Scenic Train Rides in Minnesota: Family Day Trips Near Twin Cities & Duluth
Minnesota has a long history with the railway. Names like James J. Hill are famous and helped shape our town. As the industry has changed, these train cars could have become relics. Today, the railroad is still very active. These cars have transformed into the best scenic train rides in Minnesota.
I’ve gotten the opportunities to ride on both the Osceola & St Croix Valley Railway and the Duluth Railway. And I had so much fun on these adventures.
Instead of stressing about catching the green light, you can relax and enjoy the view outside the window and the company of those around you. Thankfully, both trains have some of the best scenic views in Minnesota.
This post was hosted by the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway and the Saint Croix Valley. As always, my opinions are my own.
Scenic Train Rides in Minnesota
Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway
The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway is the closest recreational train to the Twin Cities. The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, run by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, has a range of unique cars, each with its own story and personality.
The train travels round trip from Osceola, Wisconsin to Marine on St Croix in Minnesota. A ride lasting 90 mins, and it just flies by. The train will reach top speeds of 25mph.
TIP: Book your tickets in advance. Fall Colors and Pizza Trains fill up!
The Osceola train has a variety of unique events, like a Fall Colors Trip, Music and Pizza Train, and Pumpkin Express. The Pizza Train can accommodate both gluten and dairy dietary restrictions as long as you order ahead of time.
If you miss out on the Pizza Train or just want to sit in coach, you can still get pizza too. Just bring some extra cash with you.
The Fall Colors trip is a great way to see a lot of the foliage along the river. Even if it’s not Fall yet, they still have a superb view. They are also running a Pumpkin Express train up to Dresser, WI.
It’s a little shorter of a trip, making it ideal for younger kids, plus there will be music, games, food, and pumpkins!
Spend the whole day in Taylor’s Falls if you can. There are tons of fun things to do! Find all the fun things to do in the area by clicking here!
The Duluth Scenic Railroad
Taking off right out of the heart of Duluth, the Duluth Scenic Railroad, also known as the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been transporting passengers since 1990.
They have a variety of different cars and will accommodate both First-Class and coach passengers.
On this trip, I recommend arriving early because people will start lining up 30 minutes early to get some of the best seats.
All the Duluth Scenic Railroad rides are round trips. Their most popular trip is a 90-minute ride on the Duluth Zephyr.
Duluth Zephyr Pricing (May to mid-October): First Class Dome (upstairs) $46.00 per person (all ages need a ticket), Coach Seats: Adults $24.00 / Children (3-13) $12.00. Babies under 3 ride free.
It travels along the North Shoreline and through the Congdon Neighborhood before making its return trip back. If your kids get bored on the way back, just hand them the Famous Trains Coloring Book.
They also have a 2.5hr North Shore trip that includes a Pizza and live musical entertainment. If you want to make a full day excursion, I recommend going on a Two Harbors tour.
It’s a half-day, 6hr trip up the North Shore with a layover stop in Two Harbors. You’ll shop and have a great lunch before returning home.
One of the most impressive parts of their operations is their connection to the Duluth Depot Museum. It costs additional to go in, but it’s an experience you will not forget.
Both trips on the scenic railway will give you views of the shore of Lake Superior and downtown Duluth.
Show up for this adventure an hour early, so you can visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum before. You can climb aboard locomotives throughout history. Find out how they remove snow from a track or sit in the engineer’s seat. It’s perfect for any historic train lover.
Duluth is another great town with fun things to do. 28 Amazing Family-Friendly Things to do in Duluth MN | The Perfect Getaway
Make sure to Book your trip before you leave. Fall colors fill up in advance. They also have Christmas Trains to do!
Friends of the 261
The Railroading Association of the Midwest is the official name of the Friends of the 261. The steam engine based in Minneapolis has a fleet of cars and is a premier railroad in the cities.
Using refurbished cars, they operate seasonal excursions with routes taking passengers through scenic Minnesota landscapes and charming towns. Popular trips include the Harvest BBQ Express (fall) featuring premium and dome car seating with complimentary barbeque lunch, beverages, and snacks. They have various levels of tickets to purchase ranging from Coach to Presidential Class, depending on the experience you want. Keep an eye out at the 261 website for current excursion schedules and availability.
Amtrak
With a new express route added to Chicago, the Amtrak is becoming more and more popular. Leaving out of Union Depot in St Paul, you will also make stops to Red Wing or Winona.
Amtrak Empire Builder Train runs to Seattle in the other direction, making stops at Red Wing, Winona, St Paul, St Cloud, Staples, and Detroit Lakes MN.
My favorite route is from St Paul to Red Wing. Everything is within walking distance of downtown, and you’ll get views of the Mississippi River. You can also bring your bike with you to help you get around.
You can jump on a train and enjoy a Day Trip to one of these great small towns before making your way back home. The train leaves out of Union Depot in St Paul.
Need more inspiration on what to do in these small towns? Check it out!
19 Things To Do in Red Wing MN: A Complete Guide
22 Fun Things to do in Winona Minnesota
11 Top Things to do in St Cloud MN: Fun Day Trip
Excelsior Street Car
If you are looking for a quick sampler train ride, check out the Excelsior Streetcar. They run two demonstration railways, the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line and the Excelsior Streetcar line.
