I have some train lovers in my family (I think I’ve mentioned this) and for them, Minnesota Transportation Museum’s Pumpkin Express Train would be the perfect Halloween event. Just choose a day during MEA Weekend (October 17-19 in 2025). Starting in Osceola, Wisconsin, the train ends up in Dresser, Wisconsin. You can make it an all-day event or go for a couple of hours. If I know my family, and I do, if we make it on the Pumpkin Express Train, we will be there all day. But hurry and buy your tickets soon. This is a sell out event!
What to expect on the Pumpkin Express
Each day of the Pumpkin Express the departure times begin at 9:30am and run regularly through 2:15 PM. There is additional offsite overflow parking at the Osceola High School parking lot (1114 Oak Ridge Dr.).
Once you arrive at the festival grounds in Dresser, you will be able to exit the train and play: Pump car rides, wagon rides, games, face painting, and the haunted depot. Â Food is available for purchase as well.
The last train to bring you back will be around 4 pm. Â You don’t have to take the same train you arrived in. Like I said, you can make this as lengthy or as quick as you like.
Now, I know you are asking how much the Pumpkin Express Train could set you back. It’s not an inexpensive excursion. This is definitely one of the pricier ones we will feature, but its uniqueness makes it worth mentioning. Tickets in 2024 are $25-$35 for anyone age 2 and up. Babies under age 2 are free.
Tips from the MTM website
- Buy your seats EARLY! Tickets are available by early summer.
- Dress for outdoor weather as event will be held rain or shine! Â (This is a perfect time wear your costume!)
If you want a truly unique Halloween/Fall Experience, give the Pumpkin Express Train a try. Â I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Pumpkin Train Express
114 Depot RoadOsceola, WI 54020
715-755-3570
You can purchase your tickets here. They except Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Tickets are non-refundable.
Related articles:
- Pick One: The Best Twin Cities Pumpkin Patches
- Find scenic train rides to view fall colors in Minnesota
Did you know that the Twin Cities are a Train Lover’s Destination? Check out all these opportunities for a trainiac family.
Gianna Kordatzky is a co-founder of Family Fun Twin Cities.
Wow! $25 for Toddlers! That is pricey for a short train ride.
Hi, Brenda. Yes, the prices aren’t as family-friendly as they were several years ago, but perhaps for a special splurge visit. Besides the train ride, the tickets include a pumpkin for kids to take home, plus activities at the pumpkin patch, including music, games, hayrides, and tour of the historic 1884 Dresser Depot. If this is not for you, check out more family-friendly train outings here: Minneapolis/St. Paul: A Train Lover’s Destination; or find our full list of pumpkin patches here: Pick One: The Best Twin Cities Pumpkin Patches.
Would you recommend this day excursion with infants?
Why not? Museum admission and pumpkin patch train tickets are FREE for ages 2 and under, so that will save you some money. Obviously your child won’t remember this outing, but we think outdoor pumpkin patch farms make great baby outings. You may want to bring along an umbrella stroller.
Sounds like a fun visit to a pumpkin patch! Our family will definitely be making reservations.
That sounds like a great MEA weekend adventure for the whole family. Don’t forget to dress the kids up for the costume contests and make your ticket purchase early because there is limited space.