North Shore Scenic Railroad Archives

Northland Railroad History On Display In Lake Superior Railroad Museum Gallery Car

"Railroading Through the Seasons" is a new exhibit done by nationally recognized local railroad photographer Dave Schauer.

June 28, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Railroad Museum at The St. Louis County Depot is reopening its gallery car with new glimpses into the region’s railroading history. “Railroading Through the Seasons” is a new exhibit done by nationally recognized local railroad photographer Dave Schauer. The exhibit is being shown in the gallery car which has been renovated throughout the pandemic. It…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Prepares for Summer Season Full Steam Ahead

Trains will Begin Taking Trips on Friday, May 21, 2021

May 17, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year of unknown, the summer season is looking brighter as restrictions ease across Minnesota. The North Shore Scenic Railroad will begin running routes on Friday, May 21. The volunteer team at the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been working around the clock to get up-to-date with certifications, and making sure the tracks are ready to…

Tickets Selling Fast for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Return to Duluth in August

Organizers say Preseason Thomas ticket sales are running about 300% ahead of 2020 and 2019.

March 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The second year of the pandemic is not keeping Thomas the Tank Engine down; he’s making a trip back up to Duluth this summer. Thomas and his green friend Percy will be back at the North Shore Scenic Railroad the first two weekends of August. This year the event is almost entirely outside this year with social distancing…

Day Out With Thomas to Return to Duluth in August

According to the Railroad's Facebook page, Day out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15.

February 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad announced Thomas the Tank Engine will be returning to the Northland this summer. According to the Railroad’s Facebook page, Day Out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15. Families can enjoy a ride with Thomas and his friend Percy, along with live music and other activities. Tickets are on-sale now,…

Duluth Depot to Remain Closed To Public, Vaccinating Frontline Workers Until April

The vaccines are available to those specific group by appointment only. No walk-ins are allowed.

February 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Depot has transformed its Great Hall into a small-scale vaccination clinic for front-line healthcare workers – meaning it will remain closed to the general public until April, with no plans for shows or exhibits until then. “We feel like it’s very important that we really push forward with this vaccination effort,” said Mary Tennis,…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

December 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Great Pumpkin Train Begins

The great pumpkin train will wrap up on Sunday.

October 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Great Pumpkin Train departed Thursday morning for the first time this season. In all, there are five trains a day taking off from the St. Louis County Depot with the trains being sanitized before and during the ride. With this excursion, passengers get to see the pumpkin patch on the North Shore and take the…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Poised to Reopen

June 30, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum are set to reopen on Wednesday. The two will open together after being shut down for several months allowing directors to take a look at other attractions open around the country to see what was working for them. Now, with an increased emphasis in safety and touchless…

Scenic Railroad Clears Off Train Tracks

December 4, 2019

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Clearing off the train tracks has been a long process for the North Shore Scenic Railroad. After two days, the group got their most powerful locomotive on the tracks to clear the popular route. “It’s got a special plow on the front of it. It was backed up by our second most powerful diesel. Then they cleared…

Duluth Says Goodbye To Thomas After Another Year

Thomas's Visit coupled with the Big Boy Steam Engine's brought about 30,000 people to Duluth.

August 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was the final day of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy’s visit to Duluth. Organizers say around 18,000 people visited Thomas and Percy over the past two weekends, making an estimated economic impact of $8.5 million in the Northland. The two trains also bring out about 200 volunteers from different community organizations, who also receive…

North Shore Railroad Offering Rides For Grandma’s Runners

The North Shore Scenic Railroad will take 1,100 runners to Two Harbors at 5:45 Saturday morning

June 21, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Moving people around the Northland is very difficult this weekend, but one local business is offering a free way for runners to get to the starting line from Duluth. The North Shore Scenic Railroad will be taking around 1,100 runners from Duluth to Two Harbors. It will leave at 5:45 in the morning from over by the DECC…

Hundreds Take Part in Day of Caring Event

Volunteers were seen up and down the railroad tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad

