How to Plan a Family Train Day at Minnehaha Depot

Planning a family train day at Minnehaha Depot offers more than just a ride—it’s a chance to step back in time, connect with history, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Nestled in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnehaha Depot is a beautifully preserved 1862 railroad station that once served as a vital link in the early development of the region. Today, it operates as a heritage railway stop for the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s historic steam and diesel trains, offering families an immersive, educational, and enchanting experience unlike any other.

Unlike typical amusement park outings or screen-based entertainment, a train day at Minnehaha Depot engages all senses: the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks, the scent of aged wood and coal smoke, the sight of vintage locomotives steaming to life, and the sound of laughter echoing through century-old station walls. It’s a rare opportunity to unplug, explore, and learn together as a family.

But planning such a day requires more than just showing up on a Saturday morning. From choosing the right date to navigating ticketing, preparing for weather, and maximizing educational value, every detail matters. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to plan a seamless, memorable, and enriching family train day at Minnehaha Depot—whether you’re visiting with toddlers, teens, or multi-generational relatives.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research Operating Schedule and Seasonal Events

Minnehaha Depot does not operate year-round with daily service. Trains typically run on weekends from late spring through early fall, with special holiday-themed excursions in December. The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) publishes its official schedule online each January, so start your planning early.

Visit the MTM website and review the calendar for “Minnehaha Depot Excursions.” Note which dates feature steam locomotives versus diesel engines—steam trains are more popular with families due to their visual and auditory appeal. Also check for themed events like “Polar Express” rides in November/December, “Pirate Adventure” days in summer, or “Railroad Days” with live reenactors and hands-on activities.

Pro Tip: Avoid holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day if you prefer smaller crowds. Mid-week summer days (Tuesday–Thursday) often have fewer visitors and shorter lines, even if they’re not officially advertised as “low-traffic.”

2. Choose the Right Date and Time

Once you’ve identified potential dates, consider your family’s schedule and energy levels. Morning departures (typically 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM) are ideal for younger children who may struggle with late-day fatigue. If your family enjoys photography, aim for a sunny day with soft morning light—this enhances photo opportunities of the historic depot and steam engines.

Also, check the weather forecast. Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. A clear day allows for outdoor exploration of the depot grounds, while a rainy forecast may require adjustments. Rain doesn’t cancel most excursions, but it does limit access to open-air platforms and nearby walking trails.

3. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Tickets for Minnehaha Depot excursions are sold online through the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s official website. Do not wait until the day of the event—popular dates sell out weeks in advance, especially during peak season and holidays.

Family packages are available and often include discounted rates for two adults and up to three children. Children under 2 ride free, but must be listed on the reservation. If you have a large family or are bringing extended relatives, contact MTM directly to inquire about group bookings. Group rates may apply for parties of 10 or more.

Always print or save your digital ticket on your mobile device. Bring a backup copy in case of technical issues. Tickets are scanned at the depot entrance, and no walk-up sales are guaranteed.

4. Plan Your Transportation and Parking

Minnehaha Depot is located at 4500 South 48th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55417. The station sits within Minnehaha Park, a large, scenic urban park managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

There are two main parking options:

• Depot Parking Lot: A small, dedicated lot adjacent to the depot. It fills quickly on event days—arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.
• Minnehaha Park Main Lot: Located near the Minnehaha Falls overlook, this lot is larger and often less crowded. A 10–15 minute walk along a paved, accessible path leads to the depot.

Public transit is also an option. The

18 bus runs along 48th Street and stops within walking distance. For families with strollers or mobility needs, the bus route offers easier access than navigating parking.

Consider carpooling with other families to reduce congestion and environmental impact. Many local parenting groups organize shared rides for depot events.

5. Prepare Your Family for the Experience

Before the day arrives, talk to your children about what to expect. Use age-appropriate language:

• For toddlers: “We’re going to see a big, old train that goes ‘choo-choo’ and smells like wood and smoke.”
• For school-age kids: “The train was built in the 1800s. People used it to travel before cars were common.”
• For teens: “This station is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s one of the oldest train depots still standing in Minnesota.”

Watch a short video of a steam train departure on YouTube or visit the MTM’s YouTube channel for preview content. This reduces anxiety and builds excitement.

Practice patience and quiet behavior in public spaces. Role-play boarding the train: “When we get to the platform, we’ll wait in line, listen for the conductor’s call, and walk calmly onto the car.”

6. Pack the Essentials

What you bring can make or break your experience. Here’s a comprehensive packing list:

• Weather-appropriate clothing: Even in summer, mornings can be cool near the river. Layer with a light jacket. In fall or spring, bring waterproof outerwear.
• Comfortable walking shoes: The depot grounds include gravel paths and uneven surfaces. Avoid sandals or new shoes.
• Snacks and water: While there’s a small gift shop with drinks and treats, options are limited and prices are higher than outside. Bring reusable water bottles and non-messy snacks like granola bars, fruit, or crackers.
• Camera or smartphone: Capture the locomotive’s steam, the vintage station signage, and candid family moments. Avoid flash photography near the engine.
• Small first-aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and motion sickness remedies (if needed).
• Blanket or portable chair: Useful for waiting on the platform or relaxing after the ride.
• Books or activity sheets: Download free railroad coloring pages or scavenger hunt sheets from the MTM website to keep kids engaged while waiting.

Leave bulky strollers at home if possible. The train cars have narrow aisles and steps. A lightweight carrier or baby sling is often easier for navigating the depot and boarding.

7. Arrive Early and Explore the Depot Grounds

Arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you time to:

• Find parking and walk to the depot without rushing.
• Explore the restored 1862 station building. Inside, you’ll find vintage ticket windows, original woodwork, historical photos, and interpretive displays about rail travel in the 19th century.
• Visit the gift shop. It offers high-quality souvenirs like model trains, books, and locally made goods—not just plastic trinkets.
• Let kids run off energy on the grassy areas near the depot. There’s no playground, but open space is plentiful.
• Take photos with the locomotive before it’s fully powered up. The steam rising from the engine is a magical sight.

Ask a volunteer or staff member if they’re offering a free 10-minute “Depot Tour” before departure. These are often led by retired railroaders or history enthusiasts and are packed with fascinating stories.

8. Boarding the Train

When it’s time to board, listen for the conductor’s announcement. Families are usually called by ticket group. Follow the crew’s instructions—they’ll help you board safely.

Train cars are restored to their original 19th-century style:

• Seats are wooden benches with minimal cushioning.
• Windows are small and may not open.
• Restrooms are not available on board.

Encourage your children to sit by the window. The views of Minnehaha Creek, the falls (visible from certain routes), and the tree-lined countryside are breathtaking. Remind them not to lean out the window or touch the doors.

Some trains offer open-air observation cars—ask when booking if these are available. They’re perfect for photography and fresh air.

9. During the Ride

Most excursions last between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the route. The train typically travels to Fort Snelling or the historic town of Savage, MN, and returns to Minnehaha Depot.

Use the ride as a teachable moment:

• Point out the railroad crossings and explain why the bells ring.
• Notice the different types of rail cars—passenger, baggage, or dining.
• Ask: “Why do you think they used steam instead of gas?”
• Listen to the conductor’s commentary. Many are trained storytellers who share anecdotes about early passengers, mail delivery by rail, or how the depot survived the Great Depression.

Keep noise levels respectful. While excitement is natural, avoid shouting or running in the aisles. This is a historic site, and many fellow riders are enthusiasts who appreciate the quiet reverence of the experience.

10. After the Ride: Extend the Adventure

After disembarking, don’t rush to leave. Spend 30–60 minutes exploring the rest of Minnehaha Park:

• Walk to Minnehaha Falls (a 15-minute stroll from the depot). The 53-foot waterfall is especially stunning after rain.
• Visit the Longfellow House, a replica of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home, where he wrote “The Song of Hiawatha”—a poem inspired by the falls and Native American legends.
• Let kids feed ducks at the creek (bring birdseed from home; avoid bread).
• Have a picnic on the grass near the falls. There are picnic tables, but they fill up fast—arrive early or bring a blanket.

