DULUTH TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
A Lakeside Father's Day: BBQ on Rails along Duluth’s North Shore
A curated luncheon aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad Dining Car serving Famous Dave’s ribs and chicken on a scenic Lakefront Line excursion — this guide explains options, logistics, and who the event suits.
A Lakeside Father's Day: BBQ on Rails along Duluth’s North Shore.
Celebrate Father’s Day with the tangible comforts of smoke‑kissed barbeque and the steady rhythm of steel wheels: the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Father’s Day BBQ Luncheon pairs Famous Dave’s ribs and chicken with a ride aboard the vintage Dining Car along Duluth’s Lakefront Line, available as a shorter 75‑minute morning trip or a longer 2.5‑hour afternoon excursion.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Famous Dave’s comfort fare in a Dining Car
The luncheon includes Famous Dave’s ribs and chicken, served with dessert, bringing classic barbeque flavors into the vintage luxury of the Dining Car for a sit‑down meal on the move.
Scenic Lakefront Line excursion
The event is staged as an excursion along the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Lakefront Line, offering views of Duluth’s lakeshore while guests dine aboard the train.
Family seating and a Father’s Day setting
Tables are configured as seats of four—ideal for families—while pairs of two may be seated with other guests; the luncheon is explicitly promoted as a Father’s Day celebration.
What the day feels like
What the luncheon feels like
Guests board at the railroad museum and settle into the Dining Car for a sit‑down barbeque meal; the train then travels the Lakefront Line, giving diners a slow, social way to take in the lakeshore as Famous Dave’s ribs, chicken and a dessert course are served. Travelers may choose a condensed 75‑minute morning option or a 2.5‑hour afternoon excursion—both presented as dining experiences integrated with the scenic ride.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who should book — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two trip options are offered: a 75‑minute morning trip or a 2.5‑hour afternoon excursion; the listed duration for the longer option is 2.5 hours.
Boarding and departures originate at the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum.
Passengers may bring snacks and nonalcoholic beverages on the train, though a concession car will also offer those items for purchase and is encouraged for convenience.
Reservations are strongly recommended but not required; tickets can be purchased up to 20 minutes prior to departure, however the train can sell out so pre‑purchase is advised.
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. The train can sell out, so pre‑purchase is recommended.
Are pets allowed on the train?
Pets are not allowed on any excursions or in the museum. Service animals defined by the ADA are allowed; therapy or emotional support animals are not permitted.
Can I bring a stroller?
Strollers are not permitted on the trains due to space limitations; the conductor can approve or deny loading items. Strollers are suggested to be left in a vehicle or parked near the ticket office for pickup after the excursion.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
This is not a wheelchair accessible train.
Are young children recommended for this event?
Children 5 and under are not recommended; all passengers on this train must have a ticket.