Can I decorate the party car?

Yes, you may decorate the space but confetti and pinatas are not allowed to protect the historic environment.

Is food provided for the birthday party?

Food is not included, but you can bring your own or have food delivered to the museum.

What if I have more than 25 guests?

The base rate covers 25 guests; additional guests are charged $10 each.

Are the train rides safe for young children?

Yes, all train rides are supervised, family-friendly, and designed to ensure a safe experience for all ages.

What happens if bad weather occurs on the day of the party?

Train rides run rain, snow, or shine. In case of severe weather cancellations, the museum offers credit or rescheduling options.

Is the roundhouse accessible for guests with mobility challenges?

Accessibility details are limited; we recommend contacting the museum directly for specific accommodations.

Train-Themed Birthday Parties at Minnesota Transportation Museum

Adventure Brief

Celebrate your next birthday at the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s Jackson Street Roundhouse, where historic trains and authentic caboose rides turn your party into an adventure. Discover why this unique venue offers an unforgettable experience for all ages.

2 hours

easy

From $267.50

Set within Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Minnesota Transportation Museum offers an extraordinary venue for birthday celebrations that combine history, hands-on fun, and transportation heritage. Anchored at the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse, this unique experience invites guests to celebrate surrounded by vintage locomotives and industrial charm rarely found elsewhere. The centerpiece is a stylish, exclusive party car where up to 60 guests can gather for two hours of festivities infused with the magic of railroads.

As part of the package, guests receive museum admission granting access to intriguing exhibits rich with the story of Minnesota's rail transport legacy. One of the area’s standout attractions is one of the last operating railroad turntables in the United States, where visitors can watch locomotives being rotated—a mechanical marvel echoing an era when trains ruled the tracks.

The birthday experience includes an exhilarating ride in a historic caboose, adding layers of excitement for both children and adults who marvel at the sights and sounds of an authentic train journey. Whether it’s a family celebration or a party for enthusiastic train lovers, the museum's setup blends education with entertainment effortlessly.

Parties are customizable: hosts can bring their own food or arrange delivery, simplifying logistics. Guests leave with special keepsakes, while the museum provides all plates, cups, and napkins, ensuring a stress-free experience.

This train-themed birthday is more than a party—it’s an immersive dive into Minnesota’s transportation history set against a backdrop of real railcars, steam engines, and turntables, making it a standout for anyone seeking a memorable, active indoor-outdoor gathering place in the Twin Cities area.

About Minnesota Transportation Museum

Minnesota Transportation Museum preserves and operates historic railroad equipment and runs scenic, themed train trips out of Osceola, Wisconsin. The museum operates vintage passenger cars, hosts narrated excursions through the St. Croix River Valley, and manages special events including family rides, seasonal festivals, and educational programs.

Trains run from Osceola to destinations such as Dresser and feature experiences like the Pizza Train, Wine or Beer Tasting, Pumpkin Express, Fall Colors Train, and Dresser Lunch Train. The organization also offers admission to the Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul, where visitors can explore interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, and over fifty vintage train cars.

Volunteers and knowledgeable hosts lead onboard storytelling, historical interpretation, and guest services that emphasize safety, accessibility, and authentic railroad heritage. The museum maintains and operates one of the last functioning turntables in the country, used during special events and roundhouse demonstrations. Educational programs include hands-on activities for children — highlighted by Tots & Trains — and living-history opportunities such as Railroad Reality Days.

Facility amenities include historic depots in Osceola and Dresser, volunteer-guided tours, seasonal food and beverage pairings, and community-oriented events like Oktoberfest and Haunted Roundhouse. The museum partners with local vendors for locally sourced food on themed trains and relies on volunteer staff and preservation specialists for restoration and operations. Visitors can expect curated, schedule-based rides, family-friendly programming, and authentic historic equipment that showcases regional railroad history. Ticketed events follow set schedules and ticketing information is available on the museum's official website and box office locations.