Many families combine the train ride with a visit to the nearby Minnesota Children’s Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota on the same day. Just be mindful of travel time and energy levels.

11. Debrief and Reflect

Once home, talk with your children about the day. Ask open-ended questions:

• “What surprised you the most?”
• “If you could ride this train 100 years ago, what would you bring with you?”
• “How do you think people felt riding this train for the first time?”

Create a simple scrapbook or digital album with photos and drawings. Include a map of the route, a ticket stub, and a short journal entry from each child. This reinforces learning and turns the day into a lasting keepsake.

Best Practices

Start Planning 2–3 Months in Advance

Popular dates—especially weekends in July and August—sell out within days of the schedule release. Set a calendar reminder for early January to check the MTM website. Bookmark it and check weekly.

Engage All Age Groups

Design activities for different developmental stages:

• Toddlers: Bring a favorite stuffed animal to “ride the train.”
• Elementary kids: Use a scavenger hunt checklist (e.g., “Find a red caboose,” “Count the windows on the depot”).
• Tweens and teens: Challenge them to research one historical fact about the depot and present it during the ride.

Respect the Historic Site

Minnehaha Depot is a registered historic landmark. Follow all posted signs. Do not touch artifacts, climb on structures, or leave trash. Teach children that historic places are fragile and deserve care.

Use the Volunteer Network

MTM relies on trained volunteers. Many are retired engineers, historians, or educators. Ask them questions—they love sharing their knowledge. A simple “Can you tell me about this train?” opens doors to rich conversations.

Be Flexible with Weather

Minneapolis weather changes quickly. Have a backup plan: if rain is forecast, consider visiting the museum’s indoor exhibits at the Minnesota Transportation Museum’s main campus in St. Paul, which includes interactive train simulators and a full-size locomotive display.

Practice Sustainability

Bring reusable water bottles, avoid single-use plastics, and use public transit or carpooling when possible. Teach children that preserving history includes preserving the environment.

Follow Up with Educational Activities

Extend the learning after your visit:

• Read “The Little Engine That Could” or “Steam Train, Dream Train” by Sherri Duskey Rinker.
• Build a model train with LEGO or cardboard.
• Watch a documentary like “The Iron Horse” or “American Experience: The Transcontinental Railroad.”

Tools and Resources

Official Website: Minnesota Transportation Museum

https://www.mntm.org

The primary source for schedules, ticket purchases, event details, and downloadable educational materials. The site includes printable activity sheets, historical timelines, and virtual tours.

Minnehaha Park Official Page

https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/minnehaha-park/

Provides information on parking, restrooms, trail maps, and seasonal events in the park surrounding the depot.

Google Maps and Street View

Use Street View to virtually walk from the parking lot to the depot. This helps children visualize the route and reduces anxiety on the day of the visit.

Free Printable Resources

• Depot Scavenger Hunt: Available on MTM’s “Family Programs” page.
• Train Coloring Pages: Featuring steam engines, conductors, and vintage tickets.
• “A Day in the Life of a 1860s Rail Passenger” Worksheet: Great for elementary classrooms or homeschooling.

Mobile Apps

• MTM Mobile App: Offers push notifications for schedule changes and real-time updates.
• AllTrails: For finding walking routes from the depot to Minnehaha Falls.
• Google Translate: Useful if you’re visiting with non-English-speaking relatives.

Local Libraries and Historical Societies

Many Minneapolis libraries carry books on regional railroad history. Request titles like:

• Minnesota Railroads: A History by David M. Jordan
• The Iron Road: How Trains Changed America by Mary Kay Carson

Ask for children’s versions. Librarians often have curated reading lists for family history days.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Johnson Family – Two Parents, Three Kids (Ages 4, 7, 11)

The Johnsons planned their Minnehaha Depot trip for a Saturday in June. They booked tickets in February, after learning the steam locomotive “Soo Line 2719” would be running. They arrived at 9:15 AM, parked in the main lot, and walked the trail to the depot. Their 4-year-old carried a stuffed bear named “Choo-Choo.”

