"The Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth, Minnesota showcases one of the most extensive railroad collections in the Midwest. Housed in the Historic Union Depot, this immersive museum highlights the golden age of rail travel through interactive exhibits, historic locomotives, and STEM-based educational programming."
Recommended for
Railroad history buffs
Explore an unmatched collection of diesel, steam, and electric locomotives
Families & school groups
Enjoy kid-friendly scavenger hunts, hands-on learning, and educational tours
STEM educators
Connect engineering and math concepts with real-world railroad technology
Event planners
Host weddings, birthdays, or corporate events in a unique, historic venue
Things to See & Do
- Depot Square: Step into 1910 Duluth with early 20th-century storefronts and the Zelda Theater
- Steam Locomotives: View rare engines including the William Crooks—Minnesota’s first locomotive
- Diesel Locomotives: See rare examples from the 1930s–60s including the Great Northern 192
- Passenger Cars: Walk through vintage railcars including the 1946 Pullman Observation Car
- Cabooses & Freight Equipment: Learn the function and history of the caboose and rail shipping
- Service Equipment: Explore 19th-century tech like the 1887 rotary snowplow
- Electric Locomotives: Discover early innovations in electric-powered train travel
- Miscellaneous Holdings: See rare finds like a US Steel ladle car and a Portuguese trolley
Educational Programs
- STEM Activities: Engage students in math-based games, hands-on experiments, and interactive lessons
- Specialized Tours: Led by trained guides with insider stories and behind-the-scenes access
- Group & School Programs: Book class trips and large group experiences tailored for K–12 learning
Good to Know
- Style: Historic and educational with immersive exhibits inside a restored 1892 train depot
- Extras: Event rental options, STEM programming, and access to the North Shore Scenic Railroad
- Founded: Established in 1973 after the last train left the depot in 1969
Map & Location
Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Historic Union Depot, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802 – Phone: 218-727-8025
Centrally located in downtown Duluth, connected to the North Shore Scenic Railroad
Plan Your Trip