North Shore Scenic Railroad
Ride vintage trains through Duluth's history and along scenic North Shore landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
North Shore Scenic Railroad
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride vintage trains through Duluth's history and along scenic North Shore landscapes.
"This is a Minnesota Bucket List event. I went on the Pizza Ride and haven’t had this much fun in along time."
🎯 Bring Snacks for Kids
Littles might get hungry on longer rides; packing snacks is a great idea!
⏰ Arrive Early
Get to the station before your ride starts to explore the gift shop and museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Duluth Zephyr Ride
Departs from Duluth Union Depot
A popular, shorter excursion offering a taste of vintage train travel through scenic landscapes.
Pizza Train
Departs from Duluth Union Depot
A fun, family-friendly option with pizza and a lively atmosphere, perfect for all ages.
Two Harbors Turnabout
Departs from Duluth Union Depot
A longer ride with a stop in Two Harbors, allowing time for exploration and lunch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Consider Your Seating Choice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Snacks for Kids
Littles might get hungry on longer rides; packing snacks is a great idea!
⏰ Arrive Early
Get to the station before your ride starts to explore the gift shop and museum.
🎟️ Book Online
Popular trains sell out fast, so secure your North Shore Scenic Railroad tickets early!
📸 Capture the Views
While trees dominate, catch glimpses of the lake and historic Duluth.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Snacks for Kids
Littles might get hungry on longer rides; packing snacks is a great idea!
⏰ Arrive Early
Get to the station before your ride starts to explore the gift shop and museum.
🎟️ Book Online
Popular trains sell out fast, so secure your North Shore Scenic Railroad tickets early!
📸 Capture the Views
While trees dominate, catch glimpses of the lake and historic Duluth.
🥂 Consider Themed Rides
Dinner trains and pizza rides offer unique, memorable experiences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the North Shore Scenic Railroad to be a fun and unique experience, especially the themed rides like the Pizza Train. While some note that lake views can be limited to specific sections, the overall atmosphere and historic setting are highly praised. It's often considered a memorable Minnesota bucket list item.
"Awesome train ride. Bring snacks for train ride if you have littles. Get there early before ridr starts. Awesome gift shop before you get on the train. Love the view of the water."
Ryan & Joy W.
"This is a Minnesota Bucket List event. I went on the Pizza Ride and haven’t had this much fun in along time. This ride is very kid friendly. I stood in the train car that had the bar and open doors on it. The scenic part isn’t as good as the train ride itself, but there was some good stuff there. Spoiled with a nice warm cookie near the end of the ride tops off this little pizza ride gem, I highly recommend this. Enjoy…"
Jeff Bhend
"My husband and I did the Two Harbors Turnabout ride this week. It’s a relaxing and informative time. You get about 2 hours in Two Harbors for lunch and walking around. It’s plenty of time. My rating is mostly based in the disappointing views from the train. The pictures and descriptions led me to believe the views of the lake would be better. You pretty much see the lake in Duluth and then in Two Harbors. There are brief glimpses in other places but you mostly see trees."
Julie Gilpin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Shore Scenic Railroad departs from the historic Duluth Union Depot, located at 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802. It's easily accessible by car, and there is parking available near the station.
Yes, there is parking available at or near the Duluth Union Depot for visitors of the North Shore Scenic Railroad. It's advisable to arrive a bit early to secure a spot, especially during busy times.
While specific routes may vary, Duluth has a public transit system. Checking the local transit authority's website for routes serving the Duluth Union Depot area is recommended for public transport options.
Many visitors drive to Duluth, as it's a popular destination along Minnesota's North Shore. For those coming from further afield, flying into Duluth International Airport (DLH) is an option, followed by a short drive or taxi to the depot.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Duluth and can be a convenient way to get to and from the Duluth Union Depot for your North Shore Scenic Railroad excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase North Shore Scenic Railroad tickets directly through their official website, www.duluthtrains.com, or by calling their reservation line. Booking online in advance is highly recommended as popular excursions sell out.
Ticket prices vary depending on the excursion chosen, such as the Duluth Zephyr, Pizza Train, or Two Harbors Turnabout. It's best to check the official website for current North Shore Scenic Railroad prices and package details.
Occasionally, special offers or North Shore Scenic Railroad coupons might be available. It's worth checking their website or signing up for their newsletter for any promotions. [^SEOkeywordcheck]
The Pizza Train is frequently recommended as a fun and engaging option for families with young children, offering a lively atmosphere and food.
While walk-up tickets may be available for some less popular departures, it's strongly advised to book North Shore Scenic Railroad tickets in advance, as many excursions, especially themed ones, sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Opinions vary. Some prefer the lake side for initial views, while others find the land side offers more variety. The Dome Car offers panoramic views if available.
Ride durations vary. The Duluth Zephyr is about 75 minutes, while the Two Harbors Turnabout is longer, including about 2 hours in Two Harbors.
Yes, the Duluth Union Depot houses a museum that visitors can explore before or after their train ride, adding to the historical experience.
You'll see parts of downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and glimpses of Lake Superior. However, many sections primarily feature forest scenery.
Restroom facilities are available on most North Shore Scenic Railroad trains, ensuring comfort during your journey.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, some excursions like the Pizza Train include food. For other rides, you can purchase snacks or bring your own. The train car with the bar offers drinks.
Bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages is generally permitted, especially for longer rides or if you have young children.
When you take the Two Harbors Turnabout, you'll have about two hours to explore Two Harbors, which offers various local restaurants and cafes for lunch.
Yes, some North Shore Scenic Railroad trains, like those with a bar car, offer alcoholic beverages for purchase.
The Pizza Train typically serves pizza, making it a fun and convenient dining experience during the excursion.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vintage train itself, the historic Duluth Union Depot, and any brief glimpses of Lake Superior. The forest scenery can also be picturesque.
Yes, you can take photos from the train, especially from open-door cars or by looking out the windows. Be mindful of reflections on the glass.
Lighting varies depending on the time of day and weather. Morning and late afternoon light can be ideal for photography.
Cars with open doors or larger windows, like the Dome Car (if available), can offer better photographic opportunities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful. For capturing the train in its environment, a wider lens might be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for cars with open doors or large windows for unobstructed shots, and be prepared for varying light conditions throughout the ride. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your North Shore Scenic Railroad Excursion
For families and those seeking a more lively experience, the Pizza Train is a standout option. It combines the joy of a train ride with a fun meal, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Beyond these, the railroad occasionally offers themed rides, such as dinner trains, which provide a more elegant and romantic experience. When planning your visit, consider the length of the ride, the included amenities, and the overall atmosphere you're looking for to select the perfect North Shore Scenic Railroad tour.
The Historic Duluth Union Depot
Before or after your train ride, take time to explore the depot's museum. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing railway artifacts, exhibits, and stories that connect you to the era when trains were the primary mode of long-distance travel.
Understanding the Views on the North Shore Scenic Railroad
However, for much of the journey, particularly between Duluth and Two Harbors, the train travels through forested areas. These woodlands offer their own kind of beauty, with changing foliage in the fall and lush greenery in the summer.
Some travelers find these forest views repetitive, while others appreciate the natural, rugged landscape of the North Shore. Understanding this mix of scenery can help you better enjoy the overall experience. 
Social
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