As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to look ahead—and that includes renewing your Friends of the 261 membership. Before anything else, we want to extend a sincere thank-you. Your ongoing support has kept the 261 steaming forward and has helped us continue improving and maintaining our historic fleet. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

Because of members like you, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year. We’re planning new mainline trips with 261, additional private car charters, and even more opportunities for rail fans to experience history in motion. When you renew your membership—and consider making an additional contribution—you directly support these efforts and help preserve a living piece of railroad heritage.

As always, your membership dues and donations are fully tax-deductible. Renewing before December 31 allows you to include your contribution on your 2025 tax return. Just follow the link below to get started.

Your commitment keeps us rolling, and we look forward to sharing another unforgettable year with you. Let’s make 2026 a milestone year for Friends of the 261.

Thank you—and we hope to see you on board soon!

As 2025 draws to a close, railroad fans, volunteers, and adventure seekers alike have plenty to celebrate. This year offered an exceptional mix of private spring trips, memorable public excursions, cultural crossovers, and major strides in preservation — all anchored by the passionate community behind Friends of the 261 and their historic equipment.

The excursion season kicked off with a series of warm, intimate private rail trips that set an inviting tone for 2025. These bespoke journeys offered groups the chance to enjoy scenic routes, historic equipment, and shared moments with friends and family. From chartered runs through blooming landscapes to custom-themed experiences, these early trips reminded everyone of the timeless charm and camaraderie that rail travel uniquely provides.

One of the cultural highlights of the year was the return of the Railroad Revival Tour, reimagined by British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons after more than a decade off the rails. Rather than a traditional concert tour, Railroad Revival blends outdoor musical performances with the romantic spirit of historic railroading, taking place in scenic settings alongside the rails and embracing the collaborative spirit of American folk traditions. Audiences experienced a rotating house band and spirited sets that celebrated both music and the legacy of train travel, redefining what it means to tour by rail in the 21st century.

North Pole Express — Holiday Magic Returns

The holiday season came vibrantly alive with the beloved North Pole Express from December 5–14. This cherished favorite brought families and rail enthusiasts together aboard classic vintage cars, departing from St. Paul Union Depot for a magical 60-minute round trip to the North Pole. With onboard entertainment, holiday treats, and a special visit from Santa himself, the North Pole Express continues to be a centerpiece of winter cheer and community celebration.

Beyond excursions, 2025 was a year of meaningful progress for the Friends of the 261 organization:

• Equipment Improvements: Major upgrades were completed on the Super Dome, including HVAC enhancements and refreshed interiors, while the St. Croix Valley received key plumbing upgrades. The Wisconsin Valley passenger car showed off a fresh new paint job, adding pride and polish to the fleet.

• Volunteer Shop Enhancements: Behind the scenes, shop infrastructure and security were improved, work areas were reorganized for efficiency, and mechanical projects like new batteries for the Stanford car and generator rebuild work on the Minnesota River advanced.

• North Pole Express Trailer Investment: A new dedicated trailer was purchased to transport holiday decorations and equipment, eliminating rental costs and streamlining annual setup and teardown — a practical win that helps focus more volunteer energy on crafting that special holiday experience.

• Historic A18 Business Car Restoration: Work progressed on the James J. Hill-owned business car A18, from Hallway finishes to roofline rebuilds and scheduled interior wall installations — bringing this historic piece ever closer to restored grandeur.

These efforts underscore that the mission of Friends of the 261 extends far beyond excursions — it’s about preserving and operating living pieces of rail history for future generations to experience.

In the coming year, Friends of the 261 will be actively raising funds for several key restoration projects. Among the top priorities will be securing paint to restore the St. Croix Valley car into Milwaukee Road colors to match the rest of the fleet, replacing aging coach windows to enhance comfort and reliability, and purchasing new batteries for diesel locomotive 32A to ensure dependable operation during excursions. These investments will strengthen the fleet and help preserve passenger rail heritage for generations to come.

As memberships are renewed and plans take shape, 2026 is already looking exciting. New mainline trips with 261, additional private car charters, and expanded opportunities for rail fans are in the works — all made possible by the support of volunteers, donors, and the wider rail community.

From spring private trips to fall favorites and festive holiday rides, 2025 showcased the enduring appeal of rail excursions and the tireless dedication behind them. Here’s to another year of unforgettable journeys on the rails!