just like you would have back when these engines and coaches were running the rails. After the train ride, you are permitted to explore the grounds of the museum where there are numerous train cars, engines, and tools on display. There are many types of cars that are tarped or torn apart as they are slowly being restored. The engines are in various stages of restoration.
The Coach Shed houses several coaches that have been restored and even a type of engine that is both the engine and passenger car combined into one. The latest edition to the collection that has now been completely restored is the Copper Range coach. The interior is all oak and all the upholstery has been redone. It has taken over 3 years to restore this unit. I could go on and on about this great place but it really is something you just need to see. I have put some of the photos of this place on this journal. Also go to their website and check it out, it is fascinating. It is www.midcontinent.org. The fares are as follows: adults $11, kids 3-12 $6. Enjoy!