Hear it. See it. Explore it. That’s the motto at the Jackson Street Roundhouse Museum in St. Paul, MN. The Roundhouse showcases the railroad system of yesteryear while providing a glimpse of old locomotives and what used to make the country thrive at one point in time.
At the Jackson Street Roundhouse, you’ll find an eclectic collection of diesel and steam locomotives, along with passenger and old-time freight cars, as well as other railroad equipment. The museum also boasts a Blacksmith Shop or Blacksmith Forge and year-round Vintage Bus Tours. You can also check out the Minnehaha Depot Museum between Memorial and Labor Day. Don’t forget to take a gander at the Minnesota Commemorative Railroad. This exhibit is a garden scale railroad model which tells the story of railway life in St. Paul, and the rest of Minnesota.
The Blacksmith Forge is open to the public every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. There are actual Blacksmiths on the premises who are part of the Metalsmith’s Guild. The Blacksmith’s will explain to you about the projects they have going and also about the important role Blacksmith’s played in the history of the country and America’s railroads.
The Osceola Train Excursion offers several types of trips on the train where you can view the splendid beauty of the St. Croix Valley around St. Paul, MN. They have a Brunch Train on Saturday, July 14th departing at 11 a.m. sharp. Tickets are $50 for the brunch and 90-minute train ride. Toddlers 2 and under can ride free.
Take the First Class Dinner Train to experience a top-notch three-course meal and train ride all for just $70. The dinner train runs on July 21st departing at 5 p.m. sharp. The dinner train runs about 90 minute’s also. This is a great experience to enjoy with a romantic partner or a group. The dinner brunch calls for casual attire and for riders 13 and over only.
*For both train excursions tickets must be purchased before 6 p.m. on Friday before the event.
The Jackson Street Roundhouse offers Vintage Bus Tours allowing for people to experience the beauty of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The bus tours are a one of a kind experience that will educate you about St. Paul history on a glorious summer’s day while stopping at the breweries of St. Paul, MN.
On May 4th play hooky for the “Skip Out of Work” vintage bus tour beginning at 10:45 a.m. and winding up in St. Paul at 3:45 p.m. Make sure to arrive at the Jackson Street Roundhouse and Transportation Museum by 10:30 a.m. to check in. Following check-in, you’ll board the vintage bus and hit three local St. Paul breweries for some suds and fun.
Last but not least check out what life was all about on the Milwaukee Road railway at the Minnehaha Depot. The Depot is open on Sunday from 1-5 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
***BONUS*** Consider visiting an ex-star of the Walker Art Center Sculpture Garden the Large Green Chair that now resides in the heart of downtown St. Paul in High Bridge Park.