Minnesota Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 22, 2025

Minnesota, often celebrated for its 10,000 lakes, is also home to a rich tapestry of railroad history. From the late 19th century onward, railroads played a vital role in the state's development, contributing significantly to its industrial growth and helping shape its towns and cities. Today, this proud legacy is meticulously preserved in several railroad museums scattered across the state.

For railroad enthusiasts and history buffs alike, these museums offer a fascinating window into the past. In this article, we'll take you on a virtual tour of some of Minnesota's most notable railroad museums.

Duluth & Iron Range Depot Museum

As its name implies this museum is housed inside the town of Two Harbor's restored Duluth & Iron Range brick depot, opened in 1908.

They have a large collection of historic displays on-hand as well as a small fleet of rolling stock, which includes:

Duluth & Iron Range 2-6-0 #3 (Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1883, it was the only "Mogul Type" the railroad ever-owned. Its fleet primarily consisted of 2-8-0's and 4-8-0's while larger 2-8-2's arrived after 1913. The D&IR merged with the Duluth, Missabe & Northern in 1937 to form the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range.)

Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range 2-8-8-4 #229 (Listed as a Class M-4, this mammoth "Yellowstone Type" was the largest example ever owned by the modern DM&IR. It was built by Baldwin in 1943. Altogether, the railroad owned a total of eighteen examples, #220-237.)

The depot museum is part of the larger Lake County Historical Society complex that includes the Edna G. Tugboat (also formerly owned by the DM&IR!), 3M Museum, and Two Harbors Light Station.

End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum

The End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum is located in Currie, Minnesota and keeps alive its railroad history.

At one time the small community, which now contains fewer than 300 residents, was served by a long, agricultural branch of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha (the Omaha Road was acquired by the Chicago & North Western in November, 1882), which extended from its main line at Bingham Lake.

Along the way it reached other small communities like Jeffers, Storden, and Westbrook. The line was abandoned during the 1960's.

Among the museum's collection is Currie's original wooden depot (which has been lovingly restored) and turntable. In addition, there is a C&NW water tank on site (moved from Walnut Grove) and a two-story section foreman's house that originally sat in Comfrey.

While there be sure and see two preserved steam locomotives; Denver, South Park & Pacific 2-6-0 #13 (built by Baldwin in 1875 it is displayed indoors) and Georgia Northern Railway 4-6-0 #102 (built by American Locomotive in 1923, on display outside).

Gopher State Railway Museum

The Gopher State Railway Museum, located in New Prague, Minnesota, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of railroads in the Gopher State.

The museum features exhibits of a small collection of historic locomotives, rolling stock, and various railway artifacts that highlight the importance of rail transportation in regional development.

Through interactive displays, educational programs, and special events, the museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore and appreciate the legacy of Minnesota's railroads.

The museum also actively works on the restoration of vintage rail equipment, ensuring the preservation of railway heritage for future generations.

Kandiyohi County Historical Society

This historical society has preserved a former Great Northern wooden depot in Willmar, originally located in Kandiyohi.

The building's main purpose is to house a library collection and several exhibits. The GN was one of America's great railroads, the project of fabled tycoon James J. Hill.

The legendary "Empire Builder" pieced together a system of more than 8,000 miles, all of which began by purchasing the small St. Paul & Pacific.

The GN linked Duluth/Superior with Seattle, running via North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho. It also operated a long branch into Northern California.

Hill went to great lengths to ensure strong, infinite volumes of freight for his railroad. After its only bout of financial hardship during the Great Depression, the Great Northern rebounded strongly until it was merged into the new Burlington Northern, Inc. (BNI) on March 2, 1970.

Along with railroad artifacts the museum features displays relating to military and agricultural history among others. Finally, it houses preserved Great Northern 4-8-2 #2523 (Class P-2) under-shed, built by Baldwin in 1923.

Lake Superior Railroad Museum

This museum, located in Duluth at the town's beautifully restored stone/brick Union Depot (located at 506 West Michigan Street and 5th Avenue West, it was opened in 1892 serving the modern Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range; Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic [Soo Line]; Great Northern; and Northern Pacific), is the state's largest such facility featuring an impressive display of artifacts, exhibits, and rolling stock on the premises.

The organization also has several steam locomotives preserved, eight in all. One is operational, Duluth & Northeastern 2-8-0 #28, manufactured by American Locomotive's Pittsburgh Works in 1906.

Their diesel collection is also magnificent, some of which include Soo Line FP7 #2500, Great Northern NW5 #192, Erie Mining F9A #4211, and Northern Pacific SD45 #3617.

