North Shore Scenic Railroad
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationMN
- Rating4.3 ★1,716 Google reviews
- UpcomingThu, Aug 13
About North Shore Scenic Railroad
The North Shore Scenic Railroad glides along a 28‑mile Lake Superior corridor between Duluth and Two Harbors, departing from the historic St. Louis County Depot. Vintage diesel locomotives pull restored passenger cars through pine‑lined bluffs, offering panoramic views of the shoreline and frequent stops at scenic points such as the Lester River. Daily excursions run May through December, with specialty pizza, brewery and fall‑color trips adding culinary and seasonal flavor to the historic ride.
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- First Departure11 AM
- Trip Length2.5-hour excursion
- ParkingFree lot · paid lot · street parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good ForAll ages
- HoursMonday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The North Shore Scenic Railroad runs a 28‑mile (45 km) standard‑gauge line between Duluth and Two Harbors along the historic Lakefront Line, operating out of the former Duluth Union Depot now known as the St. Louis County Depot. Its roster includes Great Northern Railway EMD NW5 #192, DM&IR EMD SD18 #193, Budd Rail‑Diesel Car #9169, Soo Line EMD GP30 #700, Soo Line EMD FP7 #2500, and a collection of steam engines such as Duluth & Northern Minnesota #14, Soo Line #1003, Milwaukee Road #261, Soo Line #2719, plus the restored Duluth & Northeastern 2‑8‑0 Consolidation #28 built in 1906.
History
See full history
The Lakefront Line that the North Shore Scenic Railroad now uses was first built in 1886, when a one‑mile extension of the St. Paul and Duluth Railway linked the Duluth and Iron Range Railway to downtown Duluth. The heritage operation itself launches in 1990, founded by former Duluth, Mesabi & Iron Range Railway executive Donald Shank, who ran the railroad for a single season with county and private funds. In 1991 the Goldfine family assumed control, operating the line as a for‑profit venture for five seasons. By 1996 the Lake Superior Railroad Museum took over ownership and management, converting the service to a volunteer‑driven nonprofit. Ridership reached a record 110,000 passengers in 2018, the highest annual total recorded for the railroad.
Around the Depot
Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Railroad sits just 5 mi from the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad, with the Two Harbors Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum about 26 mi away.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Shore Scenic Railroad located?
North Shore Scenic Railroad is located in MN.
How do I get tickets to North Shore Scenic Railroad?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://duluthtrains.com/.
When is the next event at North Shore Scenic Railroad?
The next scheduled event is "Murder Mystery Express - First Class Dome Car Dinner & Show" on Thursday, August 13, 2026. See the full upcoming-events list on this page.