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Duluth, Mn Travel Directory Page
Fall Color Train Rides begin September 15, 2023
The six hour round trip color tour from Duluth to Two Harbors begins in mid-September and runs into mid-October. There is a two hour layover in Two Harbors. See links at the bottom of the page for more info.
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Enger Park & Tower
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- Things to see and do in Canal Park -
- Rose Garden Pictures Photos -
From mid-September to mid-October, the North Shore Scenic Railway and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum sponsor a special color train between Duluth and Two Harbors, Mn. What makes this rail excursion especially neat is that one of the antique steam locomotives from the museum is pressed into service: Steam Locomotive #2719 built in 1923 by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) of Schenectady, New York. See the photos from our trip below.
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.
In 2014 Steam Engine #2719 is undergoing important maintenance and is now on display at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. In 2019 Steam Locomotive #28 will be pulling the fall steam train excursion to Two Harbors and return. See links to schedules below
- click on small pictures for a larger image -
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.
That evening the weather forecast for the next day 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 Steam Train Ride - 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.
< < < Then we raced along scenic highway 61 keeping pace with the steam train and snapping photographs as well as waving to the passengers.
At the Two Harbors Depot
< < < 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.
< < < Both passengers and crew "de-trained" for the two hour layover in Two Harbors before the return trip to Duluth.
While in Two Harbors, we had lunch at the Vanilla Bean Cafe and there talked to some folks from North Dakota 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 time, rain or shine, Jo and I ride . . . instead of chase the train.
Railroad & Color Train Links
North Shore Scenic Railway Fall Color Train Ride & Special Excursions
Duluth Travel-Visitor Directory
- Things to see and do in Canal Park -
- Rose Garden Pictures Photos -
Visitor Information Duluth, Mn
Continuing your Travel & Trekking
Around Lake Superior
Superior Trails Lake Superior Circle Tour
SuperiorTrails.com - Reinhold Development - 2023
Duluth's amazing Bentleyville Duluth Christmas Lights Village.
Duluth Holiday Events and Fun.
Winter - Michigan UP
Winter - Wisconsin Winter - Minnesota
Winter - Sault Ste Marie.
Duluth's Enger Park and Enger Park Tower.
Duluth's Rose Garden & Leif Erickson Park
Santa Visit & Duluth
Christmas Train
Things to Do and See in Duluth, Minnesota
Enjoying lake breezes and views at the Canal Park Brewery Beer Garden - Canal Park.
Hiking and Camping Guides & Books