North Shore Scenic Railroad facts for kids
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The North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR) is a special train line that takes people on fun trips. It runs between Duluth, Minnesota and Two Harbors, Minnesota in the United States. It's like a museum on wheels!
This railroad is owned by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. They offer many different train rides from May to December each year. The railroad started running in 1990. It uses tracks that used to belong to the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway. Today, the Canadian National Railway still has rights to use these tracks. However, they don't use them very often.
The NSSR uses several cool locomotives (train engines). Some famous ones include Great Northern Railway EMD NW5 192 and DM&IR EMD SD18 193. They also have a Budd Rail Diesel Car 9169 and Soo Line EMD GP30 700. Many old steam locomotives have also pulled these special trips. These include Duluth & Northern Minnesota 14 and Soo Line 1003. You might also see Milwaukee Road 261 or Soo Line 2719. A newly fixed-up train, the Duluth & Northeastern 28, is now used by the NSSR.
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Train Trips and Schedules
The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers many daily train trips. These trips run from May all the way until December. After Labor Day in September, the trains usually run only on weekends.
Daily Train Rides
The NSSR's main daily train is called the Lester River. This train leaves from the Duluth Union Depot. It travels to the Lester River and then returns. On weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), the train goes on a longer trip. It travels 28 miles all the way to the Two Harbors station. Then it comes back to Duluth later in the day. From 2007 to 2013, the Soo Line 2719 steam train often ran these trips.
In May, before summer starts, the Lester River train is replaced. A train called the Lake Front Zephyr runs on the same route. This train usually uses a special RDC train car. After Memorial Day, the normal train schedule begins.
Evening and Holiday Trains
During summer evenings, you can ride a "Music and Pizza Train." This train travels along the Lakefront Line to Palmers, Minnesota. Then it returns to Duluth. It's a fun way to enjoy dinner and music!
In the fall, special "Fall Color" trips go to Two Harbors. These trips start in late September and continue until late October. They are perfect for seeing the beautiful autumn leaves. From late November through Christmas, holiday trains run. These festive trains travel between Duluth Union Depot and Fitgers.
Special Event Trains
The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and NSSR host many special train events. These include trips for events like Grandma's Marathon. You can also rent trains for private group trips. Since 2012, the railroad has hosted "Day Out with Thomas" events. These popular trips feature a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine. They usually happen on certain weekends in July and August.
Other special trains include fun "murder mystery" rides. There are also "pumpkin patch" trains in the fall. Some trains even offer special food or drink tastings.
Railfan Weekend
Every year, usually in mid-September, the museum hosts a "Railfan Weekend." During this event, many of the working trains are operated. This is great for tourists and train fans. They also offer special photo opportunities with historic freight trains. Some trains are even painted with old DM&IR colors. This honors the railroad's past owners.
Streamliner and Steam Trains
Sometimes, the NSSR runs a special Streamliner train. This train features the Soo Line 2500 and Erie Mining Company 4211. They pull the museum's best passenger cars.
The Duluth & Northeastern 28 train has been fixed up and is now running. After this train reaches its operating limit, the Soo Line 2719 will be fixed up. Then it will return to the North Shore Scenic Railroad for more trips.
The Milwaukee Road 261 train sometimes visits Duluth. When it does, some of its cars join with the museum's cars. They create a special dinner train experience.
Images for kids
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North Shore Scenic Drive - North Shore Scenic Railroad
