The Unique Train-Themed Park You Can Only Visit In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published August 31, 2017
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
For a train enthusiast, there’s nothing better than spotting an engine chugging along its tracks. But it’s not very convenient to chase down moving trains. An easier – and just as satisfying – option is to visit a train-themed park where the only thing moving is you. Lucky for Minnesotans, such a park exists in the southwestern corner of our state. End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum lets visitors step back into a different era, when trains criss-crossed through Minnesota with small-town stops along the way. Take a look:
End-O-Line Railroad Park is located at 440 Mill Street in Currie, Minnesota. It's about 170 miles, or 3 hours, southwest of the Twin Cities.
The park gets its name from its location. When a branch of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad crossed through the area, Currie was at the end of the line.
Because it was the end of the line, trains needed a way to turn around. A railroad turntable was built for that purpose in 1901. The same turntable is now at the park today - and it still works! It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Of course, the park is also home to railroad tracks. Guests can walk the old train route. It's definitely worth it to take in some of the beautiful scenery.
The park's steam engine is definitely a sight to behold. This one is from the Georgia Northern Railway. Another impressive train is the 141-year-old Baldwin locomotive. It was built in 1875!
There are also two cabooses, both from the 1940s. The Minneapolis and St. Louis Caboose has been restored on the inside and is open to guests. Sometimes, there are even special dinners hosted inside.
The three white buildings pictured below are the first church in Murray County, the first school in Murray County, and a replica of the county's first courthouse.
After your step through history, you might want to see something a little more technologically advanced. A large model train exhibit sits inside the visitor center.
