Join Friends of the 261 and relax as we travel from Twin Cities to Chicago, or even Chicago to the Twin Cities behind Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Ride with us from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Milwaukee or Chicago, round trip or one way, the choice is up to you.

Everyone enjoys a delicious meal with properly paired wines or cocktails in an inviting setting. What if you could combine wines, cocktails and dining with a constantly changing landscape passing before your eyes as you enjoy a rare culinary experience?

Children and trains go together during the Holiday Season like colorful lights, brightly iced cookies, festively wrapped gifts, family and friends. Please join the nonprofit Friends of the 261 annual journey on the North Pole Express. The North Pole Express is our group’s largest yearly fundraiser enabling us to continue to operate and maintain the star of the show the Milwaukee Road #261 steam locomotive, built in 1944, and experience a ride in one of our of historic rail cars.