Minneapolis to Winona/La Crescent, Minn., & La Crosse Circle Trip
September 13 and 14, 2008
Minnesota is 150 years old in 2008, and the "Friends of the 261" is celebrating the occasion with a series of special steam locomotive excursions through the scenic Mississippi River Valley. These trips are being operated by the non-profit "Friends of the 261" in cooperation with Amtrak, BNSF Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway. These will be the last trips with Milwaukee Road steam locomotive No. 261 before it enters the shop for its federally mandated overhaul. The 4-8-4 will power two excursions on the former Milwaukee Road and Burlington routes along the scenic Mississippi River.
On Saturday, September 13, No. 261 will travel from Minneapolis to Winona, Minnesota. From Winona, a local trip will be operated to La Crescent, Minn., to turn the locomotive. In total, No. 261 will make a 278-mile round trip over Canadian Pacific's ex-Milwaukee Road main line. On Sunday, September 14, No. 261 will follow the same route to La Crescent, but then will cross the river to La Crosse, Wis. Our train will then head onto BNSF Railway's former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (Burlington Route) main line along the Wisconsin shore of the Mississippi River back to Minneapolis. This BNSF line has been 'freight only' since 1971.
All trips will include coach, first class and premium class services. Premium class includes seating in former Milwaukee Road Skytop observation 'Cedar Rapids' or Super Dome car No. 53. Savor the scenic views from your seat aboard the 261 steam train as it winds along the mighty Mississippi River. Happy Birthday, Minnesota!
SCHEDULE
The 261 Minnesota Sesquicentennial Excursions will depart from the Harrison
Street Shop, located at 401 Harrison Street Northeast in Minneapolis (a map
will be included with your ticket order). Departure from Minneapolis on
Sept. 13 is at 8:30 a.m., with arrival at the Amtrak depot in Winona at
11:45 a.m. Departure for La Crescent is at noon with arrival back in Winona
at 2:15 p.m. Departure from Winona for the Twin Cities is at 2:30 p.m. with
arrival in Minneapolis at 6:30 p.m.
On Sept. 14, departure from Minneapolis is at 8:30 a.m., with arrival in La Crosse at 1 p.m. Arrival back in Minneapolis is at 6:30 p.m. Ample free parking will be available at Harrison Street.
TICKETS
You may also order tickets over the Internet by visiting our web site
at www.261.com.
First and premium class tickets include food and beverage service. First class includes seating in lounge or parlor cars. Seats are not reserved in first class and coach and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Premium class includes assigned seating in Skytop observation Cedar Rapids or Super Dome No. 53. Light refreshments, hot dogs, and souvenirs will be available for sale on the train. Order your tickets now since these trips are sure to be sellouts!
GENERAL INFORMATION
"Friends of the 261" is not responsible for equipment substitution and
assumes no liability for inconvenience caused by delays. Trains will run
rain or shine. Seats are not reserved. Seating will be available 30 minutes
prior to departure time. Smoking is allowed only in vestibules. Light food
service (such as hot dogs or sandwiches) and souvenirs can be purchased in
the commissary car.
We welcome disabled or handicapped passengers. However, because these are older cars, there are no special handicapped facilities available. Please consider the suitability of these trips carefully and call (651) 765-9812 for additional information between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. If you have special physical needs, please give us advance notice.