The Depot St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center
Historic 1892 depot transformed into a heritage and arts center, featuring a rail museum and scenic train rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Thomas the Train event!
The Depot St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center
Best Time
Thomas the Train event!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1892 depot transformed into a heritage and arts center, featuring a rail museum and scenic train rides.
"A cool piece of history with excellent train rides and friendly crews."
🚂 Ride the Rails!
Book train rides in advance, especially for longer excursions.
🖼️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Art exhibits change; see what's on display before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Rail Museum
Main Hall
Explore vintage train cars and learn about the region's railway history. A must-see for train enthusiasts!
Scenic Railway Rides
Depot Platform
Take a short ride or a full-day excursion for stunning views of the St. Louis River and surrounding landscapes.
Rotating Art Exhibits
Gallery Spaces
Discover diverse art installations and exhibitions from local and regional artists. Check current offerings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Mobility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Ride the Rails!
Book train rides in advance, especially for longer excursions.
🖼️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Art exhibits change; see what's on display before you go.
♿ Mobility Considerations
Access to train cars has steep steps; plan accordingly.
✨ Special Event Magic
Thomas the Train & Christmas Train are huge hits!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Ride the Rails!
Book train rides in advance, especially for longer excursions.
🖼️ Check Exhibit Schedule
Art exhibits change; see what's on display before you go.
♿ Mobility Considerations
Access to train cars has steep steps; plan accordingly.
✨ Special Event Magic
Thomas the Train & Christmas Train are huge hits!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate The Depot's historic charm, particularly the well-maintained rail museum and enjoyable scenic train rides, with crews often receiving high praise. However, some feel the venue has lost its unique artistic vibe and community feel since the departure of certain arts organizations.
"The Depot is NOT what it used to be! With the Art Institute gone, the Children’s Museum gone, the art exhibits gone, The Duluth Playhouse gone. The stage in the great hall is walled off. All the character, uniqueness, art, and the community vibe is gone. Also the half moon wooden desk at the entryway is gone. It was a unique community building and now it’s been taken over by the county and everything has become somewhat uniform and dull. Hopefully they can bring back the artsy artistic creative colorful community vibe that used to exist.
Good public bathrooms, very clean. There is a women and men’s bathroom on the main floor and then half the woman’s has been cordoned off for a gender neutral bathroom space.
Train museum is still very cool. To access the train cars themselves you have to go up 2-3 steep steps or a small flight of wooden stairs. Just something to keep in mind if you have mobility concerns."
A Lodahl
"Took the train during the Grandmas Marathon with my Mom and Dad to watch my wife run. It was amazing. The crew on the train exceeded all expectations. It was an amazing experience."
TrenchCowboy
"The Duluth Depot is an awesome and historic place to visit for locals and tourists. The summer months are great to visit especially when they have Thomas the Train during the month of August every year, and really cool during the Christmas holiday when they have the Christmas train leaving Fitgers and arriving at the Depot! Plus, the added bonus, the eerie bit awesome spirits that are in the Depot at night I believe as seen on "Ghost Hunters" on TV."
Amanda Marzolf
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Depot is located in downtown Duluth, MN. It's easily accessible by car and is a central point for exploring the city. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, The Depot is conveniently located near the Great Lakes Aquarium and other downtown Duluth attractions, making it easy to combine visits.
While The Depot is walkable from many downtown hotels, consider driving or using ride-sharing services to explore further afield in Duluth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main building and some exhibits is often free. However, train rides and special events like Thomas the Train require separate tickets.
Hours can vary depending on the season and specific events. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Ticket prices for train rides vary based on the length and type of excursion. Check the Depot's website for current pricing and booking information.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or groups. Special event tickets are often priced separately. Inquire directly or check their website.
For popular events like the Christmas Train or Thomas the Train, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as they can sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic rail museum, enjoy scenic train rides, view art exhibits, and experience special seasonal events.
Yes, The Depot is very family-friendly, especially during events like Thomas the Train. The rail museum also appeals to children.
The Depot offers clean public restrooms on the main floor, including a gender-neutral option.
Some visitors and media reports suggest The Depot has a spooky atmosphere, with claims of paranormal activity.
Unfortunately, these organizations are no longer housed at The Depot, leading some to feel the venue has lost some of its former vibrancy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While The Depot itself may not have extensive dining options, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding downtown Duluth area.
Outside food and beverages policies can vary. It's advisable to check with The Depot directly or look for designated picnic areas if available.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic train cars, the grand architecture of the depot building, and the scenic views from the train rides offer excellent photo opportunities.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the special events like Thomas the Train in August or the Christmas Train during the holidays – these are incredibly popular and create magical memories for kids.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
The scenic railway excursions are a must-do, allowing you to experience the thrill of riding on historic tracks. The knowledgeable crews often share fascinating insights, making the journey even more engaging. Consider booking a longer trip for a more immersive experience.
🎨 Art Lovers
The historic architecture of the building itself can also be appreciated as a work of art, offering a unique backdrop for your visit.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The St. Louis County Depot
Today, The Depot houses a variety of attractions, including a fascinating rail museum that showcases vintage locomotives and railway artifacts. The scenic railway rides offer a unique perspective of the St. Louis River and the surrounding natural beauty, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
While some former tenants like the Art Institute and Children's Museum are no longer present, The Depot continues to host rotating art exhibits and special events, striving to maintain its role as a cultural and historical landmark.
Experiencing the Scenic Railway
Travelers often praise the train crews for their exceptional service and enthusiasm, noting that they significantly enhance the overall experience.
Arts and Culture at The Depot
Beyond visual arts, The Depot has historically hosted performing arts organizations, and visitors can still inquire about any ongoing performances or events. The grand hall itself, with its impressive architecture, often serves as a backdrop for various community gatherings and special occasions, contributing to the ongoing cultural life of Duluth.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit