The Menominee Park train and other amusement rides won't run this summer. City officials cite a budget crunch and aging equipment. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Menominee Park train may be replaced in 2026 due to rising maintenance costs.
Oshkosh’s Menominee Park train is a landmark of sorts, giving rides to generations of families.
“I can’t remember a time before it being here,” said Nikolas DeGroot of Oshkosh. “It just feels like such a natural part of the atmosphere here.”
But when the train returns for 2026, it may look quite different.
“We started to hear that maybe we could do something a little bit more to get off the track and do a train that’s on wheels. Get it throughout the park, make it more of a historic tour,” said Oshkosh Parks Director Ray Maurer.
The current train is over 40 years old and its future has faced questions as its aged. It closed in 2024, then reopened this year, but only after additional $50,000 was set aside for operational expenses. And now, with summer almost over, its future is in jeopardy yet again.
“Every year, we’re making repairs to the track, which is one of the reasons we’re bringing this proposal forward,” said Maurer.
The new train would cost about $100,000, paid with funds from a special revenue fund that is not taxpayer funded, as well as rider fees, according to Maurer. The new train would allow the park to save on its annual maintenance.
The Parks Advisory Board approved the proposal Monday night. Oshkosh City Council will make the final decision.
Discover Oshkosh is involved in the project. They said this change would secure the future of the train.
“It’s gonna keep that attraction running for years to come, and keep that exciting feeling for people going to see the train, ride on the train,” said Anna Murphy-Pociask, marketing director at Discover Oshkosh.
DeGroot said he’s fished along the tracks his whole life, and is excited to see the train stay. Others have fond memories of riding the train with their kids.
“I mean, I kind of think of it as being iconic Oshkosh,” said DeGroot. “I can’t even imagine it not being here.”
The proposal will be part of the annual budget discussions this fall. The city council will decide whether to proceed in early November.
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