THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a festive train ride near Duluth and pick your perfect Christmas tree in Knife River. Enjoy live music, cozy dome car views, and unforgettable holiday cheer.
Step aboard a festive train ride near Duluth and pick your perfect Christmas tree in Knife River. Enjoy live music, cozy dome car views, and unforgettable holiday cheer.
Book with North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum · Duluth, Minnesota
Enjoy a magical holiday adventure on the Christmas Tree Train - First Class Dome Car, operated by North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Departing from Duluth, Minnesota, this unique train experience offers families a festive journey to the quaint town of Knife River. Along the way, guests relax in the beautifully restored First Class Dome Car, providing panoramic winter views of the scenic North Shore. Upon arrival, you’ll explore the charming historic depot decked out in holiday decorations and be invited to select a fresh-cut Christmas tree to take home. The experience is enhanced by live holiday music and warm seasonal cheer, making it perfect for creating lasting memories. Whether you’re a local or visiting Duluth for the winter holidays, this train ride offers a cozy, joyful celebration that brings the spirit of the season alive, set against the picturesque backdrop of Northern Minnesota’s winter landscapes.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves sitting on the train and light walking around the depot area.
Yes, the experience is family-friendly and children love the festive decorations and live holiday music.
At the Knife River depot, you can browse and select your preferred tree with assistance from the staff before returning to the train.
Seasonal snacks and beverages may be available onboard, but it’s recommended to check with North Shore Scenic Railroad for current offerings.
No, trees must be selected and purchased at Knife River as part of the experience to comply with railroad regulations.
While the train strives to accommodate guests with mobility needs, it is best to contact North Shore Scenic Railroad in advance to ensure accessibility.
Tickets usually become available in early November and are often sold out by mid-December, so advance booking is strongly advised.
The North Shore Scenic Railroad runs on routes with roots dating back to the early 1900s, highlighting the region's rail heritage.
The railroad supports sustainable tourism by maintaining historic rail lines and encouraging responsible outdoor enjoyment.
North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum operates heritage train excursions and a railroad museum in Duluth, Minnesota. The railroad runs narrated and scenic trips along the Lake Superior North Shore aboard vintage passenger equipment, including coach seating and an exclusive First Class Dome Car on the Duluth Zephyr. Signature rides include day outings to Two Harbors, steam-powered trips with historic locomotive #332, seasonal fall color tours, and short family-friendly holiday trains such as the Christmas City Express and the Christmas Tree Train. Special-event trains include adults-only offerings like the Terror Train costume party and the October Beer Tasting Train, plus a farmhouse-style Grandmas Marathon Viewing Train that follows the race route. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum on site preserves local rail history with exhibits, historic cars, and interpretive displays. Museum admission can be added to train tickets at a combo rate discount, offering a half-price museum pass when purchased during ticket checkout or pickup. The railroad's public schedule includes both coach-class and First Class Dome Car experiences, and many trips feature lakeshore views, narrated routes, and visits to restored depots like Knife River. As a featured Duluth attraction, the North Shore Scenic Railroad provides documented train operations, scheduled seasonal events, and museum access that appeal to families, railfans, and visitors seeking North Shore scenery. Trip options, clear ticket policies, and partnerships with the Lake Superior Railroad Museum support reliable visitor experiences and educational value. Seasonal departures and special-event trains run with advance online ticketing for select trips.
Book with North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum