"Twin Cities Hiawatha" (Train): Timetables, Consists, History
Last revised: February 24, 2o25
By: Adam Burns
In 1935 the Milwaukee Road introduced the Hiawatha, sometimes referred to as the Twin Cities Hiawatha, a passenger train that would spawn a whole fleet of famous trains by the same name.
The original operated between Chicago and the Twin Cities and officially began service on May 29, 1935; one of the first streamlined trains ever to be introduced in the U.S. For the Milwaukee, the Hiawathas were virtually the only streamlined passenger trains operated by the railroad (they certainly were the most popular and well-remembered).
The trains were both regional in nature and long-distance (Olympian Hiawatha and Midwest Hiawatha). In addition, after October, 1955 the railroad handled Union Pacific's City fleet to and from Chicago.
Originally powered by 4-4-2 Atlantic-type steam locomotives (later 4-6-4 Hudson-types) the train was entirely streamlined, including the locomotive, and home-built in the Milwaukee Road's own shops.
These trains were instantly successful, regularly clipping along at speeds topping 100 mph with hardly a bump or shudder during the ride. The Chicago-Twin Cities run could be achieved in roughly seven hours and the Milwaukee Road's trackside "Reduce to 90" signs are legendary.
Photos
Milwaukee Road E6A #15-A is ahead of a "Twin Cities Hiawatha" at Rondout, Illinois on September 2, 1948. Photographer unknown. American-Rails.com collection.History
The original Twin Cities Hiawatha was ingeniously conceived. Like many other famous streamlined passengers trains, which played on themes of either the geography or regional historical cultures, so too did the Hiawathas.
These trains were based from Native American tribes found in the upper Midwest. They became so successful the railroad found itself short on demand and to meet such eventually operated two versions of the train, the Morning Hiawatha and Afternoon Hiawatha.
Consist (1952)
There were eventually four other versions of the trains operated in the Midwest. These included:
- Twin Cities Hiawatha, North Woods Hiawatha (Served New Lisbon, Wisconsin to Minocqua, Wisconsin.)
- Chippewa Hiawatha (Served Chicago; Ontonagon, Michigan; and Milwaukee and Green Bay.)
- Midwest Hiawatha (From Chicago this train served both Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.)
However, these Midwest versions were not the only Hiawathas the Milwaukee ever operated. With the success of its regional Hiawathas, in 1947, about twelve years after the railroad first launched its Twin Cities Hiawatha the railroad introduced the streamlined Olympian Hiawatha.
At A Glance
6 Hours, 35 Minutes (Westbound) 6 Hours, 45 Minutes (Eastbound) |
|
101/5 (Westbound) 100/6 (Eastbound) | |
Union Depot (St. Paul) Union Station (Chicago) |
This particular train was meant to fully compete with the Great Northern and Northern Pacific for rail travel to and from the Pacific Northwest (the Milwaukee had operated the transcontinental Olympian and Columbian since 1911 over its Pacific Extension but these trains used heavyweight equipment and were pulled by conventional steam locomotives).
One of the Milwaukee Road's lightning fast Class A 4-4-2's, #3 (according to Jim Scribbins' book, "The Hiawatha Story," she was outshopped from Alco on May 21, 1936), is seen here during a quick station stop at Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the "Hiawatha" (Chicago - St. Paul/Minneapolis) on September 17, 1939. The Atlantic normally cruised at 100 mph and covered the entire 409 miles from Chicago to St. Paul in just 390 minutes (6 1/2 hours). To maintain its blistering schedule the railroad allowed just 2 minutes in Milwaukee for watering and handling passengers before the train was again on its way. Richard Kindig photo.The Milwaukee Road's Hiawathas owe their creation to industrial designer Otto Kuhler, the same man who designed the Baltimore & Ohio's regal Capitol Limited and its classic royal blue, gold, and gray livery. Kuhler designed similar stunning accents on the Hiawathas.
The train featured a livery of two-tone orange and gray and the distinctive Beaver Tail parlor-observation car, a unique twist from the more traditional round-ended observations found on most other streamliners.
Timetables (1952)
The Beaver Tail parlor-observations were later replaced with the celebrated Sky Top lounge-observations, perhaps the most distinctive and dramatic observation cars ever built.
Designed by industrial designer Brooks Stevens the rear of the cars featured a beautiful solarium lounge that afforded passengers unprecedented views of the outside world (the cars were also used on the Olympian Hi).
