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Steam Locomotive #2719 leaving Duluth pulling the Fall Color Train
to Two Harbors, Minnesota
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Scenic Train Rides
North Shore Scenic Railroad
Fall Color Tour
The last weekend in September and the first weekend in October, the North Shore Scenic Railway and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum sponsor a special color train between Duluth and Two Harbors, Mn. In 2007, what made this excursion especially neat was that one of the antique steam locomotives from the museum was pressed into service: Steam Locomotive #2719 built in 1923 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York.
Steam Engine #2719 for many years served the Soo Line Railroad pulling both passenger and freight trains, including the popular Pullman Car night train between Duluth and Chicago. It was retired from active service in 1959 and at that time was the last remaining "working" steam locomotive in Wisconsin. It was later restored to service for excursion runs by Locomotive and Tower Preservation Fund, Ltd who has leased it to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum for display and excursion runs.
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The Union Depot
The day before the train ran, the sky was blue with hardly a cloud in sight when we stopped by Union Depot to inquire about tickets.> > >
< < < Later when we took a stroll on the Lakewalk, blue sky and warm weather continued.
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That evening the weather forecast was rain and a cold front moving in, so Jo and I elected to chase (and photograph) the train to Two Harbors instead of ride it. |
Duluth to Two Harbors
< < < The next morning it was cold and rainy. I waited in the rain for over an hour on top of the tunnel by canal park. Just when I was about to give up I saw the headlight and smoke in the distance as #2719 came chugging along.
 
We rushed ahead towards Two Harbors and found a railway intersection where we waited for old #2719 to catch up. And there she came . . . blowing smoke announcing her arrival.
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< < < Then we raced along scenic highway 61 keeping pace with the train and snapping photographs as well as waving to the passengers. 
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< < < We waited in the Two Harbors Depot and finally the train came - caboose first, having turned around in preparation for the return trip to Duluth.
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< < < Both passengers and crew "de-trained" for the two hour layover in Two Harbors before the return trip to Duluth.
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We had lunch at the Vanilla Bean and while there talked to some folks from North Dakato who had come to Duluth specifically to ride the color train. Even with the rain, they said they thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the scenery.
Next year, rain or shine, Jo and I ride . . . instead of chase the train. |
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Railroad & Color Train Links
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Duluth Area Pages
 Duluth, Minnesota - Main Information Directory
Skyline Parkway & 7 Bridges Road Scenic Drive
Scenic Railroad Fall Color Tour
Duluth Night Scenes
Canal Park & Aerial Lift Bridge
Canal Park Dining & Shopping District
Duluth Lakewalk - Directory
Duluth Rose Garden
Duluth Hawk Ridge
Duluth Enger Park Tower
Two Harbors, MN
Superior, Wisconsin
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Visitor Information - Duluth, Mn
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Continuing your Travel & Trekking
 Around Lake Superior
Superior Trails Lake Superior Circle Tour
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Hotel, Motel Lodging
Duluth, Mn, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Minnesota
North Shore
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