Restoration

Saving the Depot

For more than a century, railroads were part of daily life in Mineral Point. But after 128 years of service, the final train departed in 1984, marking the end of an era.

By that time, the historic depot had already fallen silent. The building had been sitting vacant for years, and the signs of neglect were beginning to show. As far back as the 1950s, the second floor had been boarded up and left unused. Decades of harsh Wisconsin winters only made matters worse. Flooding on the first floor and structural deterioration put the depot in serious danger of being lost entirely.

Fortunately, a small but determined group of community members refused to let that happen.

A Community Effort

Discussions about saving the depot had circulated for years, but in 1999 those conversations turned into action. A group of volunteers officially formed the Mineral Point Railroad Society with the mission of restoring the depot and returning it to use for the community.

The restoration effort was driven by passionate local leadership. Bob Grishaber played a key role in organizing the project, while Dave Knapp guided the work from a construction and restoration standpoint. As the building slowly came back to life, Dave Kjelland and Richmond Powers began creating exhibits and displays that would one day welcome museum visitors.

Many others stepped forward to lend their time and skills. Long-time supporters such as Ed Spitzbarth and Dave Martens, along with numerous volunteers, contributed in countless ways to help bring the project across the finish line.

Opening the Doors Again

After years of hard work and dedication, the restoration was completed in 2004. That Labor Day weekend, the depot opened its doors once again—this time as the Mineral Point Railroad Museum.

The project succeeded because of strong community support. Financial contributions, encouragement, and partnerships all helped ensure the depot would survive for future generations. In particular, the City of Mineral Point, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and many generous donors played an essential role in making the restoration possible.

Today, the depot stands not only as a reminder of Mineral Point’s railroad past, but also as a testament to what a community can accomplish when it comes together to preserve its history.