The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) is one of those rare organizations that doesn’t just display history—it puts you inside it. With its core campus at the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse in Saint Paul, plus additional sites and operating experiences, MTM interprets Minnesota’s transportation story through artifacts you can walk around, volunteer crews you can talk to, and (best of all) trains you can ride.
Among MTM’s most family-friendly excursions is a summertime classic: the Dresser Ice Cream Train (often listed as the Osceola/Dresser Ice Cream Train). It’s short, sweet, and delightfully old-school—an easy “first train ride” for kids and an instant nostalgia hit for adults who miss the days when travel felt like an occasion. MTM’s Osceola-based operation runs through the scenic St. Croix Valley, and the ice-cream-themed ride pairs that scenery with a stop at the Dresser Depot for a complimentary treat.
Minnesota Transportation Museum
MTM’s footprint is broader than many visitors expect. In Saint Paul, the organization is closely associated with the Jackson Street Roundhouse, a historic railroad facility recognized for its significance (and frequently highlighted as an anchor destination for rail history in the Twin Cities).
But MTM’s mission extends beyond static displays. The museum also operates seasonal passenger train rides on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, giving the public a chance to experience heritage railroading as a living craft—complete with restored cars, ticketing at a historic depot, and volunteers who interpret what you’re seeing as you roll through the valley…