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Minnesota Father's Day Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: May 11, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Father's Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the dads in our lives. If you're in Minnesota and looking for a unique way to spend this day with your dad, consider taking a scenic train ride. Minnesota's rich rail history and beautiful landscapes make train excursions a memorable experience for the entire family.

This guide will explore various train ride options across the state, detailing schedules, ticketing information, and what to expect on your trip.  There is currently only one location hosting an event celebrating dad, the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

Why Choose a Train Ride?

Train rides offer a nostalgic and leisurely way to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s natural scenery. Unlike a road trip, rail travel allow passengers to fully relax and take in the surrounding views without the worry of navigation or traffic. Heritage railroads often feature restored historic cars, providing a glimpse into the past while enjoying modern comfort.

North Shore Scenic Railroad

The North Shore Scenic Railroad is a captivating experience located in northeastern Minnesota, primarily running between the cities of Duluth and Two Harbors. Rich in history and scenic beauty, it offers tourists and enthusiasts alike a unique journey through the picturesque landscapes along the north shore of Lake Superior.

Operated by the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, the North Shore Scenic provides passengers with a glimpse into the past, when rail travel was a primary mode of transportation. The railroad runs on part of the original Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range (DM&IR) track, a crucial line in the region's iron ore industry. Today, it remains a symbol of the area's rich industrial and cultural heritage.

The North Shore Scenic operates several different excursions, each with its charms and attractions. One of the most popular is the Duluth Zephyr, a short scenic ride that departs from the historic Duluth Union Depot and travels along the waterfront of the Great Lake. This ride offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor and takes passengers past historic landmarks and natural beauty spots.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Two Harbors Excursion is a favored option. This 27-mile journey takes riders through dense forests, along rocky cliffs, and over serene rivers. The destination, Two Harbors, is a quaint town with a rich maritime history, featuring attractions like the Lake County Historical Depot Museum and the Two Harbors Lighthouse. This longer excursion provides a deeper dive into the area's cultural and natural narratives.

The railroad also hosts a series of special events throughout the year, enhancing the appeal to a broader audience. Seasonal offerings include fall color tours, charming holiday-themed rides like the Christmas City Express, and specialty trains like the Elegant Dinner Train, which provides an exquisite dining experience aboard a vintage railcar.

In addition to the enchanting rides and events, the railroad plays a vital role in preserving the history of rail transport in the Midwest. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, located in Duluth's Union Depot, manages the railroad and boasts an impressive collection of vintage locomotives and rolling stock, providing educational opportunities for all ages. The museum's exhibits often extend into the operations of the railroad itself, as many locomotives and cars used on the scenic excursions are part of the museum's collection.

Whether you're a railroad aficionado, a history buff, or someone simply seeking a picturesque day trip, the North Shore Scenic offers a unique and enriching travel experience along the iconic shores of Lake Superior.

Father's Day Special

For Father's Day the railroad hosts a BBQ dinner train with two departures from the Duluth Depot.  The railroad states:

"There are two excursion options, one is 75-mins in the morning, or 2.5 hours in the afternoon. Tables are seatings of 4 in the Domecar, and assigned (you get to pick). Due to limited space, all passengers, including babies must be ticketed in this section of the train. However, kids ages 2 and under are free in the coach section of the Duluth Zephyr excursion, or Northwoods Explorer, as an alternative option.

Enjoy Ribs, chicken, beans, coleslaw, cornbread and yummy bread pudding for dessert. After dinner, enjoy music piped through the train, or wander to the bar car then come back to sit-back and enjoy the view from your seat on the SkyView domecar."

Making the Most of Father’s Day

Choosing a train ride for Father's Day is not just about the journey; it's about spending quality time together and creating lasting memories. Whether your dad is a train enthusiast, a history buff, or simply enjoys nature’s beauty, Minnesota’s train rides offer something for everyone.

Pack a camera, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for a delightful journey through some of Minnesota’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the state, these train rides offer a unique perspective on Minnesota’s natural charm and heritage, ensuring a special Father’s Day filled with fond memories.