Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad gives visitors an exclusive look into the history and cultural significance of the Lake Superior and Mississippi railroad.

  • When did the first train arrive in Duluth, Minnesota?
    • On August 1, 1870, the first train arrived in Duluth, Minnesota from St. Paul.
    • This train traveled along Duluth’s first railroad, the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad.
    • The train's arrival was regarded as one of the most important events in Minnesota’s history and marked a monumental moment for railroad development in the United States.
  • What was the original purpose of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad?
    • The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad had approximately 154 miles of track connecting these two rivers by land.
    • This connection made transportation and trading much easier.
  • What happened to the original Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad?
    • The original railroad became the St. Paul & Duluth Railway, which later changed its name and affiliation to the Northern Pacific Railway.
    • The Northern Pacific Railway served as a transcontinental path for goods from the West to Duluth.
  • How was the current Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad created?
    • The current Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad was created by a group affiliated with the Lake Superior Transportation Club.
    • This group of volunteers used part of the original railroad track that ran by the St. Louis River to establish the new railroad.
    • Currently, the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad serves as a tourist attraction.
  • What are the main attractions at the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad?
    • There are two main attractions:
    • The rolling stock collection
    • The train excursion
  • What is included in the rolling stock collection?
    • Locomotive 46 – Built in 1946, this electric center cab served as a switch engine until 1984 and was donated by the Flambeau Paper Co.
    • Safari Car – Built in 1928 for the Northern Pacific Railway and donated by the Hallett Dock Co., later renovated for passenger access.
    • Coach 85 – Built in 1912 by the American Car and Foundry, originally part of the Missabe and Northern Railway, now fitted with 1950s coach seats.
    • Coach 29 – Built in 1912, remodeled in 1939 while preserving many original design elements.
  • What is the train excursion at the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad?
    • The train excursion operates on Saturdays and Sundays and lasts approximately two hours.
    • For more information, visitors can check the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad’s website.
  • Does the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad offer educational opportunities?
    • Currently, the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad does not offer specialized educational opportunities.
    • However, the tour of the rolling stock and the train excursion serve as an educational experience on their own.
  • Does the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad host special events?
    • The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad does not host public special events.
    • However, it does offer private special events known as charters.
  • What is included in a private special event (charter)?
    • During a private event, the entire train is available for guest usage.
    • Guests can request the train’s departure and return times, as well as any stops along the route.
    • Guests are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages aboard.
    • A full crew is provided for the ride.
    • Groups of 30 or more must book a charter in advance.
    • Charters are available for any occasion except birthday parties, which have a separate package.
  • What is the birthday party charter package?
    • The birthday party charter package is a two-hour train ride on the historic Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad.
    • Birthday parties can be private or held alongside other guests.
    • If a birthday party chooses to ride with other guests, members of the party receive priority boarding and can choose their seating arrangement.
    • Birthday party guests receive a discounted ticket from general admission.
    • Birthday parties must give the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad advanced notice.

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, 6930 Fremont St, Duluth, MN 55807, Phone: 218-624-7549

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