During the ride, the 7-year-old used a scavenger hunt sheet to find “a brass bell” and “a man in a hat.” The 11-year-old took photos and later created a PowerPoint presentation for her class titled “How Trains Made Minnesota Grow.”

After the ride, they picnicked near Minnehaha Falls and visited the Longfellow House. They returned home with tickets, a model train from the gift shop, and a journal filled with drawings. One year later, they returned for the “Polar Express” event—and the 4-year-old now asks to “go see the train” every week.

Example 2: The Rodriguez Family – Multi-Generational Trip

The Rodriguezes brought grandparents, parents, and two toddlers to celebrate Grandpa Joe’s 80th birthday. He had ridden the same train as a child in 1952. They reserved a private car for their group of 10.

Grandpa shared stories of riding the train to visit relatives in St. Paul. The museum staff played a recording of an oral history interview he gave years ago—played over the PA system during the ride. Everyone cried.

They brought his old ticket stub from 1952 and placed it in the gift shop’s “Memory Wall” display. The museum later sent them a framed copy. The day became a cherished family tradition.

Example 3: Homeschool Co-op Field Trip

A local homeschool group of 25 children and 8 adults planned a half-day field trip. They contacted MTM in advance and arranged a guided 30-minute tour of the depot led by a retired conductor. Each child received a “Junior Railroader” badge.

They used the experience to fulfill a social studies unit on transportation. Afterward, students wrote poems, built model tracks with popsicle sticks, and hosted a “Railroad Fair” for their families.

The museum now offers a formal Homeschool Day program each spring, inspired by this group’s success.

FAQs

Is Minnehaha Depot wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The depot building, platforms, and train cars have been modified for accessibility. Wheelchair lifts are available, and companion seating is provided. Notify MTM when booking if you require assistance.

Can I bring a stroller on the train?

Strollers are not permitted inside the train cars due to narrow aisles and steps. Foldable strollers may be stored in the baggage car if space permits. A baby carrier is recommended.

Are food and drinks allowed on the train?

Light snacks and sealed beverages are permitted. Avoid messy or strong-smelling foods. No alcohol is allowed.

How long is the train ride?

Most excursions last between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on the route. Check your ticket confirmation for exact duration.

Are restrooms available?

Restrooms are located inside the depot building and near the parking lots. There are no restrooms on the train.

Can I bring my dog?

Only service animals are permitted on the train and in the depot. Emotional support animals are not allowed.

What if it rains?

Trains usually run in light rain. The depot has covered platforms, and train cars are enclosed. In heavy storms or lightning, rides may be canceled. Check the MTM website or call ahead if weather is uncertain.

Are there discounts for seniors or military?

Yes. Seniors (65+) and active military personnel receive a 10% discount with valid ID. Children under 2 ride free.

Can I take photos inside the depot and on the train?

Yes! Photography is encouraged. Flash photography is discouraged near the locomotive to avoid startling the crew. Tripods are not permitted on board.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. The depot gift shop offers model trains, books, apparel, and locally made crafts. Prices are reasonable, and proceeds support museum preservation.

Conclusion

Planning a family train day at Minnehaha Depot is more than a simple outing—it’s a journey through time, a lesson in history, and a celebration of connection. By following this guide, you’re not just booking a train ride; you’re crafting an experience that will resonate with your family for years to come.

The clatter of wheels on steel, the smell of aged wood and steam, the quiet awe of a child seeing a locomotive for the first time—these are the moments that define heritage. Minnehaha Depot stands as a living monument to the ingenuity and perseverance of early America. When you bring your family here, you’re not just visiting a place. You’re becoming part of its story.

Start planning early. Pack with care. Engage with curiosity. And above all, let wonder lead the way. Whether your children remember this day as “the train ride” or as the moment they fell in love with history, you’ve given them something far more valuable than a souvenir: a memory that lasts a lifetime.