Finally, they home to the popular North Shore Scenic Railroad. The museum is open throughout much of the year and certainly worth the visit!

Minnehaha Depot

Part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum is this former Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul (Milwaukee Road) wooden depot completed in 1875 that served the community of Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota, located south of Minneapolis near the Mississippi River.

Trains no longer traverse past the station but it has been lovingly restored. The marker next to the building reads: "Milwaukee Road station agents affectionately referred to the quaint little Minnehaha Depot as 'the Princess.'

Its delicate gingerbread architecture is reminiscent of the Victorian era when ladies in bustles and gentlemen in high collars traveled largely by train.

The first track connecting Minneapolis with Mendota was laid in 1865 by the Milwaukee Central Railway, the predecessor of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway.

The Princess was built by in the mid-1870's to replace a smaller station here. Throngs of picnickers and sightseers took the sixteen minute ride from Minneapolis to Minnehaha Park and the old Longfellow Gardens Zoo.

While others traveled to and from Fort Snelling and Mendota. In 1910 three trains made thirteen round trips daily to the depot.

It was the scene of feverish activity during World Wars I and II because of the military traffic in and out of Fort Snelling.

The Milwaukee Road closed the station in August, 1963 and presented it to the Minnesota Historical Society in 1964. The Minnesota Transportation Museum, Inc., an affiliate of the society, has undertaken the restoration and maintenance of the depot."

Minnesota Transportation Museum

Located in St. Paul, the Minnesota Transportation Museum enjoys a long heritage, dating back to 1962 when it was formed to save a streetcar operated by the Twin City Rapid Transit (TCRT).

Today, they boast a large collection of historic railroad items, buildings, and rolling stock on display, including numerous diesel locomotives and passenger cars.

Among these include three preserved steam locomotives, all of Northern Pacific heritage:

4-6-0 #328 (listed as Class S-10 it was manufactured by the Rogers Locomotive Works, then a division of American Locomotive, in 1907)
4-6-2 #2153 (listed as Class Q-3 it was manufactured by Baldwin in 1909)
4-6-2 #2156 (a sister to #2153, it was also built by Baldwin in 1909)

Twin City Model Railroad Museum

For those fascinated by model trains, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum is a hidden gem in Minnesota's railroad museum landscape. Situated in St. Paul's Bandana Square, the museum showcases detailed model train layouts that replicate the Twin Cities and other Minnesota locales in miniature form. The intricately crafted models include both historic and modern layouts, providing insight into the area's transportation evolution.

The museum hosts various seasonal exhibits and model train shows, drawing enthusiasts from across the region. Special displays, such as the winter holiday layouts, attract both model train aficionados and families looking for a festive outing. The museum's dedication to preserving the art and science of model railroading makes it a standout attraction.

The Depot Visitors Center And Railroad Museum

This museum, located in Wadena, is housed inside the Northern Pacific's restored brick depot completed in 1915. Inside there are exhibits and historic displays while tours are also given of the premises.

Finally, there is a gift shop (even wireless Wi-Fi internet connections are available!) and the group continues its restorations on the property. They are open from late May through September.

Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion

This group, which dates back to 1940, is located in rural town of Rollag in western Minnesota.

Since Labor Day Weekend, 1954 these local farmers, and others from near and far, come together to feature demonstrations of steam-powered contraptions, including locomotives, tractors, and automobiles.

Their railroad pieces include a pair of former Detroit Terminal Railroad 0-4-0T's, #5 (used as parts) and #3, both of which were manufactured by the H.K. Porter Company.

Their star attraction is Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Line) 0-6-0 #9 which offers scenic train rides on the grounds (listed as Class B-4 during her days in service, the beefy little switcher was built by American Locomotive's Brooks Works in 1920). Today, the annual event runs all weekend, with activities lasting from Friday through Sunday.

Overview

Minnesota's railroad museums are more than just static exhibits; they are living chronicles of the state's history, offering invaluable insights into the pivotal role railroads played in its development. From full-scale locomotives and historic stations to intricate model trains, these museums preserve and celebrate the technological marvels and stories of adventure that defined the railroad era.

A visit to any of these museums promises to be an enriching experience, whether you're a lifelong rail enthusiast, a history buff, or a family seeking an educational outing. With an impressive array of exhibits and activities, Minnesota's railroad museums welcome visitors to not only learn about the past but also to imagine the riding rails with the thrill and excitement of those years gone by.