The Riverside and Great Northern Railway (RG&N) was a short-line railroad that operated in Wisconsin, United States. It was established in 1891 and operated for almost a century, until 1985. The RG&N was primarily a freight railroad, but it also offered passenger services for a short period of time.

History of the Riverside and Great Northern Railway

The RG&N was originally built as a logging railroad, to transport logs from the forests to the sawmills. The first section of the railroad was built in 1891, between Nekoosa and Grand Rapids. Over the years, the railroad expanded its operations and built new lines to serve the growing industries in the area.

During the early years of the RG&N, the railroad faced financial difficulties and changed ownership several times. In 1906, it was acquired by the Wisconsin River Power Company, which owned several power plants along the Wisconsin River. The company used the railroad to transport coal and other materials to its power plants.

In the 1920s, the RG&N faced competition from other railroads and trucking companies. To stay competitive, the railroad modernized its operations and purchased new locomotives and rolling stock. It also diversified its operations and started carrying other types of freight, such as grain, lumber, and paper products.

Operations of the Riverside and Great Northern Railway

The RG&N operated a network of railroad lines in central Wisconsin, covering a distance of about 120 miles. Its main line ran from Nekoosa to Sumpter, passing through Grand Rapids, Wisconsin Rapids, Port Edwards, and Rudolph. The railroad also had several branch lines that served the communities and industries in the area.

The RG&N primarily served the paper and wood products industries, which were the main economic drivers in the region. The railroad transported raw materials to the mills and finished products to the markets. It also carried other types of freight, such as agricultural products, machinery, and consumer goods.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the RG&N faced declining traffic and financial difficulties. The paper industry in the area was consolidating and modernizing, and many mills were closing or reducing their production. The railroad also faced competition from trucks and highways, which were becoming more efficient and convenient for transporting goods.

End of the Riverside and Great Northern Railway

In 1979, the RG&N was acquired by the Wisconsin Central Ltd., a regional railroad based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The new owner continued to operate the railroad, but with reduced traffic and services. The passenger services were discontinued in 1981, and the freight operations were gradually scaled back.

In 1985, the Wisconsin Central Ltd. decided to abandon the remaining sections of the RG&N, citing low traffic and high maintenance costs. The tracks and equipment were sold or scrapped, and the right-of-way was converted into a recreational trail, now known as the Great River State Trail.

Legacy of the Riverside and Great Northern Railway

The Riverside and Great Northern Railway played a significant role in the economic and social development of central Wisconsin. It provided transportation and connectivity for the region's industries, businesses, and communities. It also contributed to the growth of tourism and outdoor recreation in the area, through its scenic routes and passenger services.

Today, the legacy of the RG&N is preserved and celebrated by various organizations and museums, such as the Wisconsin Rapids Railroad Museum and the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. These institutions showcase the history and artifacts of the railroad, and educate the public about its importance and impact.

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