Do I need a reservation to ride the Julebyen Express?

Reservations are strongly recommended as this excursion can sell out; however, last-minute tickets may be available up to 20 minutes before departure.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Due to the historic nature of the train and festival terrain, wheelchair accessibility is not available for this excursion.

Can I bring my pet on the train or to the festival?

Pets are not permitted on the train or at the festival, with the exception of service animals trained to assist guests with disabilities.

Are there food and drinks available onboard?

Yes, a concession car offers beverages including coffee, soda, beer, wine, and light snacks.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

You are welcome to bring snacks and nonalcoholic beverages onboard, but concession options are also available for purchase.

What is the Troll Canyon ride?

The Troll Canyon ride is an optional short train excursion in Knife River available for an additional cost, featuring folklore-themed scenery and entertainment.

Experience the Magic of the Julebyen Christmas Festival Aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad | Train | Sightseeing Tour

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the Julebyen Express offers a one-of-a-kind winter adventure combining scenic railroad travel and a festive holiday celebration. This six-hour roundtrip journey aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad takes guests from the historic Duluth Depot up the shores of Lake Superior to the charming village of Knife River. Renowned for its authentic Scandinavian heritage, Knife River transforms each winter into the enchanting Julebyen Christmas Festival, an experience that draws locals and travelers alike to immerse in holiday traditions alive with handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and festive cheer.

Departing prompt at 9:00 a.m. with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m., guests settle into the spacious First Class Dome cars, offering panoramic views of winter’s stark beauty along the 36-mile track. The route hugs the Lake Superior shoreline, where guests glimpse frost-coated forests, glistening frozen waves, and towering cliffs etched against steel-gray skies. Arriving around 10:30 a.m., visitors step off into Knife River’s quaint festival grounds, where cozy shops offer artisanal gifts and local delicacies, from freshly baked lefse to savory sausages.

Highlighting the visit is the option for an added adventure: the Troll Canyon ride. This short, whimsical train excursion, leaving several times mid-day, winds through rugged terrain peppered with folklore-inspired surprises — perfect for families and those seeking an extra touch of magic.

Accessibility is limited due to the historic nature of the train and festival terrain, so visitors with strollers or wheelchairs should plan accordingly. Onboard, a concession car serves beverages including coffee, soda, beer, and wine, along with light snacks, letting guests relax with a warm drink as they soak in the scenery.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad is more than a transit line; it’s a key pillar of Duluth’s outdoor heritage, preserving a unique way to experience winter’s charm. Riding the rails here connects visitors not only with spectacular natural vistas but also a legacy of lakefront commerce and holiday tradition dating back to the region’s immigrant roots.

For those passing through Duluth between late November and December, the Julebyen Express offers a festive break from the cold and a chance to engage with regional culture in a setting rarely rivaled outside Scandinavia itself. Whether you’re traveling with family, a couple seeking a cozy excursion, or a solo traveler hungry for a seasonal story, this train ride delivers a memorable journey through Minnesota’s winter wilderness and its welcoming holiday spirit.

About North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum

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.