Midwest Central Railroad in Mount Pleasant, Iowa

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Mount Pleasant, Iowa · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRuns during the Old Threshers Reunion, Haunted Rails in October and the North Pole Express in December

The Midwest Central Railroad preserves Iowa's and the nation's narrow gauge railway heritage by running authentic historic steam trains on a loop around McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant, home of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion.

  • 3-foot narrow gauge steam railroad
  • Founded by volunteers in 1959 and 1960
  • 1891 Baldwin No. 6, Maria
  • About a mile-long loop around McMillan Park
  • North Pole Express in December
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Midwest Central Railroad at a glance

Hours
Event days only; 2026 dates are posted on the railroad's events page
Admission
Varies by event; check mcrr.org for ticket prices
Train rides
Narrow gauge steam train rides on a loop around McMillan Park during the Reunion, Haunted Rails and North Pole Express
Seasonal events
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, Midwest Haunted Rails, North Pole Express
Plan for
About 1 hour for a ride and a look around
Best for
Young kids and steam fans
Best ages
Toddlers to age 10

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Midwest Central Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Mount Pleasant.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

From a $400 saddle tanker to a working narrow gauge line

The railroad began with a wish by Midwest Old Threshers board members in 1957: they wanted their steam show to have something no other show nearby could easily match. That December they bought a 1925 Davenport Locomotive Works 0-4-0 saddle tanker, No. 2056, for $400, and it sat on display beside a depot moved in from Hillsboro, Iowa.

In November 1959 founder Stan Mathews learned that the defunct Argent Lumber Company would auction its engines in Hardeeville, South Carolina, the following January. Volunteers mailed out a fundraising letter offering a lifetime ride pass to anyone who gave $10. The Old Threshers board asked the rail group to organize separately, and so the Midwest Central Railroad was born, with Stan Mathews, Harold McLeran and Lloyd Peterson on its first board.

The letter raised more than $7,000. In South Carolina the group bought 1891 Baldwin 2-6-0 No. 6, first built for Virginia's Surry, Sussex and Southampton Railroad, and 1906 Baldwin 2-6-0 No. 2, which had served the New Berlin and Winfield Railroad in Pennsylvania, plus a carload of railroad parts, a Model T motor car, a four-man pump car and a section car.

What followed was entirely volunteer work, with help from many Mount Pleasant residents. They put up a pole-barn roundhouse, laid track and cosmetically restored No. 6 to running condition in seven months, so she ran at the 1960 Reunion. Within two years a full loop around McMillan Park was in place. No. 6, called Maria by her Virginia crew, is still the railroad's flagship.

Riding the loop around McMillan Park

The Midwest Central is a 3-foot narrow gauge heritage railroad operating entirely inside McMillan Park, the grounds of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. Its mainline is a loop of roughly a mile, which trains run clockwise. The railroad says its goal is to bring rail travel from 100 years ago to life, and it does that with the real thing: preserved engines and rolling stock, educational displays and tours of the operation.

The roster leans heavily on steam. The railroad's Facebook page describes six narrow gauge steam locomotives, and rail writers single out an operating geared Shay, an 0-4-0T built by Henschel and the two Baldwin 2-6-0s, along with a few diesel switchers. Which engines are in steam depends on the event, so ask if you are hoping to see a particular one.

Don’t miss

  1. Baldwin No. 6, MariaBuilt in 1891 and restored by volunteers in seven months for the 1960 Reunion, she is the flagship and the reason the railroad exists.
  2. Baldwin No. 2A 1906 Baldwin 2-6-0 bought at the same South Carolina sale after years on Pennsylvania's New Berlin and Winfield Railroad.
  3. The geared ShayRail writers call out the railroad's operating Shay, a geared logging locomotive design that looks and sounds different from a rod engine.
  4. Davenport saddle tanker No. 2056The 1925 engine bought for $400 in 1957 that started the whole idea.
  5. The Hillsboro depotBrought in from Hillsboro, Iowa, it has stood beside the railroad since its earliest days.

