A Unique Concept:
Junior Rail Rangers is run by the Midwest Rail Rangers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing onboard educational programs. We designed the Junior Rail Rangers to encourage kids and teens to put down their technology... and learn about the interesting people, places, and history outside their window while on a train excursion or visiting a historic railcar.
Earning your gold-colored Junior Rail Rangers badge is now easy as 1-2-3!
(1) Plan to join the Midwest Rail Rangers for an onboard educational program while riding the South Shore Line... a 90-mile-long train line that operates from Downtown Chicago to South Bend, IN. South Shore programs occur about two weekends a month year-round. Or, make plans to join us at the Wisconsin Great Northern for a historical presentation aboard their Sky Parlour Car... where you will learn what 1950's rail travel was all about. Sky Parlour programs take place on select weekends during the spring, summer, and fall months in Trego, WI. Just use the "Upcoming Programs" tab on the left to see future dates our Guides will be on the train at either of these two locations!
(2) Before riding with our Guides aboard the South Shore Line, or visiting with us on the Sky Parlour at the Wisconsin Great Northern, always remember to download and print out your own Junior Rail Rangers booklet to use. Our supply of booklets on the train is limited and we often run out.
(3) Next, complete the appropriate number of activities/questions required by the booklet (this varies by participant's age). If you get stumped, just ask one of our Midwest Rail Rangers Guides for help... that's what we are there for! When you are finished, just mail your booklet into us at: Midwest Rail Rangers P.O. Box 184 Barron, WI 54812. Please be sure to include your return address and a minimum $5 donation check to our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to cover the cost of the badge and return postage to you. And there you go... you're an official Junior Rail Ranger! Welcome to the club!
Midwest Rail Rangers Educational Officer Kandace Tabern helps a young rider complete her Junior Rail Rangers booklet aboard a historic 1950's dome car.
A Junior Ranger Program on the Rails
