This Breathtaking Destination In Minnesota Looks Like It Was Ripped From The Pages Of Harry Potter
By Chris Muras|Published November 14, 2022
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Chris Muras
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Every adventure starts with a single step. And then another, and another, until you find yourself somewhere new and undiscovered. That’s the journey of a writer. You never know where the next word will take you. Hopefully, together, we can experience some amazing new adventures at OnlyInYourState.
If you want to take a ride on the “real” Hogwarts Express, you have to go to Scotland. But there is another option right here in Minnesota that will bring your love of Harry Potter to life — in your imagination, that is. The North Shore Scenic Railroad has been running between Duluth and Two Harbors since 1990 using several different vintage locomotives and historic passenger cars. When you combine the beauty of the North Shore with the hum and rumble of a vintage train ride in Minnesota, the result is pure magic. Let’s hop on board, shall we?
All Aboooooard! The Hogwarts Express conductor welcomes you aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad with a wink and promise of magical adventures to come.
Every year, we search Two Harbors depot for Platform 9 3/4. Even though we haven’t found it yet that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Perhaps you’ll have better luck.
These lovely trains begin their trek to Two Harbors starting Memorial Day weekend. They run all summer and through the end of fall. Visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth to learn about all of the "little engines that could" that make up the railroad's roster, because each one is unique and filled with history.
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Historic steam-powered locomotive #332 travels to Two Harbors, Minnesota, during the summer months. You will be enchanted with awe-inspiring scenic views of the magical Northwoods.
Rich forests take you to an enchanting world, trickling streams over age-worn moss-covered rocks, and of course stunning views of Lake Superior. We wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t see a few elves, fairies, or even Buckbeak, the Hippogriff, if you are lucky.
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Engine #332 was built in 1906 and has been recently restored to take us on many new adventures through the enchanted Northwoods and Lake Superior area.
The 75-minute ride from Duluth to Two Harbors will take you through downtown Duluth, along the Lake Superior shoreline, and past magical rose gardens and woodlands of the historic and beautiful Congdon Park Neighborhood.
One of the NSSR’s latest acquisitions is the historic Dome Car, named Sky View. Can you imagine the wonders you will see high above the rails under a sky of curved glass?
Over 236 Dome Cars were built in the 1950s, yet only 30 of them had windows that extended the entire length of the coach. Sky View is one of them. It was built in 1954 and has had an extensive legacy with different railroads before arriving in Duluth.
Big Dome #551 as it was originally called can be enjoyed on the first-class Duluth Zephyr and Elegant Dinner Train rides each summer.
While a summer train ride gives you stunning views of the Northwoods coming to life, the real magic happens in the fall when the trees explode with color.
Of course, we’ve saved a little magic for last. The Christmas City Express is truly an enchanting ride filled with twinkling lights and the magic of Christmas.
Be sure to visit the Christmas City Facebook page for information on how you can enjoy a ride on the holiday train.
Are you ready for a magical train ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad? Visit NSSR’s website to learn about all of the train ride adventures you can enjoy. Murder mystery rides, dinner parties, and haunted Halloween rides await. Bring your imagination and a sense of childlike wonder because the North Shore Scenic Railroad will take you on an enchanting historic adventure in beautiful North Shore, Minnesota.
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