- Attraction: Jackson Street Roundhouse – Minnesota Transportation Museum
- Location: 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55130
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://trainride.org/
Step right into railroad history at one of America’s last fully operational roundhouses, where steam still rises and the spirit of the rails lives on.
Built in 1907 by railroad magnate James J. Hill for his Great Northern Railway, this remarkable facility has been bringing the golden age of trains to life for visitors since 1999.
You’ll discover an authentic piece of Minnesota’s transportation heritage that’s been carefully preserved as a working museum where restoration projects happen before your eyes.
The Jackson Street Roundhouse stands as more than just a collection of old trains – it’s a living, breathing workshop where skilled craftsmen restore vintage locomotives to their former glory.
This historic building on the National Register of Historic Places continues its original purpose while welcoming families, train enthusiasts, and curious visitors to experience railroad culture firsthand.
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Keep Exploring →Interactive Exhibits & Historic Train Cars
Hands-On Exploration: You’ll find yourself climbing through genuine passenger cars, dining cars, and sleeper compartments that once carried travelers across the American landscape.
Each restored railcar tells its own story, from elegant Pullman coaches to functional mail cars that kept the nation connected. Children especially love pretending to be conductors and engineers as they explore these authentic pieces of history.
The Famous Casey Jones Locomotive: Meet Northern Pacific steam engine No. 2156, known to generations of Twin Cities children as Casey Jones’s engine from the beloved 1960s television show “Lunch With Casey.”
This massive locomotive serves as the centerpiece of the collection and offers visitors a chance to step into the cab of a real steam engine.
Working Turntable Experience: Watch in amazement as one of the nation’s last operational 115-foot turntables slowly rotates massive locomotives.
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Discover MoreThis mechanical marvel demonstrates how railroad workers once positioned trains for maintenance and departure, and you’ll witness this impressive engineering feat during your visit.
Model Train Displays: Intricate model railroad layouts capture the imagination of visitors young and old. These detailed miniature worlds showcase different eras of railroading while electric trains wind through carefully crafted landscapes that mirror Minnesota’s railroad heritage.
Children’s Play Areas: Little engineers can burn off steam at dedicated play stations featuring Thomas the Tank Engine toys and train-themed activities. These interactive zones keep young visitors engaged while parents explore the larger exhibits.
Unique Experiences & Special Programs
Saturday Caboose Rides: Every Saturday brings the highlight of many visits – a genuine 15-minute ride aboard a restored caboose. You’ll travel around the museum grounds while experiencing what it felt like to ride the rails in these iconic red cars that once marked the end of every freight train.
Tots & Trains Wednesdays: Every other Wednesday morning transforms the roundhouse into a wonderland for the youngest visitors. These special sessions include train-themed story time, hands-on crafts, snacks, and music, creating perfect memories for families with children ages 0-6.
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Keep Exploring →Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Guided tours reveal the ongoing restoration work happening in the shop areas. You’ll witness welders, mechanics, and volunteers bringing century-old equipment back to life using traditional techniques and modern safety standards.
Working Blacksmith Shop: Step back in time at the functioning blacksmith shop where craftsmen demonstrate the metalworking skills that kept the railroad running. The ring of hammer on anvil adds an authentic soundtrack to your visit.
Special Events: Throughout the year, the roundhouse hosts unique experiences like brewery tastings, dinner theater performances in historic dining cars, and holiday celebrations that transform the facility into a magical destination.
Atmosphere & Historic Setting
Authentic Industrial Architecture: The massive roundhouse building itself impresses with its soaring ceilings, brick walls, and industrial atmosphere that feels frozen in time.
Original Great Northern Railway details remain visible throughout, creating an immersive experience that transports you to the early 1900s.
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Discover MoreActive Restoration Work: The sight and sounds of ongoing restoration projects add excitement to every visit. You might witness sparks flying from welding work or hear the rumble of machinery as volunteers work on locomotives, making this a truly living museum experience.
Outdoor Display Areas: Beyond the main building, vintage buses, additional railcars, and equipment fill the surrounding grounds. You can wander among these outdoor exhibits while imagining the bustling activity that once characterized this working railroad facility.
Historic Neighborhood: Located near downtown St. Paul and the State Capitol, the roundhouse sits in an area rich with transportation history. The surrounding neighborhood reflects the industrial heritage that made this region a railroad hub.
Other Considerations
Affordable Family Pricing: Admission runs $9-18 per person depending on the day, making this an accessible attraction for families. Saturday visits cost slightly more due to the included caboose ride, but the experience justifies the small upcharge.
Limited Operating Hours: The museum operates only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, plus Fridays during summer months. This volunteer-operated facility keeps restricted hours, so planning ahead is essential for your visit.
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Keep Exploring →Parking Convenience: Free parking is available on-site, eliminating the hassle often associated with downtown attractions. The location provides easy access from Interstate 35E via the Cayuga Street exit.
All-Ages Appeal: While children absolutely love the hands-on exhibits and train rides, adults find equal fascination in the historic equipment and restoration demonstrations. Grandparents often report this as one of their favorite multigenerational outings.
Perfect Visit Length: Most families spend 2-3 hours exploring everything the roundhouse offers. This makes it ideal for a morning or afternoon adventure without overwhelming young visitors.
Birthday Party Venue: The facility offers birthday party packages that include admission for up to 25 people, use of a party car, caboose rides, and party favors, creating unforgettable celebrations for train-loving children.
Jackson Street Roundhouse
📍 193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55130
