One of the most scenic train rides in Minnesota curves along the wooded bluffs of the wild St. Croix River valley. Operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, rides on the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway are a perfect way to spend part of a day enjoying our region’s natural beauty without the distractions of driving or the interruptions of intersections and strip malls.
What To Know About Osceola and St. Croix Scenic Railway, Minnesota’s Most Scenic Train Ride
Although operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum in St. Paul, the museum’s Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway departs, as the name implies, from the historic depot in Osceola, Wisconsin. This charming town in the Badger State sits on the banks of the St. Croix River about 45 minutes northeast of the museum proper. Most train rides wind through the St. Croix River valley on the Wisconsin side before crossing the river into Minnesota and, ultimately, returning to the depot. This stretch of the river is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a National Park Service unit, which makes the tour one of the more scenic train rides in the U.S., and certainly in Minnesota.
Most train rides last about 90 minutes. However, a few of the more kid-oriented excursions, like the Osceola Ice Cream Train and the Pumpkin Express, clock in at around 50 minutes and run more frequently on event dates. Some of the specialty rides, like the wine-tasting, ice cream, and pizza excursions, include some food and drinks. For other rides, you can purchase snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the train gift shop. Beer and wine are available on the train, as well. You’re also welcome to bring your own food aboard.
Why Osceola and St. Croix Scenic Railway Has Some of Minnesota’s Most Stunning Views
The railway’s historic, restored cars from the Great Northern and other lines – sometimes pulled by a restored engine – combine with the stony, forested bluffs and wide river to make for one of the most unforgettable train rides in Minnesota (or Wisconsin, for that matter). Look for deer and soaring bald eagles as you roll through the valley on your way to and from Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.
Best Time To Ride Osceola and St. Croix Scenic Railway in Minnesota
The Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway operates on weekends, along with select Thursdays and Fridays, from May through MEA weekend in October. As beautiful as summer is in this part of the world, it’s tough to beat the fall foliage in Minnesota, especially along the St. Croix Valley, for scenery. In fact, the railway offers special Fall Colors excursions on certain dates in the autumn, along with its popular Pumpkin Express. If you find yourself pining for the rails when this train isn’t running, head over to the St. Paul museum, where you can take a short caboose ride from the Jackson Street Roundhouse on Saturdays all year long.
What To Know Before You Book
Ticket prices for the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway vary by age and the excursion you choose. For example, a regular adult ticket for the Osceola Ice Cream Train is $21.40, while the Wine Tasting Train costs $85.20 per adult (no passengers under 21 are allowed). A standard adult ticket for a basic, 90-minute train ride (the Marine Excursion) runs $32.10. You can purchase tickets and see real-time availability on the Minnesota Transportation Museum website…