Few People Realize How Much Railroad History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Currie, Minnesota
By Trent Jonas|Published March 28, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
Currie is a small town in southwestern Minnesota that is, perhaps, best known for its proximity to Lake Shetek State Park, but it’s also home to some of the best-preserved Minnesota railroad history in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Let’s visit Currie, Minnesota, and explore End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum.
End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum is a site in the small town of Currie that’s dedicated to preserving Minnesota railroad history.
The museum is located on the site of the former Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railway - "the Omaha" - station, which closed in 1973.
The park boasts several restored railroad buildings, including a depot, a section house, and a water tower. Tour these buildings to get a sense of what life was like for railroad workers in the early 20th century.
You can explore several outdoor exhibits, including a steam locomotive and a railroad handcar. Climb aboard these exhibits, and imagine what it was like to operate them.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history of the railroad and its impact on the region and the state.
One of the most fascinating exhibits at the museum is the "Railroad Room," which features a model train layout depicting the railroads of southwestern Minnesota. The models are meticulously crafted and include detailed replicas of the area’s towns and landmarks.
Visitors can watch the trains run and learn about the railroad history of western Minnesota.
End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum is open to the public seasonally in the summer and by appointment during its off-season. Visit End-O-Line’s website for hours and more information about its offerings and exhibits. While you are in the area, be sure to take some time to explore nearby Lake Shetek State Park.
Have you visited End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum in Currie, Minnesota? What are some other small towns in the North Star State that have preserved their own slices of Minnesota railroad history?
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