The purpose of the Dairyland Rail Commission is to restore rail service between Spencer and Medford, WI
The purpose of the Dairyland Rail Commission is to restore rail service between Spencer and Medford, WI
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History
History
Wisconsin Central RR built the line between Spencer and Medford in 1873. It served agriculture, dairy, iron ore, and forest-products shippers, as well as passenger trains to Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul.
In 2001, freight trains were running 3 times per week between Spencer and Medford when Canadian National took over. In 2022, CN sold 522 miles of its Wisconsin and Michigan lines to Kansas-based operator Watco. The Spencer-Medford branch became part of Watco's newly formed Fox Valley & Lake Superior Rail System (FOXY).
FOXY Out of Service
Rail Service Stopped
Watco abruptly stopped service on the Spencer - Medford branch a few months after it bought FOXY, forcing freight shippers to expensive alternatives, or to leave the region.
That gap prompted local economic development advocates to ask what commerce becomes unlocked when the cost of moving freight would drop by a factor of 10X with the restoration of rail service.
Where we are today
Where we are today
The Dairyland Rail Commission was formed by the City of Abbotsford and the City of Colby on March 16, 2026. The Village of Dorchester, Town of Colby, Village of Spencer, and Village of Unity joined shortly thereafter.
The Clark County Economic Development & Tourism Bureau, an early promoter of the Commission's goals, continues to rally community leaders, freight shippers, and the hospitality & tourism industry toward saving rail service in rural Wisconsin.
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