The Friends of the 261, an operating firm for the Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, run excursion trips pulled by Milwaukee Road steam locomotive No. 261, a 4-8-4 built by Alco in 1944, and Milwaukee Road 32A, an E9A built in 1955. They also operate historic passenger cars on Amtrak trains. In 2022, RRHMA acquired Union Pacific steam locomotives Challenger No. 3985 and 2-10-2 No. 5511, which will be restored at the organization’s shop in Silvis, Ill.
Choices
Friends of the 261 offers several ticket options. All trips include coach-, first-, and premium-class services. Premium includes hors d’oeuvres and gourmet meals prepared on board and a ride in Skytop lounge observation car Cedar Rapids, or full-length Super Dome No. 53. First class includes a ride in parlor or lounge cars including a California Zephyr dome car, Silver Palace. Both first and premium classes include complimentary beverages.
When to go
Generally, the organization operates trips in September or October on the Twin Cities & Western Railroad. The most popular is the Gourmet Express offering wine and cheese tasting. Each December, Nos. 261 and 32A pull the North Pole Express short family-oriented trips at St. Paul Union Depot.
Good to know
For a complete Milwaukee Road experience, stay in one of the two hotels at the former Milwaukee Road Minneapolis passenger depot, built in 1898 and beautifully restored. Rail memorabilia and photographs can be found throughout.
Worth doing
Stop by the shop in northeast Minneapolis before a trip to take in the sights and sounds of a large steam engine. Usually, the crew has a donation box out and for a small price, you can have a look in the cab.
Don’t miss
Get a look at Skytop Lounge observation car Cedar Rapids. Built by the Milwaukee Road in 1948 with their large glass area, the Skytops were unlike any other rail passenger car. The Cedar Rapids is the only one still in operation.
Getting there
Minneapolis/St. Paul has Amtrak, airline (a Delta hub), and Metro Transit light rail and bus. A short walk from the Metro bus stop at Central Avenue and Broadway will get you to the shop. Trains on Twin Cities & Western usually leave from western Minneapolis suburbs so a car might be necessary.
Location: 401 Harrison Street NE, Minneapolis, MN
Phone: 612-860-3678
Website: 261.com
E-mail: Form on website
