Day Trip: Railroad Attractions

Rivers and railways played a big part in the transformation of Wisconsin from one huge forest into a land of many scenic beauties and rustic farming communities. There are three day trips from Rainbow's End Resort that include railway attractions.

The Chippewa Valley Railroad was founded in 1977 as a non-profit organization. The CVRR operates on a one-half mile track in Eau Claire's Carson Park. This is a small railroad offering rides -- see the CVRR site. Carson Park is a little over an hour's drive from Rainbow's End Resort.	Chippewa Valley Railroad Carson Park in Eau Claire
Spooner, about an hour away, has the Railroad Memories Museum and a Train Ride. These are both the real thing, featuring how Spooner got on the map through the railroads and what happened when they left.	Railroad Memories Museum Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad other things in Spooner
The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway has meal trains, special events, and scenic 10- and 20-mile excursions. To make a full day, stop in at Interstate Park.	Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway Interstate Park
The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad in Duluth, MN, is a two hour drive from Rainbow's End Resort. But if you're in the area (which includes Superior, WI), you might enjoy the historic 90-minute journey along the scenic St. Louis River. They offer trips on weekends from the middle of June through the beginning of October. See their web site for details, including fares.	Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

Getting There

For Carson Park and the Chippewa Valley Railroad, see our Carson Park page.

For Spooner attractions, see our Spooner page.

From Rainbow's End Resort, getting to the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway is easy. You can take either county SS or Wisconsin 53 north about ten miles to US Highway 8. Go west on 8 through Turtle Lake and several smaller towns to St. Croix, on the Minnesota border. Turn south on Wisconsin 35, through Dresser to Osceola.

Duluth, MN is a two hour drive on U.S. 53, four lane divided all the way to Superior, WI, which is just across the river from Duluth. See our Superior page for other things to do in the area.

Maps, encouragement, and some stories of our excursions are available at the resort office.

Have fun on your outing from Base Camp Chetek at Rainbow's End Resort!