*Note - This article appeared in the 2006 Chisago County Traveler published by the STAR newspaper.
by Tesha M. Christensen
STAR Assistant Editor
Spend a few hours seeing the countryside at a slower pace when you take a ride on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley train.
The experience begins as you step aboard, traversing the same path as others before. As the engines roar to life, sit back in your seat and relax. The vintage train travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in Minnesota, following the St. Croix River valley.
Along the way, glimpse herons patiently waiting for a fishy meal, and watch whitetail deer leaping through fields. If you time it right, you can peer out the windows and observe a sunset. If you keep your eyes open, you may spy an osprey, eagle, beer, turkey, turtle or even a fox.
The tracks follow the Sandstone bluffs on a path carved out in the 1800s by horse and buggy. Along the route is the Cedar River Draw Bridge, which opened up in years for steam boats chugging up and down the St. Croix.
As the wheels clackity-clack, wander to the rear car to discover how the train once carried mail from town to town. Watch volunteer catch mail on the fly and mail your own postcard.
A trip back in time
“It’s a trip back in time and away from the city,” reflected Pat Kytola, site administrator for the Osceola & St. Croix Valley train. “You’re so close, but you’re just out in nature.”
Friendly volunteer conductors are eager to answer questions about the history of the train and the area. They’ve been trained to meet Federal Railway Administration operating and safety standards, but that’s not what drives these volunteers. They’re passionate about train travel.
“You can’t find a better way of travel,” believes Kytola. “And our line is so spectacular. … It’s a good time for families.”
The last passenger trains wound through the Osceola depot in 1961. Fifteen years ago, the Osceola Historical Society and Minnesota Transportation Museum collaborated to bring back the romance of the rails. The line has always and continues to be used by freight trains.
The cars that make up the Osceola & St. Croix Valley train are of varying vintages, ranging from the 1920s to the 1950s. Passengers are encouraged to roam while they ride to see how train travel changed through the years.
Catch one of the trips scheduled regularly between April and October 29 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Make it a date with your significant other to rekindle the romance. Or, bring your children along to see a real life “Thomas the Train” in action. (Don’t miss the “Thomas” table in the depot.)
Regular and special excursions
The 20-mile Osceola to Marine on the St. Croix excursion is 90 minutes long; board at either 11 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Cost for adults is $15, for seniors $13, for children $7 and for families $40.
Or, make the shorter 10-mile, 50-minute jaunt from Osceola to Dresser. The train leaves at 1 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children and $25 for families.
First class service comes with a snack and beverage aboard the A-11 open platform observation card on select days.
Special events are planned periodically. The next William O’Brien Naturalist trips are slated for July 2 and Sept. 3. Or, call for more information on the next National Park Ranger Guided trip and hear a park ranger speak about the natural beauty of the St. Croix Riverway.
Dinner/Pizza trains are scheduled for July 8 and 22, Aug. 5 and 19, and Sept. 9 and 23. For the early morning risers, take a brunch train available July 16 and 30, Aug. 13 and 27, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. Box lunch Saturdays are planned for July 1 and 15, Aug. 12 and 26, and Sept. 2 and 16.
Bluegrass lovers will be sure to catch the Bluegrass Train on Sept. 16 when the Blue Drifters entertain all day.
This fall, carve out a day to ride the pumpkin train Oct. 21-22: riders get out at a pumpkin patch, take a hayride, pick a pumpkin and eat a delicious snack. Don’t want that much activity but still want to enjoy the gorgeous scenery? Take a leaf viewing trip on Oct. 7, 8, 14 or 15.
Book a St. Croix Valley Getaway for that special someone at any time throughout the season. For $249 per couple, enjoy your choice of brunch or dinner for two, and two of the following: Chateau St. Croix winery tour, Eric’s Bike Shop & Canoe rental, overnight stay for two at St. Croix Falls Holiday Inn Express or River Valley Inn and Suites, and meal at Adventures Restaurant or Village Pizzeria.
Bring a group along
To bring a group along to celebrate any special occasion – whether it be a birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement or wedding – call 651-228-0263. “Our motto is, if you can think of it, we will try to make it special,” stated Kytola.
For more information on the St. Croix Valley train rides browse www.trainride.org or call 715-755-3570.
See the St. Croix Valley the way it was meant to be seen.
SIDEBAR
Something for everyone
FOR THE LEAF VIEWERS
Oct. 7, 8, 14, 14, 12:45 and 4:15 p.m.
FOR THE BLUEGRASS FANS
Bluegrass Train, Sept. 16, 11a.m. to 4 p.m., $35 all day, or reg. fare plus $5, pre-ordered box lunch/beverage available $8
FOR THE LOVERS
St. Croix Getaway, $249 per couple, your choice of brunch or dinner for two, and two of the following: Chateau St. Croix winery tour, Eric’s Bike Shop & Canoe rental, overnight stay for two at St. Croix Falls Holiday Inn Express or River Valley Inn and Suites, and meal at Adventures Restaurant or Village Pizzeria.
FOR THE NATURALISTS
• William O’Brien Naturalist Trip, July 2, Sept. 3
• National Park Ranger Guided Trips, dates to be announced
FOR THE KIDS
Pumpkin Train, Oct. 21-22, 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., three-hour event, Adults $20, Children $12, four and under $5, ride on decorated cars, take a hayride, pick a pumpkin and get a treat
Reservations recommended; call 715-755-3570 or browse www.trainride.org
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