Autumn in Minnesota is one of the most beautiful times of year, with great weather to boot. There are endless ways of enjoying it, from visiting a glowing pumpkin trail in Minnesota to wandering around a charming Minnesota apple orchard. One of our favorite ways of enjoying fall in the Bold North is a bit more unique. We’re talking about fall foliage train rides in Minnesota! These ridiculously charming fall colors rides offer fantastic views of seasonal foliage, and you’ll have to ride at least one (if not all) of them this fall. There are at least couple fall train rides near me – I’m sure there’s at least one near you, too!

1. Excelsior Streetcar Line
Minnesota Streetcar Museum, 501 MN-7, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA
evelynhazzard/TripAdvisor
One of the best hidden gems in Minnesota, the Excelsior Streetcar Line is a part of the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. The little trolley ride travels along a one-half-mile track through the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Passengers have a chance to see what life was like in the 1800s, with a stop at a gallery consisting of photos of century-old landmarks and machines. If you take the trip in the fall, it’s a lovely way to see some changing leaves.
2. Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
Minnesota Streetcar Museum, 501 MN-7, Excelsior, MN 55331, USA
Minnesota Streetcar Museum/Facebook
The Como-Harriet Streetcar is another Minnesota Streetcar Museum attraction that is sure to delight this fall. Aboard a historic streetcar, passengers enjoy views of Lake Harriet, with a potential stop in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood. Even if you don’t get off the train, you’ll love the blazing orange of the trees surrounding the lake.
3. Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railroad
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, 114 Depot Rd, Osceola, WI 54020, USA
jeff n sally c/TripAdvisor
Though this train trip starts in Osceola, Wisconsin, most of its journey is through the countryside of eastern Minnesota. This excursion lasts about 50 minutes, terminating in the charming town of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the St. Croix River, including views of its rugged bluffs. With the changing trees in full bloom, it’s the perfect fall outing.
4. North Shore Scenic Railroad
North Shore Scenic Railroad, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
North Shore Scenic Railroad/Facebook
Looking to spend some time along the North Shore this fall? The North Shore Scenic Railroad is one of the most spectacular train rides in the entire state. The train offers wonderful views of the changing foliage along Lake Superior aboard a historic train. The entire excursion lasts 6 hours, with a two-hour stop in charming Two Harbors. There, you can wander the shops and restaurants – or just enjoy the spectacular view of the lake.

Learn more in this YouTube video from North Shore Scenic Railroad:

5. Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad
Lake Superior And Mississippi Railroad, 6930 Fremont St, Duluth, MN 55807, USA
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad/Facebook
Here’s another North Shore railroad trip that offers incredible fall views. This train ride lasts up to two hours, with excellent water views of the St. Louis River. In fact, you’ll cross a causeway – surrounded by water on all sides – that will provide some truly spectacular photo opportunities. Even better, there is an open-air carriage that is perfect for those who really want to be one with the season. For more information, check out the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad website.

You can also see video of the train in action on the LSMR YouTube channel:

One more suggestion is to simply buy a ticket on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from St. Paul to Winona. It’s not expensive and you get to see all the autumn colors in Minnesota’s spectacular bluff country. So, what do you think? Did you know about these fall foliage train rides in Minnesota? Ever been on any of them? Know of any other fall train rides in Minnesota? If so, tell us!

These train rides aren’t the only way to enjoy fall in Minnesota. There are lots of options, including visiting the most beautiful fall destinations in Minnesota.

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Fall Foliage Train Rides In Minnesota

Daniella DiRienzo | September 08, 2022

Where are the best places to see fall foliage in Minnesota?

Fall foliage train rides in Minnesota aren’t the only option for viewing the colors of the season. There are several places to soak in the state’s seasonal vistas, including Chippewa National Forest. Spanning 1.6 million acres, it’s brimming with natural beauty, which only gets better in autumn, as shades of red, orange, and yellow consume the forest. The beautiful sights don’t end with the vibrant leaves, though. All in all, the forest boasts over 1,300 lakes! Among the many bodies of water in the forest is Leech Lake. The lovely lake is a hit with water enthusiasts. And in the fall, when surrounded by colorful leaves, it’s a hit with leaf-peepers, too.

What are the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota?

Before finding the perfect pumpkin, you’ve got to find the perfect pumpkin patch. Fortunately, there are several in the state to choose from, including Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch. Located in St. Joseph, Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch boasts hordes of gourds, including pumpkins and squash as well as Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales, and local honey. The patch typically opens the third week of September; however, it’s best to check the hours of operation prior to visiting. Country Sun Farm is another fall must-visit. Touted as the “premier pumpkin patch on the east side of the Twin Cities", the Lake Elmo farm doesn’t have a traditional pumpkin patch; however, it does have a retail store with thousands of pre-picked pumpkins as well as gourds, squash, mums, and various fall décor. There’s also an array of kids rides and games, gem mining, a corn pit, and more.

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