Clang. The sound of metal on metal echoes. It’s the rhythmic clang of restoration at the Minnesota Transportation Museum. Right here in St Paul you can feel the pulse of history.
The Minnesota Transportation Museum isn’t just a collection of old vehicles. It’s a living testament to Minnesota’s transportation heritage. Founded in 1962 the museum started with a single streetcar. This humble beginning blossomed into a multifaceted institution. It preserves the stories of streetcars buses and trains. The museum’s dedication to saving a piece of Twin City Rapid Transit history is inspiring. It showcases the evolution of transportation in the region.
One of the museum’s prized possessions is the Minnehaha Depot. Built in 1875 this former Milwaukee Road depot is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. It’s nicknamed “The Princess” for its delicate design. The depot stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its era. It’s a contributing property to the Minnehaha Historic District. The museum restored the depot in 1967 making it one of its earliest projects. Today you can explore its exhibits and even catch a glimpse of the METRO Blue Line from across the road.
The Minnesota Transportation Museum also boasts an impressive collection of vintage buses. These buses once transported people throughout Minnesota. Many were built by GMC and they replaced streetcars in the Twin Cities in the 1950s. The transition from streetcars to buses took two years. The last streetcar ran on Hennepin Avenue on June 18 1954. Sadly this collection was donated to a private party in 2019. The museum however continues to preserve and display other parts of its rich past.
Beyond its local holdings the museum also operates the Osceola and St Croix Valley Railway in Wisconsin. This heritage railroad offers scenic excursion trains. Rides run through the St Croix River Valley. Passengers can enjoy classic 1920s coaches and diesel-electric locomotives. The museum even operates the Dresser Depot a wonderfully preserved station. It’s frozen in time like the staff just stepped out for a break.
The heart of the Minnesota Transportation Museum is the Jackson Street Roundhouse in St Paul. It’s one of the last functioning roundhouses in the country. Built in 1907 by the Great Northern Railway it’s a remarkable piece of industrial history. The Roundhouse is a bustling hub of activity. Volunteers work on restoring locomotives and rolling stock. It houses a variety of equipment including Pullman coaches Northern Pacific mail cars and a massive turntable. Even the famous Northern Pacific Railway steam engine No 2156 is here. Known to many as Casey Jones’s engine from the children’s program “Lunch With Casey” it’s undergoing restoration.
The Minnesota Transportation Museum offers much more than just exhibits. It’s a vibrant center for preserving and sharing the state’s transportation story. The museum’s commitment to restoration and education ensures its legacy. It continues to inspire awe and wonder for generations to come. The clang of restoration echoes a promise of continued preservation. It’s a promise you can feel right here today.