Welcome to the Friends of the 261
We Have A Visitor...
World Famous Steam Locomotive "Southern Pacific Daylight #4449" is currently waiting to run excursions in Minneapolis this Fall. This autumn the "Friends of the 261" in cooperation with the "Friends of SP 4449", Amtrak and the Canadian Pacific Railway will operate fall color steam excursion trains with Southern Pacfic "Daylight" 4-8-4 steam locomotive 4449. This historic locomotive is making its first journey to the Midwest since it pull the American Freedom Train over this route in 1975. The 4449 was built by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1941 to pull the Southern Pacific's famount "Daylight" trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Daylights were dubbed the "World's Most Beautiful Train" because of their brilliant red and orage colors. No. 4449 was retired in 1957 and placed on display in Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon. In 1974 it was removed from the park and returned to service in 1975 traveling the United States pulling the Freedom Train. Since the end of its Freedom Train duties No. 4449 has pulled excursions throughout the West.
On Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2009 No. 4449 will head from Minneapolis to Winona, Minnesota. After arrival in Winona, a local trip will be operated to La Crescent, Minnesota to turn the locomotive. In total, 4449 will make a 278-mile round trip each day. Enjoy high speed running behind "Super Power" steam as 4449 travels at 60-70 mph along the scenic Mississippi River as the fall colors begin their brilliant display. All trips will include coach, first class and premium class services. Premium class includes seating in former Milwaukee Road Skytop observation "Cedar Rapids" and Super Dome car No. 53. Order your tickets now since these trips are sure to be sellouts.
Tickets are available through our online web store at Buy Your Tickets Now!
Ride the Daylight to Portland, OR
Join the organizations of the Friends of Southern Pacific 4449, Friends of 261 and the Steam Railroading Institute for a chance to ride in luxury behind the most “Famous” Steam Locomotive in the World. Southern Pacific Daylight #4449 will depart Minneapolis, MN on October 13 and Arrive in Portland, OR on October 20. Stops and layovers will be made in Fargo, Minot, Havre, Whitefish and Spokane.
You can ride in one of several restored vintage luxury passenger cars dating back to the early and mid 1900’s. Passengers can choose between riding a single day between cities for under $200 or staying aboard the train in one over several Pullman sleepers and get pampered by the trains staff and porters.
Passengers will enjoy the 360 degree views out on one of the several Dome cars on the train while enjoying a specially prepared meal by one of the trains many chefs. You will see the steam locomotive pulling the train while the mountains and streams pass by your window. This is a Once in a Lifetime Experience that no train enthusiast should pass by.