Be a rail baron for a night aboard your own private Silver Club Domecar

DULUTH PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE

Be a rail baron for a night aboard your own private Silver Club Domecar

A private domecar for up to 10 guests with dinner and up to two drinks per person on select North Shore Scenic Railroad excursions—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Be a rail baron for a night aboard your own private Silver Club Domecar.

Duration
2.5 hours
Location
Duluth
Operator
North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Category
Private
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Experience an evening aboard the exclusive Silver Club Domecar: a private loungecar sold as a single ticket for up to 10 guests, featuring a chef-crafted, locally sourced dinner, multiple lounge spaces and an upstairs dome with seating for guests to spread out during the 2.5-hour excursion.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE PRIVATE CAR

Your own loungecar for up to 10 guests

The Silver Club Domecar is available as a single private ticket that covers up to 10 people, giving your party exclusive use of the loungecar and dining service on select departures.

THE FOOD

Locally sourced, chef-crafted dinner included

An executive chef prepares a multi-course meal included with the private-car ticket—menu selections for 2025 include braised beef short rib, Northwoods pork loin, and a vegan, gluten-free kofta—served with appetizers, salad, sides, coffee and dessert.

THE DOME EXPERIENCE

An upstairs dome and multiple lounges to explore

Guests can begin in the domecar—24 seats among six tables—then later explore three other lounges on the car and even a small bedroom with a single couch/bunk during the evening ride.

What the day feels like

What the evening feels like

Boarding starts with a walk into your private car; guests often pass the tables set for dinner and head upstairs to the exclusive dome. Within minutes of departure an attendant will take drink orders and serve appetizers; later the party returns to the dining arrangement for the included multi-course meal, and at points during the 2.5-hour excursion visitors are free to move among the dome, the other lounges and the small onboard sleeping area.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private railcar fits—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Private groups & celebrationsIdeal for a single-party takeover—one ticket covers up to 10 guests, making it well suited for intimate celebrations or small groups seeking a private dining experience.
2
Food-focused dinersSuited to travelers who want a chef-crafted, locally sourced multi-course dinner included with the experience.
3
Families with young childrenNot recommended for children 10 and under; guests should consider age suitability before booking.
4
Accessibility-conscious travelersThis is historic equipment and not wheelchair accessible; service animals defined by the ADA are permitted but pets and support animals that are not service animals are not allowed.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The excursion runs about 2.5 hours; meet at the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum for boarding and departure.

What to Bring & Attire

Suggested attire is business casual; bring any personal items you need for a seated dining experience aboard a historic railcar.

Tickets & Museum Add-on

Only one private ticket is sold per domecar (up to 10 guests); museum passes can be added at a half-off combination rate and may be purchased the day of the excursion.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are strongly recommended but not required; tickets may be purchased up to 20 minutes prior to departure, though the train can sell out so pre-purchasing is recommended.

How long is the excursion?

The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where do I meet for boarding?

Meet at the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum for boarding and departure.

Are pets allowed on the train or in the museum?

Pets are not allowed on excursions or in the museum; service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted.

Is the domecar wheelchair accessible?

No. Due to the historic nature of the railroad equipment, this excursion is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring a stroller?

Strollers are not permitted on trains because of space limitations; the conductor can approve or deny loading items and strollers are suggested to be left in a vehicle or parked near the station ticket office for pickup after the excursion.

What is included in the meal service?

The private-car ticket includes a multi-course dinner with appetizers, salad, chive and cream cheese smashed baby red potatoes, dill roasted carrots, complimentary coffee and a chocolate pot de crème dessert; 2025 menu entrees include braised beef short rib, Northwoods pork loin, and a vegan/gluten-free kofta.