Afternoon Hiawatha Timetable (December 7, 1969)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #3/Afternoon Hiawatha) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #2/Afternoon Hiawatha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:35 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 7:55 PM (Ar) | |
| 12:58 PM | 17 | 7:27 PM | |
| 2:01 PM (Ar) | 85 | 6:25 PM (Dp) | |
| 2:06 PM (Dp) | 85 | 6:19 PM (Ar) | |
| 2:52 PM | 131 | 5:28 PM | |
| 3:13 PM (Ar) | 150 | 5:08 PM (Dp) | |
| 3:13 PM (Dp) | 150 | 5:08 PM (Ar) | |
| 3:40 PM (Ar) | 178 | 4:41 PM (Dp) | |
| 3:42 PM (Dp) | 178 | 4:39 PM (Ar) | |
| 4:22 PM (Ar) | 221 | 3:58 PM (Dp) | |
| 4:22 PM (Dp) | 221 | 3:58 PM (Dp) | |
| 5:17 PM (Ar) | 281 | 3:01 PM (Dp) | |
| 5:21 PM (Dp) | 281 | 2:55 PM (Ar) | |
| 5:54 PM | 308 | 2:26 PM | |
| 6:24 PM | 341 | 1:52 PM | |
| 6:55 PM | 371 | 1:22 PM | |
| 7:45 PM (Ar) | 410 | 12:40 PM (Dp) | |
| 7:55 PM (Dp) | 410 | 12:35 PM (Ar) | |
| 8:00 PM (Ar) | 421 | 12:15 AM (Dp) |
The, original, and blazing fast Atlantic steam locomotives use for power likewise received the Kuhler touch. The locomotive featured shrouding over most of its exterior with the running gear partially exposed at the bottom.
Perhaps the 4-4-2's unique feature was its round, bullet-shaped, nose that included wings across its flank with the locomotive's road number featured front and center. The tender was also eye-catching as it featured a very prominent Hiawatha emblem, one of the all-time classic railroad logos ever conceived.
Milwaukee Road FP45 #1 with a "Hiawatha" consist at Davis Junction, Illinois in April of 1969. Fred Byerly photo. American-Rails.com collection.According to the Milwaukee Road's 1938 timetable, trains #101 (westbound departing Chicago) and #100 (eastbound departing Minneapolis) could make their journey between the two cities in a flat, seven hours averaging just over 60 mph! (For an average train speed this is incredibly fast.)
The train's initial consist included the aforementioned Beaver Tail parlor, a standard parlor, drawing-room parlor, the famed "Tip Top Tap" café car, diner, and luxury coaches.
Morning Hiawatha Timetable (December 7, 1969)
(The below Morning Hiawatha timetable from the Official Guide is dated effective December 7, 1969. At this time both the Morning and Afternoon runs had notices on the schedule stating, "Application has been made to discontinue. Ask agent for details.)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #5/Morning Hiawatha) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #6/Morning Hiawatha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM (Dp) | 0.0 | 3:10 PM (Ar) | |
| 10:55 AM | 17 | 2:46 PM | |
| 11:58 AM (Ar) | 85 | 1:44 PM (Dp) | |
| 12:09 PM (Dp) | 85 | 1:40 PM (Ar) | |
| 12:45 PM | 118 | 1:00 PM | |
| 1:01 PM | 131 | 12:44 PM | |
| 1:22 PM (Ar) | 150 | 12:25 PM (Dp) | |
| 1:22 PM (Dp) | 150 | 12:25 PM (Ar) | |
| 1:49 PM (Ar) | 178 | 11:57 AM (Dp) | |
| 1:55 PM (Dp) | 178 | 11:55 AM (Ar) | |
| 2:32 PM | 214 | ||
| F 2:41 PM (Ar) | 221 | ||
| F 2:41 PM (Dp) | 221 | ||
| 3:03 PM | 240 | 11:01 AM | |
| 3:23 PM | 256 | 10:43 AM | |
| 3:48 PM (Ar) | 281 | 10:19 AM (Dp) | |
| 3:55 PM (Dp) | 281 | 10:14 AM (Ar) | |
| 4:30 PM | 308 | 9:44 AM | |
| 5:04 PM | 341 | ||
| 5:19 PM | 354 | ||
| 5:42 PM | 371 | 8:46 AM | |
| 6:05 PM | 391 | ||
| 6:40 PM (Ar) | 410 | 8:05 AM (Dp) | |
| 6:55 PM (Dp) | 410 | 7:50 AM (Ar) | |
| 7:20 PM (Ar) | 421 | 7:30 AM (Dp) |
Milwaukee Road Skytop lounge-observation "Coon Rapids" brings up the tail end of the 'Twin Cities Hiawatha' near Portage, Wisconsin; May 23, 1953. American-Rails.com collection.Final Years
For the next 45 years the regional Hiawathas would soldier on under the Milwaukee Road, although after 1948 the railroad parked its venerable steam locomotives in favor of diesels using EMD's streamlined E6s and E9s.
