SAINT PAUL TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
A Working Rail Museum and Saturday Birdhouse Workshop at Jackson Street Roundhouse
A full-day, family-focused visit to Minnesota Transportation Museum’s Jackson Street Roundhouse featuring restored cars, operating turntable demonstrations, and a hands-on Caboose Birdhouse event.
A Working Rail Museum and Saturday Birdhouse Workshop at Jackson Street Roundhouse.
At the Jackson Street Roundhouse in Saint Paul, a living collection of railroading — more than 50 historic cars, active restoration bays, and one of the country’s few operating turntables — is open for exploration; on Saturdays that exploration includes included train rides and a family-friendly Caboose Birdhouse event led with Eagle Scout guidance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Real train rides every Saturday
On Saturdays, included train rides give visitors a direct, tactile way to experience historic equipment — services that operate regardless of weather conditions.
One of the last operating turntables
The Roundhouse still runs a historic turntable, offering a rare chance to watch a large-piece mechanical operation move and align full-size rolling stock.
Restoration, exhibits and a family birdhouse workshop
Behind-the-scenes views of restoration work, interactive exhibits, a kids’ zone and a depot store sit alongside a special Caboose Birdhouse event where families build birdhouses with guidance from Eagle Scouts.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day unfolds as a series of hands-on encounters: browsing dozens of historic cars and exhibits, stepping aboard for an included train ride, pausing to watch the turntable in motion, and — during the Caboose Birdhouse event — building a simple birdhouse with family members under Scout guidance.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit is for — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Open Saturdays 10AM–4PM; Saturday programming includes train rides and turntable demonstrations.
Saturday train rides run rain, snow, or shine, so plan accordingly for seasonal conditions.
Meet at Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130; admission includes the Saturday train ride.
The Caboose Birdhouse event is family-focused but requires adult admission for children ages 0–15.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the Roundhouse open for the event?
The Saturday program runs from 10AM to 4PM.
Where do I go for the event?
The meeting location is Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130.
Are train rides included with admission?
Yes — train rides on Saturdays are included with admission.
Will the train rides run in bad weather?
Saturday train rides operate rain, snow, or shine.
Can children attend the Caboose Birdhouse event on their own?
No — children ages 0–15 attending the Caboose Birdhouse event must have an adult admission.
What can I expect to see on site?
Expect behind-the-scenes restoration views, interactive exhibits, a kids’ zone, a depot store and more than 50 historic train cars.