Union Depot’s annual Train Days event takes place Saturday, June 3, and Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fun-filled weekend will celebrate railroad transportation with train-themed activities, attractions, and free entertainment for all ages.
“Train Days is an event that can bring out the train-lover in anyone,” said Maurina Rondeau, Marketing and Events Manager at Union Depot. “The event shows off the unique allure of locomotives in fun and interactive ways.”
Train Equipment Tours
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about train equipment with up-close views of historic locomotives. Each train will have a unique background story to discover.
Milwaukee Road Steam Locomotive No. 261
Originally built in 1944 to operate between Chicago, the Twin Cities, and the Pacific Coast, No. 261 was in service until 1954 and preserved for its historic relevance. Since 1993, the locomotive has returned to service to pull special event trains such as the North Pole Express at Union Depot.
CPKC Canadian Pacific SD70ACU Locomotive
Featuring a 4,300-horsepower engine, the SD70ACU is a diesel-electric locomotive that carries large amounts of freight across the continent. Since the landmark merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railway, the locomotive has operated on the world’s first single-line, transnational railway connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
CPKC Kansas City Southern SD70Ace
The SD70Ace is a 4,300-horsepower locomotive used in regular freight service for North America’s newest railroad, CPKC. Like the SD70ACU, the locomotive operates between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, providing an important rail link between the three nations.
Those with an interest in history will enjoy the Train Days Full Steam Ahead exhibit—a collection of historical photography showcasing the importance of steam locomotives throughout the development of the United States.
Visitors will be able to browse a rail-themed marketplace featuring a wide selection of vendors. Toys, apparel, model trains, photography, and other locomotive items will be on display and available for purchase. The event will also feature food and beverage options at food trucks and at Station 81 Drink & Eatery in the Union Depot Head House.
The family-friendly event will also include a dedicated kids activity area where children will find crafts, coloring kits, train play tables, and more. A DJ, dance zone, bounce house, and chalk-drawing area will keep everyone entertained on the East Plaza. There will also be oversized games such as chess and Jenga available to play. Large model trains will weave in and around eye-catching miniature landscapes.
Live jazz music will set the tone for a festive atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Visit uniondepot.org/traindays and Union Depot social media channels to see vendor highlights and learn more about Train Days.
Metro Transit is offering free rides to Union Depot during Train Days. Go green and download your free pass at uniondepot.org/traindays.
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About Union Depot:
Union Depot is a regional multi-modal transportation hub and event venue in the heart of the Twin Cities. One of America’s great rail stations since its completion in 1926, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, beautifully restored in 2012, and certified LEED® Gold in 2014. Union Depot offers a full complement of transportation services—including Amtrak®, Jefferson Lines, Metro Transit, Greyhound, Megabus and Hertz—as well as parking and bike storage. Owned by Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and operated by JLL, it’s an ideal setting for weddings, large events, meetings and more. Visit uniondepot.org for more information.
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