Press Release – July 27, 2023

This Duluth River Train has overcome many challenges to re-stablish passenger service along the St. Louis River estuary.  The excursion line had first been shutdown due to COVID-19 in 2020.  During the years 2021-2022 The Duluth River Train remained closed during a Superfund cleanup and restoration along the River at Spirit Lake and the US Steel Plant.  This project required temporary removal of part of the RR tracks to facilitate the cleanup.

​

The all-volunteer, non-profit organization, established in 1981, is excited to begin operation after this long 3-year hiatus. Today’s volunteers have worked tirelessly during the downtime period to restore operating equipment as well as perform maintenance on the track and right-of-way.  In May, 2022, the wheels & running gear on the LSM’s 1946 GE Locomotive were sent out to Pennsylvania to be refurbished and returned in May, 2023.  Due to delays in completion of the work, the wheels won’t be returned in time to start this year’s season. The Railroad was without an engine!! And to the rescue –the owner of Wisconsin Great Northern in Trego, Wis., generously offered the use of an engine to begin our season.  Engine 41 from Trego arrived by truck and is now in operation for the LSM. 

​

In addition to engine updates, much track work has been completed, both Coaches have been restored, the Caboose was repainted and awaiting new lettering, the outdoor Safari Car has been completely rebuilt and painted, and the Ticket Office/Station, Shop and other areas have all been updated.

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad invites the press to attend a

Season Opening Ride July 29, 2023 at 10:30am or 1:30pm

​

BRING YOUR CAMERAS.  THE VIEW IS NEW!!

The LS&M route travels through the US Steel Superfund site.  The environmental cleanup has created a new image along the shoreline.  Slag Point has been renamed “Shallow Sheltered Bay” and will be prepped for a future City Park. “Unnamed Creek” has been moved. The Duluth River Train provides the only access to this new area until  The Waabizheshikana / Marten Trail (formally the Western Waterfront Trail) is completed.