Book a Wisconsin Great Northern Train Ride

TREGO - Whether you’re a dedicated train rider or wondering what a train ride is like, this is the year to hop aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. The Wisconsin Great Northern is back this season with some special surprises to delight passengers. The family-operated excursion train is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year.

Among the new features is the introduction of America’s only all-private dining aboard the “dinner train.” Accommodating up to six people, each enclosed dining room is especially suitable for birthday and anniversary celebrations. A favorite of many, the “bed & breakfast train” returns with first-class accommodations. Like other trips, this one travels at a leisurely pace as it makes its way through farm fields, deep woods and along the scenic Namekagon River. Their renowned “family pizza train” will now feature pizzas made fresh onboard the train. Wisconsin Great Northern also has other train rides, including the “wine & cheese train,” and later in the year, the “Santa pizza train.”

Major track improvement and upgrades to many of their cars have been completed. They are also putting the finishing touches on the complete rebuild of the Mark Twain Zephyr, a gleaming Art Deco passenger train from 1935. The Mark Twain Zephyr was one of nine stainless steel streamlined trains built by the Budd Company for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy in the 1930s.

These shovelnose trains forever changed train travel as they ushered in a new era of passenger railroading in North America. You can learn more about the project at the website, marktwainzephyr. com.

The train depot is located four miles north of Spooner along U.S. 53-63. For more information and reservations (required) call 715635-3200 or visit spoonertrainride.com. www.madferry.com

Get Carried Away on the Madeline Island Ferry

BAYFIELD - Madeline Island Ferry Line provides transportation between the picturesque towns of La Pointe and Bayfield. The 25-minute voyage provides spectacular views of the Lake itself and several of the 22 Apostle Islands.

Whether you choose to bring your car or bicycle over on the ferry or walk on, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you occupied for a full day, or just a morning or afternoon. Madeline Island offers lots of fresh air, miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, downtown strolls and a flat place to bike. Immerse yourself in nature by exploring Big Bay Town Park by canoe, or kayak to the sea caves at Big Bay State Park with your own kayak or with a guided tour. Get carried away on the Madeline Island Ferry Line for what is sure to be a memorable trip. Check the schedule on madferry.com and plan your trip or tour today.