The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway and Minnesota Transportation Museum offer the perfect complement to bus tours. Each offers memorable experiences in the history of Midwest railroading and are enjoyed by adults and children of all ages.

The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway (OSCVR) is a seasonal railway experience that takes passengers through the spectacular beauty of the St. Croix River Valley. Roundtrip excursions begin at Osceola, Wisconsin and travel to Marine of St. Croix in Minnesota. Shorter trips are available to Dresser, Wisconsin. The railway is completely volunteer run and operates vintage Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and Rock Island Railway coaches. It even boasts one of the last remaining railway post office coaches in the country. The OSCVR operates from May through October on weekends for the general public. Special charter trains with a capacity of up to 400 people are available during the week. Food and beverages can be provided.

The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM), which owns and operates the OSCVR, is located in the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul, Minnesota. The facility was built in 1906 to serve as the maintenance headquarters of the former Great Northern Railway. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has one of the last operational turntables in the nation.

At the Museum, visitors will find an amazing collection of historic railway coaches, locomotives, cabooses, and vintage railway artifacts. The facility maintains its original purpose as a maintenance facility. Guests can witness the maintenance and restoration of historic railway equipment, including steam locomotives. One section of the facility houses a vintage machine and blacksmith shop, that are popular attractions for visitors. Kids will love G-scale model railway in the museum. A restored railway coach is available for children’s birthday parties and other events.

Both the OSCVR and MTM have special events to recognize groups such as police and fire fighters, and to observe special holidays. The museum can be made available for rental to celebrate special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, retirements, etc.

Whether your group is looking for a spectacular train ride or to experience the history of railroading in a working roundhouse, the Minnesota Transportation Museum and Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, we are here to be your hosts. Contact us at 651-228-0263 or visit us online at www.trainride.org.