Scenic train on tracks

• North Shore Scenic Railroad

JoAnne Johnson cleans a window on a passenger car for the North Shore Scenic Railroad Tuesday. It had just dropped off a load of school children from Hermantown. Along with requested trips, the railroad began its regular weekend trips from Duluth to Two Harbors last weekend. Mike Creger

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The North Shore Scenic Railroad began passenger service for the summer tourism season Saturday with the regular morning run to Two Harbors from the depot in Duluth.

Trains of grain cars and coal cars tested the new bridge in Knife River Friday.

The two trains were the first to cross the bridge span over Scenic Highway 61 that was completed Wednesday. The bridge is over a stretch of Scenic 61 that will eventually be widened with a dangerous curve straightened.

Work was expected to begin after Grandma’s Marathon June 19 but may be delayed until fall because of complaints from business owners along Scenic 61. The road is now open, but had been closed for most of the winter for the bridge reconstruction.

Passenger trains will run seven days a week with trips along the North Shore to Lester River and on weekends to Two Harbors.

On Wednesday, business owners approved a final map to be handed out at the station to help with self-guided tours of Two Harbors. Groups like the Chamber of Commerce have been looking for ways to offer more options and knowledge to riders who find themselves in the city.

Volunteers plan to meet train passengers at the depot in Two Harbors one weekend a month beginning with the June 18-19 trains. There will be treats and music at the depot and actors are needed to play out the history of Two Harbors. Mel Sando, who runs the Lake County Historical Museum and its properties, will hop the train in Larsmont and tell the city history.

To be a part of the welcoming committee, call Bunny at 830-0600 or Doris at 834-5590.

They are hoping to have a meeting Monday morning. The plan is to be on the platform when trains arrive, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 18-19, July 23-24, Aug. 27-28 and Sept. 17-18.

North Shore Scenic Railroad excursion options include dinner trains, murder mystery trains, pizza trains, the Crazy Train and the Terror Train. For more information, call 722-1273.

Tags: two harbors, news, scenic train