Minot Amtrak Depot (Soo Line Depot) - Image 1
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Minot Amtrak Depot Soo Line Depot

4.2
·71 reviews·Minot, United States

A charming historic Soo Line Depot, serving as a picturesque and convenient stop for the Amtrak Empire Builder.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During train stops

Stretch your legs & explore

CrowdLow
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Minot Amtrak Depot (Soo Line Depot) - Image 1

Minot Amtrak Depot Soo Line Depot

Best Time

During train stops

Stretch your legs & explore

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming historic Soo Line Depot, serving as a picturesque and convenient stop for the Amtrak Empire Builder.

4.2
(71 reviews)

"Nice little station, weather was lovely warm sun, nice to be able to stretch one's legs and take a look at the train."

Vertical photo
TIP

❄️ Winter Preparedness

Don't underestimate Minot's cold! Pack warm layers and waterproof gear.

☕ Quick Coffee Break

Grab coffee from the truck across the street; they have plant milk!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Soo Line Depot

Historic Soo Line Depot

Main station building

Admire the architecture of this charming, historic train station. A picturesque stop on your journey.

Empire Builder Experience

Empire Builder Experience

Platform

A brief but welcome pause on the iconic Empire Builder route. Stretch your legs and observe the train.

Local Coffee Truck

Local Coffee Truck

Across from the station

A delightful surprise with plant-based milk options for your coffee fix. A perfect quick stop.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Winter Chill

Minot winters are serious business! Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, and a hat. If you're driving, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready. Locals advise not to underestimate the cold, even on seemingly nice days. Reddit

Train Stop Essentials

The Amtrak Empire Builder makes stops here, often around 45 minutes. Use this time to stretch your legs and explore. Grab a coffee from the truck across the street or a bite at The Starving Rooster if you're quick! Reddit

Best Times

When
During train stops
Why
Stretch your legs & explore
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Enjoy the architecture
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Moving to Minot, ND soon

❄️ Winter Preparedness

Don't underestimate Minot's cold! Pack warm layers and waterproof gear. Reddit

☕ Quick Coffee Break

Grab coffee from the truck across the street; they have plant milk! Reddit

reddit.com

Winter recommendations/advice?

reddit.com

Got orders about a week after arriving to tech school, got Minot. What do y’all honestly think?

🚶‍♂️ Stretch Your Legs

Use the ~45 min train stop to walk around and see the station. Reddit

🍽️ Speedy Bites

The Starving Rooster is a 7-min walk for a quick meal during stops. Reddit

reddit.com

First timer from Regina (Canada) coming for new years a day in Minot and a day in Bismarck.

Tips

from all over the internet

❄️ Winter Preparedness

Don't underestimate Minot's cold! Pack warm layers and waterproof gear. Reddit

☕ Quick Coffee Break

Grab coffee from the truck across the street; they have plant milk! Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Stretch Your Legs

Use the ~45 min train stop to walk around and see the station. Reddit

🍽️ Speedy Bites

The Starving Rooster is a 7-min walk for a quick meal during stops. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(71 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Minot Amtrak Depot a 'nice little station' and a 'cute little stop,' appreciated for its clean facilities and the opportunity to stretch legs during train journeys. The historic architecture is a pleasant visual, and the nearby coffee truck and restaurant offer convenient options for quick refreshments or meals during the ~45-minute stops. Reddit

"Very nice Amtrak station. Extremely nice staff. It was great to get out and stretch our legs."

Shawn Surma

"Stopped here for 50 minutes while taking the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland in September. Nice little station, weather was lovely warm sun, nice to be able to stretch one's legs and take a look at the train. Station building is pretty too. My only regret is that, as a boanthrope, it would have been nicer to be able to stay longer and get a proper Minot tour."

Jeff Minter (an ox)

"The Empire Builder stops here both ways for around 45 minutes
Nice little station with some reading material and some maintenance capacity if your sleeper cabin breaks
Photo taken in Dec"

james b.

What People Like

Historic station charm
Clean facilities
Convenient stopover

What People Dislike

Short stop duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Minot Amtrak Depot is accessible by car and is a stop for the Amtrak Empire Builder train. If arriving by car, standard GPS navigation will guide you to the station. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's a functional station, so expect some parking availability for those dropping off or picking up passengers. Reddit

For many, traveling via the Amtrak Empire Builder is a popular and scenic option, with the Minot Depot being a key stop. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The depot itself is a public space for travelers. You only need tickets if you are boarding or disembarking the Amtrak Empire Builder. Reddit

As a train station, it's primarily active during train schedules. Specific waiting area hours might vary, but it's designed for passenger use during train arrivals and departures. Reddit

While it's a functional station, it's best to book Amtrak tickets in advance online or via phone. The station may have limited ticketing services. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You have about 45 minutes to stretch your legs, admire the historic Soo Line Depot, grab a coffee from the truck across the street, or even take a quick walk to The Starving Rooster for a bite. Reddit

Yes, reviews mention clean facilities, making it a comfortable place to wait or stretch your legs during a train stop. Reddit

As a functional train station, it is designed to accommodate passengers, implying accessibility features are likely present. Reddit

It's described as a 'nice little station' and a 'cute little stop,' offering a pleasant break during longer train journeys. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

For a quick meal, The Starving Rooster is about a 7-minute walk east. There's also a coffee truck directly across the station with plant milk options. Reddit

Train stops are typically around 45 minutes, so plan accordingly for a quick walk and meal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic Soo Line Depot building itself is picturesque. You can also capture shots of the Amtrak Empire Builder train during its stop. Reddit

Yes, it's a public station and a common stop for travelers. Taking photos of the station and trains is generally fine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Minot Amtrak Depot offers a brief, engaging stop for families traveling on the Empire Builder. The 45-minute layover is perfect for kids to stretch their legs and explore the platform safely. The 'cute little station' provides a pleasant environment for a quick break. Reddit

Consider grabbing a treat from the coffee truck across the street for a fun snack. If time permits and your children are adventurous, a very quick walk to The Starving Rooster could be an option, but be mindful of the tight schedule. The clean facilities ensure comfort during your stop. Reddit

🚂 Train Enthusiasts

For train enthusiasts, the Minot Amtrak Depot is a key point on the Amtrak Empire Builder route. Observing the train, the station's historic Soo Line architecture, and the operational aspects of a working depot can be quite interesting. Reddit

The ~45-minute stop provides ample time to take photos of the train and the station. You might also see maintenance activities or the crew at work, offering a glimpse into the daily operations of long-distance rail travel. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Soo Line Depot

The Minot Amtrak Depot, also known as the Soo Line Depot, is a historic landmark that serves as a crucial stop for the Amtrak Empire Builder line. Its architecture is noted as 'pretty' and 'cute,' making it an appealing sight for travelers. The station provides a brief but welcome respite for passengers on longer journeys, offering a chance to step off the train and appreciate the local surroundings. Reddit

During the approximately 45-minute stops, passengers can explore the immediate vicinity. The station itself is clean and offers basic facilities. For those looking for a quick refreshment, a coffee truck is conveniently located directly across the street, noted for its plant-based milk options. This adds a touch of modern convenience to the historic setting. Reddit

Navigating Minot Winters

Minot experiences significant winter weather, and visitors are strongly advised to be prepared. Winter recommendations from locals emphasize not underestimating the cold, even on days that might seem milder. Proper attire is crucial, including warm layers, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves. Reddit

For those traveling by car, ensuring your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions is essential. This includes checking tires, having an emergency kit, and being aware of road conditions. The advice to 'be prepared' is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of respecting the climate to ensure a safe and comfortable experience during the colder months. Reddit

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