June 19, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of volunteers fanned out across Duluth today for the United Way’s Day of Caring. Volunteers walked a three mile stretch along the Lakewalk on the North Shore Scenic Railroad and picked up trash and debris preventing it from getting into Lake Superior. Two volunteers we spoke to said making Duluth look clean is important, but with Grandma’s…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Brings Back Dinner Trains for Summer Season

Dinner Trains are Offered Fridays and Saturdays in the Summer

June 5, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad is rolling down the tracks once again for a summer full of memories up the North Shore. The Railroad offers a variety of dinner trains throughout the summer, including the Pizza Train, Whiskey Tasting Dinner in the Diner, and the Summer BBQ Train. Ken Buehler, Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic…

Two Railroad Anniversaries Celebrated in Duluth

150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad and 30th Anniversary of the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

May 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday marked the anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad connecting America from coast to coast. The North Shore Scenic Railroad also celebrated a special anniversary, the 30th Anniversary of their line connecting Duluth to Two Harbors. Families and fans of the railroad gathered at the tracks behind Fitger’s Brewhouse, to commemorate this important day in locomotive…

All Aboard for First Train Ride of the Season

North Shore Scenic Railroad opens their 30th Anniversary Season.

April 20, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The trains at the Depot have officially made their first down the North Shore Scenic Railroad, travelling to Lakeside. Organizers said it’s a nice way to start the season. “We spent a lot of time making sure we have train excursions that appeal to everyone,” Josh Miller, Station Manager said. “We have our daytime and short ride for…

In Spending Proposal Gov. Walz Sets Funds Aside for Northern Lights Project

$11 million suggested for passenger rail systems.

February 27, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The proposed Northern Lights Express Rail System, that would connect Duluth to the Twin Cities, is seeing new life in Governor Tim Walz’s first capital spending proposal. The proposal calls for $11 million to leverage federal matching funds for passenger rail systems like the Northern Lights Express in Duluth. “The next step in the process is to secure the…

Talks Continue for Duluth-Minneapolis Rail Line

Amtrak and City of Duluth update each other

February 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Talks are continuing to move forward for a passenger rail line between Duluth and the Twin Cities. This past week, the North Shore Scenic Railroad hosted a representative from Amtrak, who met with Mayor Emily Larson, Councilor Noah Hobbs, and other city officials about the Northern Lights Express idea. The new train would add Duluth to the 500-city…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Holds Conductor Training

7 Days is All it Takes to Get Behind the Wheel of a Train

February 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever dreamed of working on a railroad all the live long day, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is offering that chance. This Thursday they will begin 7 volunteer conductor training sessions. Railroad officials say the classes will start from scratch, teaching the basics, and prepare students to take the G-COR exam in April. “These are the same…

Making Railroad Crossings Safer

New Safety Measures Aim to Reduce Accidents

October 31, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Saint Louis County ranks in the top five counties in Minnesota for the number of crossing accidents reported each year. On Monday, the city and North Shore Scenic Railroad unveiled new measures to change that, at multiple spots around the community including at 45th and 47th Avenues East, McCulloch St., and Harbor Dr. City leaders gathered at the railroad…

All Aboard the Fall Colors Train Starting this Friday

CNN Once Named the North Shore Fall Colors Train Tour "Top 5 out of the Top 10 in America"

September 18, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, September 21, folks will be able to hop aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Fall Color Tours. Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Ken Buehler, told FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning that this opportunity gives riders the chance to view the Northland in a vibrant, colorful perspective. The Fall Color Tours will be…

Who Whacked Willy Wonka? Find Out on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

This Murder Mystery can be solved on the Disoriented Express train ride at the North Shore Scenic Railroad

August 23, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a Murder Mystery all aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad. While aboard the Disoriented Express, passengers must figure out Who Whacked Willy Wonka. A crew of actors aboard are interacting with the audience giving clues and playing part in the Murder Mystery. This adult night-out is a two and a half hour train ride, including a four-course…

Thomas is In Town!