The train was actually so popular that the railroad continued to upgrade it through 1952 and included services such as Super Dome service.
Today, one can no longer find the Midwest Hiawatha or Twin Cities Hiawatha hustling travelers across the Heartland, and Milwaukee's route to Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux Falls, South Dakota is now mostly an empty, weed-covered path slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.
However, a semblance of this once legendary service
continues on under Amtrak offering Hiawatha regional trains between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Sources
- Johnston, Bob and Welsh, Joe. Art Of The Streamliner, The. New York: Andover Junction Publications, 2001.
- Murray, Tom. Milwaukee Road, The. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2005.
- Schafer, Mike and Welsh, Joe. Streamliners, History of a Railroad Icon. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
- Scribbins, Jim. Hiawatha Story, The. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2007.
- Scribbins, Jim. Milwaukee Road Remembered. Minneapolis: University Of Minnesota, 2008 (Second Edition).
- Solomon, Brian and Gruber, John. Milwaukee Road's Hiawatha's, The. St. Paul: Voyageur Press, 2006.
Recent Articles
-
South Dakota 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:51 PM
While the 1880 Train's regular runs are a treat in any season, the Oktoberfest Express adds an extra layer of fun: German-inspired food, seasonal beer, and live polka set against the sound and spectac… -
Michigan 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:49 PM
If you’re looking for a pure slice of autumn in West Michigan, the Coopersville & Marne Railway (C&M) has a themed excursion that fits the season perfectly: the Oktoberfest Exp… -
Indiana 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:47 PM
This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. -
Maryland 'Ice Cream' Tasting Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:46 PM
Among WMSR's shorter outings, one event punches well above its “simple fun” weight class: the Ice Cream Train. -
Colorado 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:43 PM
With its rugged mountains, rich railroading history, and picturesque landscapes, Colorado sets the perfect stage for a memorable Father's Day outing aboard a vintage train. -
California 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:41 PM
Celebrate and honor dad by train on a scenic rail experience! Find out which locations in California host these unique trips. -
Kentucky 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 12:40 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Florida 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 23, 26 11:56 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards. -
Southern 2-8-2 4501 Debuts In "Virginia Green"
May 23, 26 11:54 AM
Southern Railway 2-8-2 #4501 debuted in its return to Virginia Green at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum today, May 23, 2026. -
NS Unveils First America250 Locomotive: 1776, "The Bell"
May 22, 26 11:15 PM
On May 22, 2026 Norfolk Southern unveiled its first in the America250 heritage locomotives series, 1776, "The Bell". -
Reading & Northern Issues Safety Directive Ahead Of 4014 Visit
May 22, 26 12:01 PM
With thousands of tickets sold for its upcoming series of Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration excursions, Reading & Northern Railroad is also anticipating thousands more trackside spectators to bear… -
Ohio 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:36 AM
The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes. -
Tennessee 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:31 AM
Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue. -
Alabama 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:29 AM
Alabama, with its rich railway heritage and scenic countryside, is a wonderful way to experience by train. One location even hosts a special trip for Father's Day! -
North Carolina 'Father's Day' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:26 AM
Celebrating dad on a scenic train in North Carolina can be found at the New Hope Valley Railway which hosts a special event for the day. -
Texas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:25 AM
This article invites you on a metaphorical journey through some of these unique wine tasting train experiences in Texas. -
New York 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 22, 26 11:22 AM
This article will delve into the history, offerings, and appeal of wine tasting trains in New York, guiding you through a unique experience that combines the romance of the rails with the sophisticati… -
The Spirit of America: George H.W. Bush’s 1992 Campaign Train
May 22, 26 11:11 AM
In the fading days of summer 1992, President George H. W. Bush embarked on a classic American political tradition: the whistle-stop tour. -
Burlington Northern Timetables (May, 1972)
May 21, 26 11:56 PM
Presented here is the Burlington Northern's condensed freight timetables from the May, 1972 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Whiskey Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 21, 26 11:12 PM
These rides across the United States offer a sensory journey through lush landscapes and historical corridors, often pairing scenic vistas with curated whiskey tastings. -
Father's Day Train Ride Locations (2026)
May 21, 26 10:54 PM
Celebrate dad by train! Several heritage railroads and museums host trips honoring dads. Learn more about which locations offer such excursions. -
