The Eau Galle Scenic Railway (EGSR) is a privately operated heritage railway located near Baldwin and Woodville in western Wisconsin. The idea for the railway began in 2020, driven by a small group of rail enthusiasts passionate about preserving narrow-gauge industrial railroading. Track laying commenced in May 2022, using 40-pound rail originally milled in the late 1800s at Joliet Steel Mills and later used on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado.
The railway is built to a 36-inch narrow gauge and features a mix of restored rolling stock and locomotives. Among its most notable acquisitions are two 1969 Hunslet locomotives with Deutz air-cooled engines, originally used in the Vale nickel mines of Manitoba, Canada. These locomotives were purchased from a Texas scrapyard in 2021 and underwent extensive restoration, including repainting and mechanical refurbishment.
EGSR’s rolling stock includes early 20th-century side-dump dirt cars from the Palmetto Brick Company, flat cars from the Baraboo Armory, and a logging car converted from a dirt car. The railway’s infrastructure is built with recycled guard rail timbers from the state of Wisconsin, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and historical authenticity.
The railway currently operates a mainline loop of approximately half a mile and a yard/shop track of about a quarter mile. It is not a commercial tourist attraction but a community-driven preservation project supported by family, friends, and rail fans. Volunteers contribute to restoration, track maintenance, and educational outreach, fostering a hands-on appreciation of vintage rail technology.
Today, the Eau Galle Scenic Railway stands as a living tribute to industrial narrow-gauge railways. Through its restored equipment and grassroots support, it offers a unique experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike. The project continues to grow, driven by a shared passion for rail history and a commitment to preserving it for future generations.
This summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including Eau Galle Scenic Railway’s Facebook Group and YouTube restoration video.
