DULUTH TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Dome‑car Evenings on the North Shore: A First‑Class BBQ Ride out of Duluth
A 2.5‑hour SkyView Domecar excursion from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum that pairs Famous Dave’s barbecue with bar‑car music and first‑class seating—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Dome‑car Evenings on the North Shore: A First‑Class BBQ Ride out of Duluth.
Adventure brief
Dome‑car Evenings on the North Shore: A First‑Class BBQ Ride out of Duluth
Settle into the SkyView Dining/Domecar for a relaxed, first‑class evening on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Over a 2.5‑hour, roughly 34‑mile round trip, the train carries guests out of Duluth while a full Famous Dave’s barbecue dinner is served; afterward, passengers can linger in the dome or move to the bar car for drinks and music on the PA system.
Embark on a unique and relaxing 2.5-hour adventure aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Summer BBQ Train, departing from Duluth, Minnesota. This first-class experience takes place in the SkyView Dining Dome Car, providing panoramic views of Lake Superior’s stunning shoreline and the surrounding forests. As you lounge in comfortable seating, savor Famous Dave's signature Bar-B-Que ribs, chicken, and a delectable dessert, all freshly prepared and served onboard. Complemented by a selection of drinks and live music, this trip creates a festive, memorable atmosphere perfect for both couples seeking an intimate outing and families wanting a fun, enjoyable day together. The gentle rhythm of the train combined with mouthwatering food and spectacular views offers an exceptional way to experience the natural beauty and charm of the North Shore without the stress of traditional hiking or driving tours. Whether you’re a local or visiting Duluth, this barbecue train promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and flavor.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
The train departs from the museum in Duluth, follows the North Shore for a scenic out‑and‑back run totaling about 34 miles, and returns to the departure point.
Lake Superior Railroad Museum (Duluth) — Boarding
Passengers meet and board the SkyView Domecar at the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum; seating is booth style, tables of four.
North Shore outbound run
The train travels up the North Shore; during the journey the plated Famous Dave’s barbecue meal is served and guests can enjoy dome views or visit the bar car for drinks and music.
Turnaround and return to Duluth
After the out‑and‑back leg (about 34 miles round trip), the train returns to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum to disembark following the roughly 2.5‑hour excursion.
Space is limited on the first‑class SkyView Domecar; operators may change loading decisions for strollers or oversized items and passengers should observe first‑class behavior expectations.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Famous Dave’s barbecue served onboard
Every ticket includes a plated barbecue meal—ribs, chicken, beans, coleslaw, cornbread—and bread pudding for dessert, with a cash bar available for additional drinks.
SkyView Domecar: first‑class, booth seating
The excursion uses the SkyView Domecar’s booth‑style tables of four; this is the train’s first‑class section and passengers are asked to observe first‑class decorum so everyone can enjoy the shared dining experience.
Bar car music and a leisurely return
After the plated dinner, guests may enjoy drinks and music broadcast over the PA from the bar car, or remain in the dome to watch the North Shore roll by before the return to Duluth.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The Summer BBQ Train is an evening outing that pairs relaxed dining with rail travel: board at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, eat a full Famous Dave’s barbecue meal at your dome‑car table, then settle in for music and drinks in the bar car or panoramic views from the SkyView Dome as the train makes its round trip up the North Shore.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this excursion suits — and who should take care
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The excursion runs approximately 2.5 hours and covers about 34 miles round trip along the North Shore.
Board at the North Shore Scenic Railroad & Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth; all passengers must have tickets to board.
You may bring snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, though the railroad operates a concession car and guests are encouraged to use onboard offerings.
All seats are tables of four in the SkyView Domecar; seating may be shared if you purchase fewer than four tickets and advance reservations are recommended as trains can sell out.
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 and pre‑purchase is advised.
What is included in the meal?
All tickets include a Famous Dave’s barbecue meal—ribs, chicken, beans, coleslaw, cornbread—and bread pudding for dessert; a cash bar is available.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed on excursions or in the museum; service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted, but therapy or emotional support animals are not included in that definition.
Can I bring a stroller?
Strollers are not permitted on trains due to space limitations; the conductor may approve or deny loading of strollers, but guests are advised to leave them in a vehicle or parked at the station.
Are infants or very young children free?
All passengers, including children and babies, must be ticketed for the SkyView Domecar; however, children ages 2 and under are free on the Pizza Train that is connected to this train and runs on the same schedule.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:51:15.630Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.