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Minnesota's Pumpkin Train Rides

Published: August 26, 2025

By: Adam Burns

When autumn rolls into Minnesota, a ride on a pumpkin train is one of the most charming ways to celebrate the season. These family-friendly excursions combine vintage railcars, scenic fall vistas, and a stop at a pumpkin patch where kids can choose a pumpkin to take home.

While offerings change slightly year to year, Minnesota’s heritage railways and nearby rail attractions consistently host pumpkin-themed rides on select October weekends. Here’s a practical guide to help you plan.

Where to Ride

North Shore Scenic Railroad

Minnesota’s best-known fall rail experiences run on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, operated by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. In October, they schedule the popular The Great Pumpkin Train designed for families.

Expect a short scenic ride - 90 minutes in total - from the Duluth Depot along the shoreline to a "pumpkin patch", where children can pick a pumpkin.  The railroad maintains an impressive collection of restored passenger equipment and guests can choose either between climate controlled coaches, lounge service, or even dome seating.  Restrooms are also available onboard.

Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway

Operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum the railroad is located right along the Wisconsin border.  In fact, trains board at Osceola, Wisconsin while the line runs along the St. Croix River Valley and has routes that cross into Minnesota.

For many Twin Cities families, it’s the most convenient pumpkin train option. The museum offers the Pumpkin Express on select October dates.   

The trip runs 25 minutes out to Dresser where the kids can pick out their favorite pumpkin before returning. The event also includes music, games, hayrides, treats, and even a small flea market. Because fall is their busiest season, reserve early and build in extra time for parking and boarding.

Bonus For Rail Fans: Pumpkin Patch Trolley (Twin Cities)

Not a train, but a beloved rail tradition, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum operates the "Farmer Ken and Jan’s Pumpkin Patch" in October on its Como-Harriet Streetcar Line.

Families ride a historic electric streetcar to a pumpkin patch where kids pick out pumpkins. It’s a shorter experience than a train excursion and great for younger children who might not tolerate longer rides. If you’re open to rail experiences beyond trains, it’s an easy, affordable option close to the metro.

When to Go

Timing: Most pumpkin rides run on weekends in early to mid-October. Northern Minnesota (Duluth area) tends to peak for fall color earlier than the Twin Cities, often late September to early October, though exact foliage timing varies by year.

Reservations: These trips often sell out in advance, especially midday departures. Aim to book by mid-September if possible, and earlier if you need a specific date or time.

Duration: Pumpkin trains are usually shorter than full fall-color excursions, typically 60 to 90 minutes including the pumpkin stop.

What the Experience Is Like

The ride: Expect vintage coaches pulled by historic diesel locomotives. Speeds are slow, making it easy to enjoy the views and snap photos. Onboard volunteers may share railroad history or fun facts about local landmarks and fall foliage.

The pumpkin stop: Somewhere along the route or at a rail yard, the crew sets up a pumpkin area. Children typically get to choose a pumpkin to bring home. Some operators include one pumpkin per child ticket; others sell pumpkins on site. Check the specific terms for your ride.

Activities: Depending on the event, you might find light entertainment such as costumed characters, coloring sheets, simple crafts, or photo backdrops. Some trains encourage kids to wear costumes. Policies vary, so if your child wants to dress up, look for guidance in the event details.

Food and drink: Concessions are often limited. Some rides allow small snacks; others sell light refreshments. If you’re traveling with little kids, bring water and an easy, tidy snack unless the operator advises otherwise.

Make a Day of It

Duluth and the North Shore: Combine a pumpkin ride with a visit to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum at the Duluth Depot, Canal Park for lunch, and a stroll on the Lakewalk. If you want more leaf-peeping, head to Hawk Ridge, Skyline Parkway, or Jay Cooke State Park.

St. Croix Valley: Pair an Osceola boarding with a stop in Minnesota river towns like Stillwater or Marine on St. Croix. The St. Croix Scenic Byway is gorgeous in October, and nearby parks offer hikes among birch and maple stands.

In Short

Pumpkin trains are a nostalgic, photogenic, and easy way to celebrate fall with kids or visiting family. The Duluth area offers the most iconic combination of scenic rail, museum access, and pumpkins; the St. Croix Valley puts a classic countryside ride within reach of the metro; and the Twin Cities’ pumpkin trolley is a charming alternative for a quick autumn outing.

Book early, bundle up, and bring a little extra patience for boarding—then sit back and enjoy Minnesota’s colors rolling by your window while your kids pick the perfect pumpkin to cap the day.