The Chessie Safety Express: Steam-Powered Advocacy for Railroad Safety
May 21, 26 10:44 PM
In the fall of 1980, a gleaming Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) 4-8-4 steam locomotive named No. 614 thundered across the rails of the Chessie System, pulling a colorful consist of passenger cars filled with… -
Frankfort and Cincinnati Railroad: "The Kentucky Midland Route"
May 21, 26 06:08 PM
The Frankfort & Cincinnati was a small shortline located in north-central Kentucky that was known as "The Whiskey Route" for the many distilleries it served. The F&C shutdown in 1985. -
North Carolina 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:43 PM
One of the GSMR's most distinctive special events is Spirits on the Rail, a bourbon-focused dining experience built around curated drinks and a chef-prepared multi-course meal. -
Connecticut 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:42 PM
While the Naugatuck Railroad runs a variety of trips throughout the year, one event has quickly become a “circle it on the calendar” outing for fans of great food and spirited tastings: the BBQ & Bour… -
Kansas "Dinner" Train Rides From Abilene
May 21, 26 12:37 PM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Vermont "Dinner" Train Rides At Burlington
May 21, 26 12:34 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:24 PM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Massachusetts "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 21, 26 12:16 PM
The Cape Cod Central is the one location in the state hosting an event just for dads, a special brunch train. Learn more here! -
Historic Steam Locomotive Heads To Charleston For America250 Exhibit
May 21, 26 11:58 AM
A rare piece of West Virginia industrial history, an 0-4-0F fireless steam locomotive by H.K. Porter in 1945, is being installed near the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in Charleston as part of a… -
Connecticut 'Dinner' Train Rides At Essex
May 20, 26 11:55 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Arkansas 'Dinner 'Train Rides On The A&M
May 20, 26 11:54 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
Illinois 'Dinner' Train Rides At The MRM
May 20, 26 11:52 AM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
California 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:51 AM
When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri… -
Michigan 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:50 AM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 20, 26 11:48 AM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
Texas & Pacific Railway Timetables (September, 1937)
May 20, 26 11:10 AM
Featured here is the Texas & Pacific's timetables and system map from the September, 1937 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Norfolk Southern Unveils America250 Locomotive Series
May 20, 26 10:30 AM
Norfolk Southern has rolled out a bold new commemorative series to mark America’s 250th anniversary (the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026). -
The Nebraska Zephyr: Burlington's Lincoln Service
May 20, 26 09:49 AM
ntroduced in 1947, the Nebraska Zephyr provided fast, stylish daylight service between Chicago, Illinois, and Lincoln, Nebraska (via Omaha), covering 551 miles (887 km) in under 10 hours at an average… -
Colorado & Southern Timetables (March, 1940)
May 19, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Colorado & Southern's timetables from the March, 1940 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
New Jersey "Father's Day" Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:59 AM
There are a few locations in New Jersey celebrating dads with a train ride. Learn more about these unique trips here! -
Illinois 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:56 AM
Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion. -
Kentucky 'Dinner Train' Rides From Bardstown
May 19, 26 11:53 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Vermont 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:50 AM
There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip! -
Ohio - Beer Tasting - Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:49 AM
The Ohio Rail Experience's Quincy Sunset Tasting Train is a new offering that pairs an easygoing evening schedule with a signature scenic highlight: a high, dramatic crossing of the Quincy Bridge over… -
Texas 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:43 AM
Texas State Railroad's “Pints In The Pines” train is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the line: a vintage evening departure, craft beer samplings, and a catered dinner at the Rusk depot un… -
South Dakota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:40 AM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
New Mexico 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 19, 26 11:33 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Amtrak's First Airo Trainset Arrives in Seattle
May 19, 26 10:01 AM
Amtrak's next-generation Airo passenger trainset has officially arrived in Seattle, marking a major milestone in the railroad's largest fleet overhaul in decades and the start of a new era for travel… -
Maine "Ice Cream" Tasting Train Rides
May 19, 26 09:49 AM
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum’s Ice Cream Train is a family-friendly Friday-night tradition that turns a short rail excursion into a small event.
%2C%20is%20seen%20here%20during%20a%20quick%20station%20stop%20at%20Milwaukee%2C%20Wisconsin%20with%20the%20%22Hiawatha%22%20(Chicago%20-%20St.%20Paul%2FMinneapolis)%20on%20September%2017%2C%201939.%20%0A%20Richard%20Kindig%20photo.){kind=link}