Small trains, real steam and holiday rides

Narrow gauge equipment is smaller than mainline trains, which makes the steam engines feel close and real to young kids without being overwhelming. A loop of about a mile is a ride length that toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy from start to finish. The North Pole Express in December and Midwest Haunted Rails in October are the railroad's two family events beyond the Reunion.

Rides happen at events rather than on regular weekly hours, so build your visit around the event calendar.

Plan your visit: tips for Midwest Central Railroad

  • As of October 2026, the posted dates are the Reunion September 3 to 7, Haunted Rails on October 16 to 17, 23 to 24 and 30 to 31, and the North Pole Express December 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20.
  • The railroad's mailing and visit address is 403 East Thresher Road in Mount Pleasant.
  • Call (319) 385-8939 with questions before driving in, since the railroad does not run on ordinary weekdays.
  • Follow the railroad on Facebook for event updates and ticket news.

The railroad's two family events beyond the Reunion bookend the fall. Midwest Haunted Rails runs over three October weekends, and the North Pole Express runs three December weekends with a narrow gauge steam train around McMillan Park. See more ideas in our guides to Halloween train rides in Iowa and Christmas train rides in Iowa.

Volunteers since the very first loop

The Midwest Central was built as a volunteer effort and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Riding at events is the simplest way to help, and the railroad occasionally sells excess equipment, with the money going straight into preserving its buildings and engines. Contact the railroad through its website or Facebook page to ask about volunteering or donating.

Pairing Mount Pleasant with other rail stops

The Fort Madison Railroad Museum is only about 26 miles southeast and makes an easy second stop. Across the Mississippi, the Galesburg Railroad Museum is about 62 miles away and the Rock Island Railroad Museum about 93. See the full list of Iowa railroad museums.

Every train museum in Iowa

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

I love that this railroad got started because volunteers mailed letters asking for $10 each, all for a train that did not exist yet. It reminds me of Rally packing his little suitcase before the trip, choosing his turtle toy, green bone and yellow ball, sure the fun is coming. My mom had that kind of hope too. She dreamed up Rally's story, and I finished it for her. You can read about that on our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Midwest Central Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Midwest Central Railroad: 20 questions families ask

Where is the Midwest Central Railroad?

The Midwest Central Railroad runs inside McMillan Park in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the grounds of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. Its address is 403 East Thresher Road, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. The railroad operates entirely within the park on its own loop of track.

What is the Midwest Central Railroad phone number?

The Midwest Central Railroad's phone number is (319) 385-8939. Because the railroad runs on event days rather than daily, call ahead with questions about tickets or schedules, or message the railroad on its Facebook page. The website at mcrr.org also has a contact page.

How do I get Midwest Central Railroad tickets?

Tickets are tied to the railroad's events, such as the North Pole Express and Midwest Haunted Rails, and are handled through mcrr.org. Prices are not listed on the events page, so check the event details or call (319) 385-8939. Rides at the Old Threshers Reunion go with your Reunion visit.

What is the Midwest Central Railroad North Pole Express?

The North Pole Express is the railroad's December holiday train around McMillan Park. As of October 2026, the posted dates are December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20. Check mcrr.org for times and tickets, and book early since holiday trains are popular.

Does the Midwest Central Railroad run a Polar Express train?

The Midwest Central's holiday train is called the North Pole Express, not the Polar Express. It runs on three December weekends in Mount Pleasant. If your family is looking for a Christmas train ride in southeast Iowa, this is the one to check on mcrr.org.

When does the Midwest Central Railroad run?

The railroad runs during its events rather than on weekly hours. As of October 2026, its 2026 calendar lists the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion from September 3 to 7, Midwest Haunted Rails on October 16 to 17, 23 to 24 and 30 to 31, and the North Pole Express on three December weekends.

What is Midwest Haunted Rails?

