TRAIN DAYS EQUIPMENT Get up close to a mix of railroad history. View iconic and historic locomotives, including the CPKC KCS 1776 Anniversary Locomotive, Union Pacific Locomotive and Union Pacific Locomotive. Check out railroad travel’s past with vintage railcars like the 261 Super Dome Railcar, the 1948 Caritas Railcar, Baggage Car No. 2450 and the 1954 Minnesota River Railcar. CPKC KCS 1776 ANNIVERSARY LOCOMOTIVE In March 2026, CPKC unveiled the KCS 1776, a brand-new commemorative locomotive celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Built in Fort Worth, Texas, this engine is a tribute to American history and progress. It’s painted in patriotic Old Glory Red and Blue and features graphics from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, along with the official America250 logo. Freight rail has always been essential to the nation's growth, and CPKC has deep roots across the United States. With thousands of American employees and a network covering 19 states, we are honored to celebrate this historic milestone. CPKC’s roots stretch back to the founding age of American railroading with the Delaware & Hudson and the expansion age of American railroading in the late 19th century with Arthur E. Stilwell’s founding in 1887 of the Kansas City Suburban Belt Railway. 261 SUPER DOME RAILCAR The Friends of the 261 Super Dome railcar offers a rare opportunity to step inside one of the most iconic experiences of mid-century rail travel. Originally built in 1952 for the Milwaukee Road, Super Dome No. 53 is one of just ten full-length dome cars ever produced and remains one of the few examples still operating today. With its sweeping glass roof and elevated seating, the car was designed to give passengers unmatched panoramic views, redefining what train travel could feel like during the golden age of railroading. Today, the Super Dome has been meticulously preserved and restored by the Friends of the 261, a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing historic rail experiences back to life. Their team of skilled staff and volunteers has upgraded the car to modern safety and comfort standards while maintaining its vintage character, allowing guests to experience both history and luxury in motion. Inside, visitors can expect plush seating, a full-service bar, and a one-of-a-kind vantage point from nearly 90 feet of glass. During Train Days, guests will have the chance to explore this extraordinary railcar up close and imagine what it was like to travel in style across the country decades ago. The Super Dome stands as a rolling piece of history and a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of American railroading, making it a must-see highlight for rail enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the golden era of passenger trains. 1948 CARITAS RAILCAR The private railcar Caritas offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into the elegance of mid-century rail travel, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Originally built in 1948 for the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway as a Pullman sleeper, the car was designed with multiple roomettes and bedrooms to provide a comfortable long-distance travel experience. Over the decades, it changed hands and evolved, eventually being transformed into a private railcar while retaining the craftsmanship and character of its early years. In 1985, Caritas underwent a major renovation that reimagined the space for a new era of rail travel. Today, it features an inviting lounge, an open rear platform for unforgettable views, and thoughtfully updated interiors that balance vintage design with modern amenities. The car also includes private sleeping accommodations, a kitchen, and dining areas, making it both a functional and luxurious space for excursions and special events. Now part of the Friends of the 261 fleet, Caritas continues to travel the rails as a one-of-a-kind experience and a rolling piece of history. During Train Days, visitors can step aboard to explore this remarkable railcar and imagine the golden age of passenger travel, where comfort, craftsmanship, and scenic adventure came together to create something truly unforgettable. 1954 MINNESOTA RIVER RAILCAR The Minnesota River railcar is a beautifully preserved example of classic mid-century passenger travel, offering a look inside the final chapter of luxury sleeper service on the Milwaukee Road. Built in 1954 by Pullman-Standard, the car operated on the famed Pioneer Limited and Olympian Hiawatha routes and was among the last passenger cars purchased by the railroad. Over time, it transitioned from rail service to private ownership before being acquired by the Friends of the 261 in 2001, ensuring its continued life on the rails. Inside, the Minnesota River retains much of its original character, featuring a mix of roomettes, double bedrooms, and unique duplex accommodations that once carried travelers across the country in comfort. Thoughtful updates have added a full bathroom with a standing shower and a small kitchenette, blending historic design with modern convenience while preserving the craftsmanship that defines the era. During Train Days, guests can step aboard this classic sleeper car and experience a true piece of living railroad history. The Minnesota River showcases the elegance, innovation, and enduring appeal of passenger rail’s golden age, making it a memorable stop for visitors of all ages and a standout addition to the Friends of the 261 fleet. BAGGAGE CAR NO. 2450 Baggage Car No. 2450 was originally built in 1957 by American Car & Foundry for the Union Pacific Railroad as a postal storage car. Cars like this were essential to passenger rail service, carrying luggage, mail, and express shipments that connected people and communities across long distances. Today, the car has been thoughtfully restored for excursion service, offering a new way for passengers to gather and experience rail travel. Its continued use reflects how railroad equipment can evolve over time while still connecting people to the experience of the journey. Union Pacific Locomotive For more than 150 years, Union Pacific Railroad has played a major role in shaping transportation, commerce and industry across Minnesota and the American West. Through its extensive rail network and predecessor railroads, Union Pacific helped connect St. Paul to national markets, moving agricultural products, manufactured goods and raw materials across the country. Today, the railroad continues to serve as a critical freight carrier throughout the region, supporting industries that help power Minnesota’s economy every day. St. Paul has long been an important railroad hub, and Union Pacific remains part of that ongoing story. Freight trains moving through the Twin Cities connect local businesses to ports, distribution centers and communities across North America, continuing a legacy of rail transportation that helped build the city itself. Modern railroads like Union Pacific carry everything from grain and ethanol to automobiles and consumer goods, demonstrating how rail remains one of the most efficient and essential forms of transportation in the country. During Train Days, visitors will have the opportunity to see Union Pacific equipment up close and learn more about the railroad’s lasting impact on Minnesota and the broader rail network. From the golden age of rail travel to today’s modern freight operations, Union Pacific represents both the history and future of railroading, making it an exciting addition to this year’s celebration of trains and transportation. Twin Cities & Western Locomotive Twin Cities & Western Railroad has played a vital role in freight transportation across western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota for more than 30 years, connecting regional industries and communities to the national rail network. Headquartered in Glencoe, Minnesota, the railroad operates hundreds of miles of track and serves agricultural, manufacturing, energy and industrial customers throughout the Upper Midwest. Known for its bright red locomotives and strong regional presence, Twin Cities & Western continues a long tradition of keeping rail service active and essential across rural communities. At Train Days, visitors will have the opportunity to see one of Twin Cities & Western’s locomotives up close and learn more about the important role short line railroads play in modern transportation and commerce. While passenger trains often capture the spotlight, freight rail remains the backbone of moving goods efficiently across the country, and railroads like TC&W help power local economies every single day. Whether hauling grain, ethanol, fertilizer, or industrial products, Twin Cities & Western represents the continued evolution of railroading in Minnesota. Their participation in Train Days offers guests a chance to experience a modern working railroad firsthand and see how today’s rail industry continues to build on more than a century of rail history in the region. Train Days Music Fest Discover the full Train Days experience at Union Depot, including live music, family activities, food vendors, special exhibits, transit information, and more happening June 6–7. GETTING TO UNION DEPOT Ride transit to Train Days on June 6 and 7 with free passes available from 8 AM to 6 PM, provided in partnership with Metro Transit. Plan your trip and reserve your pass below. Union Depot’s centennial is more than a milestone — it’s a celebration of the people, stories, and connections that have shaped this place for 100 years. Thank you for being part of the journey.
