The Depot was originally built by the Chicago & North Western Railway in 1894 at Ablemans, Wisconsin, three miles west of North Freedom. The rail line through Ablemans was built in 1873 by the C&NW. The name of the village was changed from Ablemans to Rock Springs in 1947. There were many similar depots located throughout the North Western's system.
In 1965 the Chicago & North Western donated the depot to the mid continent museum. In fall of 1965 The depot was cut into two pieces and moved on back roads to the new foundation at North Freedom. Members worked feverishly as the weather was favorable, most of the work was completed before the winter snows.