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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.
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.
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
Step aboard the Julebyen Express Coach Class for a festive holiday adventure through the scenic North Shore Railroad. This unique train journey takes you from Duluth, Minnesota, to the charming village of Knife River, where the Julebyen Christmas Festival lights up the season with traditional decorations, local crafts, and joyful celebrations. As you relax in coach class, enjoy picturesque views of Lake Superior's pristine coastline and dense pine forests, providing a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for the holidays. For those seeking extra excitement, the optional Troll Canyon ride offers a magical twist, winding through rugged terrain and enchanting woodland scenes. Operated by the North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum, this experience combines holiday cheer with historical railroad charm. Perfect for families, couples, and anyone wishing to create lasting memories, the Julebyen Express offers a warm, festive escape from the winter routine in Duluth and beyond. Whether you're a Minnesota local or visiting during the holiday season, this train ride is a delightful way to celebrate and connect with the joy of winter in the North Woods.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels as this is a seated scenic train ride with minimal walking required.
The trip typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours, including time spent at the Julebyen Christmas Festival.
Coach class tickets do not include meals, but there are food vendors at the festival and onboard concessions may be available.
Yes, the experience is family-friendly and children are welcome to enjoy the festive activities and scenic views.
Pets are generally not permitted on the train, except for service animals with prior notice.
Comfortable, warm clothing is recommended, especially in winter, as temperatures can be quite cold near Lake Superior.
Tickets can be booked online via the North Shore Scenic Railroad website or through authorized partners.
The North Shore Railroad has transported passengers and goods since the early 1900s, playing a key role in regional development.
The railroad supports sustainable tourism by preserving historic train equipment and minimizing environmental impact during operations.
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