West Rail Corridor

2023 Specialty Tour

Sunday, September 17, 2023

In the 19th century, the West Rail Corridor, the area around the Milwaukee Road Depot on West Washington Avenue, was a hotbed of businesses that depended on the railroad to transport raw materials and finished products, as well as businesses that served railroad passengers and workers. This area, birthplace of a number of long-term Madison businesses, now abounds with repurposed historic buildings that are home to offices, renters and condo owners.

Join us for a nostalgic, up-close look at Madison's railroad history through many architectural gems on Sunday, September 17. Following the walking tour, the Center for Railroad Photography & Art will host an art display featuring images from its collection of Madison railroading in the Local Motive railcar. Guests will also enjoy light snacks and beverages.

Tour Information

Tour Times: We will run 12 tours beginning at 8:30 a.m. and leaving every 30 minutes with the last tour at 2:00 p.m.

Tour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Tickets: $15 MTHP Members and CRPA Members | $25 General Public

MTHP Members: you will need to enter your Member ID when reserving tickets. If you do not know your Member ID, please contact us at info@madisonpreservation.org.

(Tickets will open early on July 27 for MTHP and CRP&A members. You will receive an access code by email to purchase tickets.)

We encourage you to get your tickets early as these tours often sell out.

Tickets close September 14. Refunds will be given up to September 12 for cancellations.

Weather: We will be there rain or shine! See below for exceptions.

Cancellations by The Madison Trust: A tour may be cancelled for extreme weather or lightening. Please note, we do run tours in the rain. We will alert guests at least four hours in advance by email if a tour time needs to be cancelled. Purchased tickets will be refunded.

Virtual Program Access!

Guests who purchase tickets to the West Rail Corridor tour will receive a link to the presentation by Scott Lothes, The History and Development of Madison’s Railroads (previously presented as part of our 2023 Virtual Architectural Series). This program is terrific preparation for your experience on this tour!

THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF MADISON’S RAILROADS

Railroads played a tremendous role in building Madison and south-central Wisconsin, and they continue to play a critical role in the regional economy. At their zenith, nine different railroad lines radiated out of Madison. Seven of those routes remain in service today, although only four of them still extend to their original destinations. This presentation looks at how they came to be, how they have been used, and how and why they have changed over the past 165 years. Illustrations come from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the archives of the Center for Railroad Photography & Art, including the collection of founder John Gruber, who grew up in Prairie du Sac and lived in Madison.

Discount at Brittingham Boats!

Brittingham Boats is offering our tour guests 20% off rentals on September 17! The code is only valid the day of the tour. Take our walking tour and then enjoy a boat ride on the lake to relax! The discount code will be sent with your confirmation email. Brittingham Boats will be open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on September 17.

This tour is presented by

Tour Sponsors