How2Day: Minnesota Train Trips

Minnesota has a long railroad history, and this is celebrated by the tours operating in the state. Vintage steam trains and early 20th-century rolling stock are available to take passengers a step back in time. The Minnesota landscape adds further delight to some of the scenic railroad route tours.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad operates a number of vintage trains. steam train image by BlueMiniu from Fotolia.com
The North Shore Scenic Railroad operates a number of regular Minnesota rail tours through the summer months. Vintage trains and carriages from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum are used for the tours. All trains depart from the historic Union Street Depot in Duluth. Fully narrated tours covering the town and surrounds of Duluth leave the Union Street Depot several times daily. Further excursions offered for the 2010 season include murder mystery tours, Dinner Train, Pumpkin Patch Train, the annual Fall Colors excursions and the festive Polar Express; running through November and December. Many of these excursions feature a six-hour steam train journey along the Lakefront Line to Two Harbors. The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers party packages and private charters.

The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad offers regular 90-minute, narrated rail tours from downtown Duluth. The railroad uses early 20th-century railroad stock and follows a scenic stretch of the old Northern Pacific Railroad along the St Louis River Estuary, Spirit Lake and Mud Lake. Private charter excursions are available by negotiation.

The Minnesota Transportation Museum operates the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Ride. The Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway provides a range of diesel-powered train excursions and special events. Regular trains leave Osceola in Wisconsin and travel the St. Croix Valley route to Marine on the St. Croix, Minnesota. Tours are available for 20 people or more and booking is advisable. Private charter train rides are available on request.

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