Adventure Brief
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Julebyen Express Coach Class train from Duluth to Knife River. Enjoy festive sights, scenic lake views, and the magic of the Christmas Festival.
3–4 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Julebyen Express Coach Class train from Duluth to Knife River. Enjoy festive sights, scenic lake views, and the magic of the Christmas Festival.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels as this is a seated scenic train ride with minimal walking required.
Wildlife
History
The North Shore Railroad has transported passengers and goods since the early 1900s, playing a key role in regional development.
Conservation
The railroad supports sustainable tourism by preserving historic train equipment and minimizing environmental impact during operations.
North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Julebyen Express Coach Class train from Duluth to Knife River. Enjoy festive sights, scenic lake views, and the magic of the Christmas Festival.
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.
Location
Duluth, MN
On the Lake Superior North Shore
Experiences
10 train trips
Coach, Dome, and steam options
Museum Combo
Half-price pass
Add at checkout or ticket pickup
Special Events
Holiday & seasonal trains
Includes Christmas, beer tasting, Terror Train
Book coach seats, First Class Dome Car, or special-event trains — add a half-price museum pass when purchasing tickets.
Dress Warmly for Winter Weather
Temperatures near Lake Superior in winter can be very cold, so layer up to stay comfortable during outdoor portions of the trip.
Bring a Camera or Smartphone
The scenic vistas along the North Shore and festive festival decorations offer fantastic photo opportunities throughout the ride.
Reserve Seats in Advance
The Julebyen Express is popular during the holiday season—booking ahead ensures your spot on the coach class train.
Consider the Troll Canyon Ride
Add the optional Troll Canyon adventure to experience unique terrain and enhance your holiday adventure.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you warm during the chilly outdoor festival time and boarding points.
winter
Comfortable Footwear
Good shoes help with boarding and small walks at the festival.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the beautiful scenery and festive decorations on the journey.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the trip, especially if visiting during warmer months.