DULUTH TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Dome Car Carols: A First‑Class 30‑Minute Holiday Ride on Lake Superior
Begin inside the Lake Superior Railroad Museum with a story reading, carolers and a special guest, then climb into the First Class Dome for a thirty‑minute train ride along Lake Superior with snacks and holiday music.
Dome Car Carols: A First‑Class 30‑Minute Holiday Ride on Lake Superior.
The Christmas City Express opens inside the Lake Superior Railroad Museum with an intimate reading of the Christmas City Express story, live carolers and a visit from a special guest; afterward passengers climb aboard the First Class Dome for a short, 30‑minute ride up to Lake Superior where snacks and holiday music set a festive tone for all ages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Storytime, Carolers and a Special Guest
The program begins at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum with a reading of the new Christmas City Express story accompanied by carolers and a visit from a special guest — a cozy, theatrical opening before you board.
First Class Dome Ride Along Lake Superior
Passengers board the First Class Dome for a scenic, 30‑minute out-and-back ride up to Lake Superior, enjoying elevated views from the dome, holiday music and a provided snack.
A Short, Multi‑Generational Holiday Experience
Designed for families and holiday travelers, the experience pairs an indoor performance with a brief onboard ride suitable for a wide range of ages; you can pre‑purchase the companion book with your tickets to pick up on arrival.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
The event unfolds like a compact holiday vignette: an intimate museum moment—story, song, and a guest appearance—followed by the tactile pleasure of boarding a vintage train and settling into the dome for a thirty‑minute passage to the lakeshore with snacks and seasonal music creating a short, celebratory escape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short holiday excursion suits — and who should take precautions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The onboard portion of the excursion lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Meet at the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum; allow extra time for parking and the short walk to the boarding area.
Most programming is indoors; bring weather‑appropriate outerwear for boarding and debarking. Strollers are not permitted on the train.
Reservations are strongly recommended; tickets may be purchased up to 20 minutes prior to departure but trains 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 can be purchased up to 20 minutes before departure, though trains can sell out and pre‑purchase is advised.
How long is the train ride?
The train ride portion of the Christmas City Express is 30 minutes long.
Are strollers allowed on the train?
Strollers are not permitted on the trains due to space limitations; the conductor has authority to approve or deny loading of items, and strollers can be parked near the ticket office for pickup after the excursion.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed on excursions or in the museum; ADA‑defined service animals are permitted, but therapy or emotional support animals are not included.
Are very young children free?
Ages 2 and under are free in coach and do not need a ticket or reservation; however, if you select dome seating, all ages must have a dome ticket.
Can I pick up a pre‑purchased book when I arrive?
Yes — you can pre‑purchase the companion book with your tickets and pick it up when you arrive at the museum.