Although you’d have to hop an interstate passenger train for a true onboard sleeping experience, you can still make your own overnight rail adventure in Minnesota with a scenic train ride to Two Harbors and an overnight stay in an authentic railcar.
Start your adventure in Duluth at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.
Lake Superior Railroad Museum Arrive early so you can spend some time exploring the museum’s collection of historic trains and memorabilia.
Then you’ll board a train for the 28-mile excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Google Visit the railroad’s website for the schedule and advance tickets. North Shore Scenic Railroad, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
The train ride initially traces the stunning Lake Superior shoreline and offers splendid vistas out over the water.
minnspa/TripAdvisor
It then travels through the rugged, forested landscape of Minnesota’s North Shore.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Google
After about 90 minutes, the train arrives in the charming North Shore town of Two Harbors.
Dennis L/TripAdvisor Take some time to explore the downtown area, or relax with a cold beverage at Castle Danger Brewery. Castle Danger Brewery, 17 7th St, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Once you’ve had time to stretch your legs in Two Harbors, make your way to the Northern Rail Traincar Inn.
Northern Rail Traincar Inn/Google The inn is a few miles from the Two Harbors depot, so you’ll need to arrange for transportation with a car service or taxi.
The inn’s rooms are all built into repurposed rail cars.
Northern Rail Traincar Inn/Google
A common hallway and roof connect two rows of railcars. You won’t be moving, but you’ll be sleeping in an authentic railcar after a scenic train ride.
vtxiders/TripAdvisor The inn offers several room sizes and themes from which to choose. Visit the inn’s website for reservation information. Northern Rail Traincar Inn, 1730 Co Hwy 3, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Of course, upon reaching Two Harbors, you don’t have to stay in a railcar. You could choose to spend the night in a lighthouse, instead.
Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Arrive early so you can spend some time exploring the museum’s collection of historic trains and memorabilia.
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Google
Visit the railroad’s website for the schedule and advance tickets.
North Shore Scenic Railroad, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
minnspa/TripAdvisor
Dennis L/TripAdvisor
Take some time to explore the downtown area, or relax with a cold beverage at Castle Danger Brewery.
Castle Danger Brewery, 17 7th St, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Northern Rail Traincar Inn/Google
The inn is a few miles from the Two Harbors depot, so you’ll need to arrange for transportation with a car service or taxi.
vtxiders/TripAdvisor
The inn offers several room sizes and themes from which to choose. Visit the inn’s website for reservation information.
Northern Rail Traincar Inn, 1730 Co Hwy 3, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Have you had a chance to ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad or spend a night at the Northern Rail Traincar Inn? What other unique accommodations have you visited in the Land of 10,000 Lakes?
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