All Aboard & Welcome – We’re HERE!

By Ken Buehler

Railroads have survived the most difficult of times. This summer is no different. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is a microcosm of America today and railroading from the past. We have the advantage though of learning from our history.

Railroaders know all sorts of adversities. Trains have been slowed by horrific weather, falling mountains, labor strife and stopped in their “tracks” by financial ruin. Counting the Fall of the House of Cooke, the Northern Pacific Railroad, which began its Westward trek just outside of Duluth 150 years ago, suffered through three bankruptcies. The NP survived this terrible trifecta and is a part of today’s BNSF. (See Railroad Anniversaries – Page 3)

During World War I the railroads were taken over by the Federal Government from 1917 to 1920. It was possibly America’s largest and longest experiment with nationalization. Following the war, and the 1918 pandemic, railroads recorded their highest passenger numbers of all time. Nine years later came the Great Depression and again the railroads survived. But the two biggest challenges for the railroads still lay ahead — the popularity of automobiles and the takeoff of the airline industry.

In each instance the railroad industry survived and today America’s railroads are moving more traffic and are stronger than ever. The reason for this is their sheer size. Huge armies of workers built the railroads, mammoth machines were invented to help them, steam locomotives became the most powerful engines of the day and today’s long trains and mighty diesels are modern and efficient. There’s strength in the basic nature of railroads and the men and women who run them.

We are no different. In fact, we’re luckier than most. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is housed in the St. Louis County Depot, a publicly owned building that Is on the National Register of Historic Places. Our tracks that we run on are the property of our partner the St. Louis & Lake Counties Regional Rail Authority. And then there’s our men and women railroaders who are volunteers!

We cancelled some trains. Our volunteers waited patiently to return to work. Many of our ticket holders rescheduled or gave their already purchased tickets to the Museum as a donation. That kind of support is why we are here today, running a railroad that is a slice of history and a whole lot of fun.

With deep appreciation for our volunteers and crew, our partners and most importantly you, we are able to continue as a working piece of railroad history. The North Shore Scenic Railroad survives to remind you of your favorite train rides from the past or to make a memory for someone taking their first train ride with us today.

Thank You!

Cleaning Protocol and Best Practices for Our Guests/Passengers

• Train is deep cleaned each morning.

• Cleaning is done during your train ride and between trips.

• Crew members wear masks and gloves and use the recommended cleaning protocols of the Centers for Disease Control and MN Department of Health.

• Guests/passengers should assist by: washing/sanitizing your hands, covering coughs, and help to practice Social Distancing. Guests/passengers are required to wear masks.