The trips are short, with only a half-mile of track. At the end of the track, you’ll stop at their car barn, so passengers can see some of their restoration projects, before returning you back.
The tours are run by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. This is a short ride in the Metro Area, perfect for younger kids.
While it’s not a big trip, it’s enough of one to whet your appetite.
Stick around in Excelsior for more fun things to do: Over 20 Things to do in Excelsior MN: A lake lover’s dream
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad
The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad take riders on a ride from Duluth to Oliver MN twice a day on weekends. 2 Coaches, Safari Car, and, of course, the Switch Engine.
They offer charters for events. One of the coolest things they do is the Choo Choo Paddle. This is where you paddle down, and take the train back! Seriously, it’s genius!
Tips for Scenic Train Rides in Minnesota
Don’t Be Afraid to Move Around
The first time I took a train ride, I was so concerned that I would lose my seat if I wandered around. Chances are the train isn’t that full. And if you lose your seat, oh well. The next one you see may be even better.
Also, each car is different. They have their own feel, history, seating, and accommodations. Look at all the cars before committing to some of the best cars. It usually ends up being the one at the back of the train.
Speaking of the back of the train, it changes. One of the best parts about round-trip rides is when the engine stops to hook up to the other side. You’ll have time to wave at the engineer, and those at the front of the train, now get to be in the caboose!
Talk to the Conductors
The conductors have such a wealth of information. They know the trains inside and out. The Osceola Scenic Train, after the engine moved, we stood on the back of the train the entire time.
Not only did we get to watch the tracks and the world go by, but we also got to have amazing conversations with the Conductors. He was a wealth of information about train life.
Fun Fact, if you are playing around train tracks, you can have up to three different police coming after you. One was even Canadian.
Accessibility and Rider Information
If you have mobility concerns, call ahead—while historic trains have limitations, operators often provide assistance. Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway and Duluth Scenic Railroad offer ADA accommodations where possible, though narrow aisles and steps are inherent to vintage cars. Amtrak’s modern fleet offers full wheelchair accessibility. Service animals are typically welcome on all railroads, but call ahead for confirmation. Restroom facilities vary by train; shorter rides (like Excelsior Streetcar’s half-mile) may be limiting for those with frequent needs. Bring any medications or mobility aids you’ll need—onboard medical facilities are minimal.
Dress for Seasonal Conditions
Minnesota train rides expose you to outdoor elements. Summer rides offer shade in enclosed cars but can get warm; early morning/late afternoon departures provide cooler relief. Fall Colors trips are cool (50-60°F); bring layers and a light jacket. Winter trains (Pumpkin Express, Christmas Trains) run in 20-40°F temperatures—dress warmly. Wind chill increases as the train moves; the caboose and observation cars are windier than enclosed coaches. Bring a light blanket if provided isn’t enough. Sunscreen is essential for spring/summer; glare off water intensifies along the St. Croix River and Lake Superior routes. Check weather 3 days before to pack accordingly.
Bring Snacks and Plan Your Meals
Most trains have cash-only snack cars with limited options (soft drinks, candy, ice cream). The Osceola Pizza Train ($40+ per person) and Duluth 2.5hr North Shore Dinner Train include meals; reservations must be specified at booking. Amtrak has a full dining car with prepared meals ($18-35 per item). Budget $15-30 per person for snacks if you don’t bring food. Dietary restrictions: Osceola Pizza Train accommodates gluten-free and dairy-free (order ahead); other trains have limited options. Bring your own snacks to avoid relying on onboard availability—historic trains sometimes run without snack service on slower days. This is especially important when traveling with children.
Capture Your Train Adventure
The back of the train offers the best photo opportunities, especially during the turn-around when the engine switches. Bring a phone tripod for selfies with scenic backdrops. Interior shots through windows are best with neutral angle—direct sunlight creates glare on glass. Early morning and late afternoon light is superior to midday harsh sun. Historic trains move at 20-30 mph (Osceola) to faster speeds (Amtrak), so brace yourself for movement. Avoid flash photography if posted (respect other passengers). The Lake Superior views from Duluth’s route and St. Croix River from Osceola are best captured from observation cars or caboose. These trains create memories that last a lifetime—don’t forget to capture them!
Reservations
Reserve your specialty trips ahead of time. Fall Colors trips will sell out fast. You can make reservations ahead of time online. Pricing varies by train and experience level. Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway rides typically range $25-45, Duluth Scenic Railroad from $12-46 depending on seating class, and specialty dining experiences cost more. Kids 2 and under are free on most trains.
Don’t Miss Out on these fun Scenic Train Rides
Getting to ride on these trains can seem like a novelty. But with the costs associated with running a train and creating an unforgettable experience, we need to get on them before they go away.
They are at risk of becoming a thing of the past. I for one, do not want to see that happen. To make sure you get on one of these trains, reserve your tickets and enjoy this forgotten treasure.
These scenic Minnesota train rides will create memories that last a lifetime, but the trains won’t. Make sure to plan your train excursions this year!
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