Day Out with Thomas Kicks Off

August 3, 2018

Arman Rahman,

Duluth, Minn-The parking lot of the Depot looks more like a street festival. But the air hung low, anticipation stirring. Suddenly, excitement rushes with the kids to greet the one and only Thomas the Tank Engine, as he returns from the last trip of the day. With over 22,000 attendees in the past years, and this year looking to surpass…

Locomotive Luminary Lands at the Depot

Thomas and Percy Roll In for Day Out With Thomas

July 31, 2018

Arman Rahman,

Duluth, Minn- Duluth Children (and train lovers), rejoice! Thomas the Tank Engine and his pal, Percy have arrived at the Depot. For now the engines are exhausted from their excursion to get here. They’re resting, gearing up for their big debuts at the Day Out with Thomas this Friday. The trains will be ready for rides and all type of…

Thomas Makes His Way to the Duluth Depot

Final Preparations for Day Out with Thomas

July 30, 2018

Arman Rahman,

Duluth, Minn.- Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy are on their way back for some summer fun at the Duluth Depot. Crews with the North Shore Scenic Railroad have been preparing for the big arrival since December. So far 10,000 tickets have already been sold out of the 18,000 tickets expected to be purchased over the next two…

Putt Putt Railcars Chug Into Duluth!

Jump In! The Old Railcars Are Back For Recreation!

July 9, 2018

,

DULUTH, Minn. — The North American Railcar Operator’s Association chugged into Duluth Monday morning! The little putt putt’s ride along the railways and travel across the United States and Canada. “Remember the hand pump that today’s generation would see in a cartoon’s, this is the successor to those.” explained Hal Johnson, a member of the North American Rail Car Operator’s…

Northland Uncovered: Grandma’s Marathon Viewing Train

The Grandma's Marathon Viewing Train will Leave the Duluth Depot at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 16

June 12, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend thousands of fans will be packing the streets, waiting for their favorite athletes to pass by. But did you know you can also witness Grandma’s Marathon from the tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad? Tuesday morning on FOX 21 Local News, Lake Superior Railroad Museum Executive Director Ken Buehler stopped by to chat about…

Trains Begin Chugging Along North Shore Scenic Railroad

April 24, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – As more birds are chirping outside, there’s also another sound that’s a sure sign of Spring, the whistle of a train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The trains are starting two weeks earlier than usual this year, running at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. As the full season gets underway starting Memorial Day weekend,…

New Stop Added on North Shore Scenic Railroad

Right now the trip is just a trial run.

March 21, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The North Shore Scenic Railroad goes from Duluth to Two Harbors. This summer a new stop will be made along the way. A special Knife River train ride is now available. Officials say they’re dipping their toes into the idea offering a trial Picnic Train. The day trip will include time to explore the beach, Lake Superior, and…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Officials Seek New Conductors

Conductor Classes are Open at All

February 20, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the history and legacy of the North Shore Scenic Railroad now is your chance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is always looking for more volunteers, and now they’re looking for new conductors. Railroad officials are holding a series of classes for those interested in the task. They are starting up…

Christmas City Express Arrives In Duluth

Christmas City Express Has Been Around for 25 Years

November 24, 2017

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. -All aboard! Who’s ready for the Christmas City Express? The holiday train ride from Fitgers’s to the North Shore Scenic Railroad started about seven years ago. It tells the story of a young girl headed to Duluth to visit her grandmother for Christmas, but a few things get in her way. The performance piece has turned into a…

Christmas City Express Ranked One of 10 Best Christmas Trains in America

Annual Train Ride Begins Friday

November 21, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A holiday season staple in the Northland is now chugging down the tracks with a big title. Web portal MSN has named the Christmas City Express of the North Shore Scenic Railroad one of the 10 best Christmas train rides in America. The ride received this honor due to a combination of the train ride and the…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Prepares Trains for Winter

Northland Uncovered: Transitioning Trains for Cold Months

October 24, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the leaves continue to fall of trees and temperatures stay chilly, many of us are getting ready for winter. Some museums in town are also making a transition for the cold months. North Shore Scenic Railroad officials tell us they need to use several hundred gallons of antifreeze to get all the radiators ready for winter….

