Our family thoroughly enjoyed this day in the forest by riding a real old time steam engine train back to a real logging camp. You won't be disappointed if you enjoy the simple life and appreciate the time when life was simpler.... no texting took place here, loggers actually worked, lived, and ate together as a family!
The camp butcher shop to supply fresh beef and venison to the jacks was an eye opener. It has been close to 30 years since my last visit, but the wooden winch for lifting a carcass for skinning and disassembly remains a permanent memory
we were there over 20 years ago and it has stayed in great shape. very cool displays of tools from back in the day. my granddaughter is 11 and she was very interest in the old tools. well worth the money. you pay for the train ride and things are free when you get to the camp. you are allowed to bring in coolers of food and drinks. very nice and the food was ok there, not pricey.we had fun good day trip
This complex isn't gigantic or overcrowded (which I liked) but it's suited rather to steam train lover's and history buffs. It may not be around forever so it would be a shame to pass it up if you have an opportunity to stop in the area. It's located just outside of Laona a couple miles. Make sure to follow the signs and go to the train depot and don't look up the museum address. We went to the complex first and had to drive to the train depot. The train ride is a pleasant one through some picturesque scenery. You have such a variety of seating including in the caboose areas up on the second level! Make sure and try different seating on each ride. We were the first train out, I believe 11AM. We were going to eat first but their food would not be ready for awhile, the pizza (slices) was put in when you order which is great as it's fresh, not good if you want to keep a good pace, so we snacked on bag lunches. Next time I'd avoid the food or dine after, the reason for which I'll explain later. The forestry tour by bus was also a neat treat if you're interested in trees/forests this is a definite must do and comes including in the price. It's maybe a half hour long through some nearby forest country. They share interesting facts about the areas and trees themselves. The River Rat pontoon/wildlife tour looked interesting as well though we opted out due to extra cost. There are some buildings to tour with (forestry, etc.) history and a blacksmith area and a fine petting zoo/farm corral area where you can pet the bunnies in their cages, chickens, cats, and more. Then go outdoors to see a variety of animals out there as well including goats, geese, chickens and more. The kids and adults alike may enjoy the train pump car to test out or to visit the stationery train cars and check out their interiors. They also make for a great photo opportunity. There's walking trails I didn't notice and forgot about, I didn't see a sign for it while there. The general store you could purchase things from to me was a big disappointment of anything there. We were quickly in and quickly out. The nature center wasn't huge but was interesting to peruse through. They tell you two hours for your visit, this is about right if you don't do the pontoon area or walk maybe or skip eating there at the Choo Choo Hut. As we were finishing in the last of the buildings the train sounded and rather than wait nearly an hour till the next train we hurriedly completed our visit thus making me wish we'd skipped the 15 minutes of lunch time so we could have taken in the last building fully. Either way we couldn't necessitate staying another hour since we opted out of the River Rat tour and forgot about the walking trails mentioned so we hopped aboard for our return trip to the station. The train conductors/engineers offer you a chance to be at the front of the train on the platform with them to ring the bell, too, after departing the train at the end. They did this right after getting off the train and we missed it. It was a few minute window right at the end (and a good picture or video opportunity). If history/museums/trees/forests/nature and obviously trains are big on your to do list I really recommend this gem of a place that's an under advertised attraction in Wisconsin's Northwoods. It's great when you you're looking for activities that won't take up your whole day. Two hours is just right. I heard the numbers of people were down significantly this past summer so it may not be around forever, though I know it's been there for since 1969 and is on the National Register of Historic places: http://www.camp5museum.org/Pages/history.htmlCatch it while you can.
We drove an hour while vacationing in Crivitz to take the train and visit Camp 5. It was a great experience! The steam train is an awesome experience. The logging museum, ride in the woods, visiting the animals and old time gift shop were a lot of fun. Our children ages 6 and 8 really enjoyed our visit.
I have taken our grandchildren twice, and they enjoyed it immensely the first time...somewhat bored the second. They are ages 4 to 7. Lots of things to see/climb on/into and bells and whistles to ring!We walked thru all of the buildings, and did the nature trail. I found it all very interesting, and alot is geared to different age groups. The second time we took our lunch, and had a nice break while the little ones played on the playset next to the eating area.The train ride is very fun....lots of different seating areas for the kids to try out. There are discount tickets available on various radio shopping shows in the area, which I feel makes the price more realistic for the few hours to spend there.
The museum has a petting zoo, a scenic bus ride, and a gift shop.You can also go into the displayed railroad equipment and pretend you the engineer.They also have some nature trails.
I looked forward to this for quite awhile. The museum was so-so, I've got to a better free one in Rhinelander and a better cheaper one in Eau Claire. The staff should dress for the time period. Horse drawn wagons instead of tractors!!
I have been going for a couple of years know but there was a train robbery and cap guns were fired avrerge acting but cool the train ride is an early 1900's train a petting zoo lumber museum ecology trail flee market nature center and a resturant
This is a nice vacation stop. A short train ride "into the woods". A small gift shop....nice