Pizza Train through the St. Croix River Valley: Hot Pizza, River Vistas, and Rail History

OSCEOLA TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Pizza Train through the St. Croix River Valley: Hot Pizza, River Vistas, and Rail History

A 1.5-hour excursion from Osceola that pairs piping-hot pizza from local restaurants with scenic views and volunteer-led railroad stories — a concise, family-friendly outing.

Pizza Train through the St. Croix River Valley: Hot Pizza, River Vistas, and Rail History.

Duration
1.5 Hours
Location
Osceola
Operator
Minnesota Transportation Museum
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Climb aboard the Pizza Train in Osceola for a short, celebratory ride that stitches together food, landscape and railroad lore. The trip pairs pizza from local, family-owned restaurants with sweeping views of the St. Croix River Valley and commentary from volunteers, creating an accessible, social outing ideal for families, groups, and anyone who enjoys trains and scenery.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FOOD

Pizza from Local Restaurants

Tickets include piping-hot pizza sourced from local family-owned restaurants, plus water and a dessert; additional beer, wine, soda and snacks are available for purchase on board in the train store car.

THE SCENERY

Views of the St. Croix River Valley

The train winds through rolling hills and vibrant landscapes along the St. Croix River Valley, offering brief but memorable panoramas over the course of the roughly 90-minute round trip.

THE STORY

Volunteer-Led Railroad History

Volunteer staff share stories about the railroad and the vintage equipment on the ride, adding historical context to the food-and-scenery experience.

What the day feels like

What the ride feels like

Board at the Osceola depot and settle in as the train departs through wooded slopes and open river-valley views; during the journey passengers are served pizza while volunteers narrate the railroad’s history and the character of the vintage equipment.

The full excursion lasts about 1.5 hours, covering an approximately 20-mile round trip between Osceola and Marine on St. Croix.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this ride suits — and who should take extra precautions.

1
Active FamiliesA short, 1.5-hour outing that pairs kid-friendly food and scenery, making it well suited to families looking for a relaxed daytime activity.
2
Groups & PartiesDesigned for groups — friends, church groups and corporate gatherings are specifically called out as ideal audiences for the Pizza Train experience.
3
Accessibility-Minded TravelersNot fully accessible: while a lift exists for specific doors, cars were built before ADA requirements, doorways are narrow and passageways uneven; passengers in wheelchairs or scooters may be unable to move from the car onto which they are boarded.
4
Train & History EnthusiastsPassengers who appreciate vintage equipment and volunteer-led railroad stories will find the ride rewarding for its historical commentary and rolling-stock character.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Plan for a roughly 1.5-hour excursion covering about 20 miles round-trip between Osceola and Marine on St. Croix.

What to Bring

Bring a camera to capture valley views; small coolers are allowed if you want to bring your own food.

Meeting & Parking

Board at the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway depot, 114 Depot Rd, Osceola, WI 54020; there is plenty of parking next to and below the depot.

Food & Drink

Pizza, water and dessert are included with the ticket; beer, wine, soda and additional snacks are available for purchase on board, and the train gift shop carries bottled drinks and snacks.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the train ride?

The round trip between Osceola, WI and Marine on St Croix, MN is about 20 miles long and about 90 minutes in duration.

Where do I meet and park for the Pizza Train?

Boarding is at the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway depot, 114 Depot Rd, Osceola, WI 54020; there is plenty of parking next to and below the depot.

Is the train handicap accessible?

The passenger equipment predates ADA; a lift provides access to specific doors and once boarded passengers who are able can move between cars, but doorways are narrow and passageways uneven and passengers in wheelchairs or scooters may be unable to move from the car onto which they are boarded.

Are there restrooms on the train and are they accessible?

There are restrooms on the train (including in concession car 265) and at least one is accessible — the accessible restroom is in concession car 265; restrooms at the Osceola Depot are also accessible.

Can I get off the train at Marine on St. Croix to go shopping?

No — there is no place to get off at Marine on St Croix for shopping because the village is down a very steep hill and about half a mile from where the train stops.

Do you sell alcohol on the train?

Yes — beer and wine are available for purchase on the train.

What if I can't use my tickets or have an old voucher?

You may allow someone else to use your tickets or reschedule using the link in your confirmation email or by calling the office; vouchers without an expiration date can be used but require calling the guest service manager to set up boarding passes.