Rice County Northern Railroad

HISTORY

HISTORY OF THE RICE COUNTY NORTHERN RAILROAD

The Rice County Northern Railroad is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. A railroad had been planned since the original site plan was made when the club moved to the present Showgrounds site in 2001. The site plan shows a railroad around the entire display area. Over the years various plans were studied to add a railroad to the Showgrounds but nothing was formally approved.

At the Fall Show in 2018, the train was on static display on the east side of the Music Building. During the summer of 2019, the section crew, rebuilt all the track, did the rough and finish grading and installed the main line track.

On August 19, 2019, the golden spike was driven, indicating the completion of the main line. As you look around the railroad, you can see the golden spike about half way between mile posts and 8 and 9 on the north end of the right of way, along with a plaque between the rails commemorating that event.

During 2020, all public activities were shut down on the railroad, but the crew continued to make improvements to the Railroad. The perimeter fence and landscaping was added and the rough grading for the Engine House was completed.

During the winter of 2020 and 2021, the framing and roof were completed for the Engine House. In May of 2021, the concrete floor was poured and during the summer of 2021, the section crew completed the enclosing of the Engine House and Yard Tracks.