Midwest Haunted Rails is the railroad's October event, held in 2026 on October 16 and 17, 23 and 24, and 30 and 31. Details about times, tickets and how scary it is for small children are on mcrr.org, or call (319) 385-8939 before you go.

What is Midwest Central Railroad engine No. 6?

No. 6, nicknamed Maria by her crew in Virginia, is an 1891 Baldwin 2-6-0 and the railroad's flagship. She was built for the Surry, Sussex and Southampton Railroad, later hauled lumber in South Carolina, and was bought at auction in 1960. Volunteers restored her in seven months to run at the 1960 Reunion.

What is Midwest Central Railroad engine No. 2?

No. 2 is a 1906 Baldwin 2-6-0 that worked on the New Berlin and Winfield Railroad in Pennsylvania. It was bought at the same 1960 Argent Lumber Company sale in Hardeeville, South Carolina, as No. 6, paid for by the founders' $10 lifetime pass fundraiser.

Is there a map of the Midwest Central Railroad?

The railroad's line is a single loop around McMillan Park, roughly a mile long, with trains running clockwise. The railroad's own history puts the full circle at about a mile and a quarter. For a park map showing where to board, check mcrr.org or the Midwest Old Threshers site.

What kind of railroad is the Midwest Central?

It is a 3-foot narrow gauge heritage railroad and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Its mission is to preserve and commemorate Iowa's and the nation's narrow gauge railway heritage by running its engines and rolling stock, offering educational displays, holding special events and giving tours of its operation.

How many steam locomotives does the Midwest Central Railroad have?

The railroad's Facebook page describes six narrow gauge steam locomotives. Rail writers point to an operating geared Shay, an 0-4-0T built by Henschel and the two Baldwin 2-6-0s, plus a few diesel switchers. The first engine the group bought was a 1925 Davenport saddle tanker, No. 2056.

Who founded the Midwest Central Railroad?

Founder Stan Mathews led the effort in 1959, after Midwest Old Threshers board members decided their steam show needed a railroad. Stan Mathews, Harold McLeran and Lloyd Peterson served on the first board once the railroad formed as a separate organization from Midwest Old Threshers.

Are there photos of the Midwest Central Railroad?

Yes, the railroad shares historic and current photos on its website and Facebook page, including early shots of No. 6 at the Hillsboro depot and No. 2 near South Station in the 1960s. Its Instagram account, midwest_central, also posts photos from events.

What do reviews say about the Midwest Central Railroad?

Rail writers note that it is easy to overlook because of its small size and location, yet it has a strong steam roster. Its Facebook page has close to 13,000 followers. For recent family reviews, read comments on its Facebook page from the event you plan to attend.

Is the Midwest Central Railroad good for toddlers?

Yes, it is a good fit for small children. Narrow gauge trains are a friendlier size than mainline equipment, and a loop of about a mile is short enough for young riders. The North Pole Express is a natural first train ride for many families.

Does the Midwest Central Railroad sell old equipment?

Occasionally, yes. The railroad lists excess equipment for sale on its website when it has any, and the money goes directly into preserving its historic buildings, engines and equipment. Interested buyers can reach the contacts named on the equipment-for-sale page at mcrr.org.

Is the Midwest Central Railroad wheelchair accessible?

The railroad does not post accessibility details for boarding its narrow gauge cars online. Call (319) 385-8939 before your event to ask about boarding with a wheelchair or stroller, so volunteers can help you plan.

How can I volunteer with the Midwest Central Railroad?

The railroad was built entirely by volunteers and local citizens, and it remains a nonprofit. Reach out through the contact page at mcrr.org, call (319) 385-8939, or message its Facebook page to ask about volunteering, membership or donations.

What train museums are near the Midwest Central Railroad?

The Fort Madison Railroad Museum is about 26 miles away and is the closest. In Illinois, the Galesburg Railroad Museum is about 62 miles and the Rock Island Railroad Museum about 93 miles, and the Wheels O' Time Museum in Dunlap is about 101 miles away.

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