Train Ride Leads to Hidden Pumpkin Patch

Coffee Conversation: Pumpkin Patch Express

October 16, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Pumpkin Patch Express at the North Shore Scenic Railroad will be bringing families to a secret field to find the perfect pumpkin. There will be narration during the train ride and a chance to pick out a pumpkin at the destination. At the depot there will be magic shows, coloring, movies, bounce houses and…

Thomas and Percy Take Over the North Shore Scenic Railroad

For the Next Two Weekends, Thomas the Tank Engine and His Friend Percy will be Chugging Throught the Northland

August 1, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands are expected to welcome two special guests to the Northland this weekend all the way from the Island of Sodor. The largest crowd ever is anticipated this year for the “Day Out With Thomas,” at the North Shore Scenic Railroad. “We’re very fortunate to have Thomas back with us again this summer for the Friendship Tour…

Railroad Museum to Celebrate Locomotive #28 with “Steam Weekend”

Northland Uncovered: Lake Superior Railroad Museum

June 20, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders and tourists will have the chance to hit the rails of the North Shore Scenic Railroad with a very special locomotive in charge. Steam power is back in the Northland with the restoration of locomotive #28. The train will take passengers to Two Harbors and will stay in town for about two hours. Passengers will…

Volunteers Preparing Trains for Tourist Season

Northland Uncovered: North Shore Scenic Railroad

March 28, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s finally starting to feel like Spring outside and that means some vehicles seen chugging along the North Shore are getting tuned up for the season. Over at the Duluth Depot, volunteers are hard at work in the shop for the North Shore Scenic Railroad. The trains are winterized and stored for the winter. Now that Spring…

North Shore Scenic Railroad

"Railroading Through the Seasons" is a new exhibit done by nationally recognized local railroad photographer Dave Schauer.

Trains will Begin Taking Trips on Friday, May 21, 2021

Organizers say Preseason Thomas ticket sales are running about 300% ahead of 2020 and 2019.

According to the Railroad's Facebook page, Day out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15.

The vaccines are available to those specific group by appointment only. No walk-ins are allowed.

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

The great pumpkin train will wrap up on Sunday.

Thomas's Visit coupled with the Big Boy Steam Engine's brought about 30,000 people to Duluth.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad will take 1,100 runners to Two Harbors at 5:45 Saturday morning

Volunteers were seen up and down the railroad tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad

Dinner Trains are Offered Fridays and Saturdays in the Summer

150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad and 30th Anniversary of the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

North Shore Scenic Railroad opens their 30th Anniversary Season.

$11 million suggested for passenger rail systems.

Amtrak and City of Duluth update each other

7 Days is All it Takes to Get Behind the Wheel of a Train

New Safety Measures Aim to Reduce Accidents

CNN Once Named the North Shore Fall Colors Train Tour "Top 5 out of the Top 10 in America"

This Murder Mystery can be solved on the Disoriented Express train ride at the North Shore Scenic Railroad

Day Out with Thomas Kicks Off

Thomas and Percy Roll In for Day Out With Thomas

Final Preparations for Day Out with Thomas

Jump In! The Old Railcars Are Back For Recreation!

The Grandma's Marathon Viewing Train will Leave the Duluth Depot at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 16

Right now the trip is just a trial run.

Conductor Classes are Open at All

Christmas City Express Has Been Around for 25 Years

Annual Train Ride Begins Friday

Northland Uncovered: Transitioning Trains for Cold Months

Coffee Conversation: Pumpkin Patch Express

For the Next Two Weekends, Thomas the Tank Engine and His Friend Percy will be Chugging Throught the Northland

Northland Uncovered: Lake Superior Railroad Museum

Northland Uncovered: North Shore Scenic Railroad

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