Everyone enjoys a delicious meal in an inviting setting. We invite you to climb aboard our historic restored train for a unique dining experience with specialty wines and craft beer to complement great food served en route.
Enjoy just such an experience aboard trains operated by Friends of the 261 as we travel along the route of the famed Olympian Hiawatha streamliner, which operated between Chicago, the Twin Cities and the Pacific Northwest via this
route. Watch as the beautiful lakes of the Twin Cities western suburbs pass before your eyes! Today the tracks are owned by the Twin Cities & Western Railroad, which is hosting our train.
The Gourmet Express will make a round trip journey through changing landscapes traveling through the cities of Hopkins, Chanhassen, Norwood and Glencoe on the tracks of our short line partner the Twin Cities and Western Railroad. Sit back and marvel in the lakes and wide-open vistas. Relive the days of fine dining once offered on such famous trains as the Super Chief, Olympian Hiawatha, and the luxurious California Zephyr.
Enjoy ever changing views outside the train’s windows as you sip specially chosen wines and hors d’oeuvres. Historic locomotives, Milwaukee Road #261 & Milwaukee Road 32Awill be pulling your train. Watch as wisps of steam from No. 261 float by your window. Hear the call of the horn from 32A as it drifts back to your car rolling
through the countryside. It’s an experience like no other!
Saturdays departure will be at 1:00 pm with boarding starting at 12:30 pm, Sundays departure will be at 10:00 am with boarding starting at 9:30 am. Both days are round trip excursions.
The train will include Premium Class, Dome Class, Presidential Class, First Class and Coach seating. Premium Class features seating in glass-backed observation car Cedar Rapids at the rear of the train. Dome Class includes Super Dome #53, a full-length dome car, and the Silver Palace, where you will enjoy a meal under glass! Premium class includes a fine selection of complimentary meals, hors d’oeuvres and beverages and deluxe reserved seating, while First Class includes complimentary meals, snacks and beverages in one of our deluxe lounge cars.
Culinary Experience
Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres served while on board and the main entrée served to you, weather permitting, at our lovely outdoor seating area along the route. While there, enjoy craft beer, wine and cheese tasting. Enjoy watching the crew service the locomotives, giving you the opportunity to see the sights and sounds of classic passenger railroading while you enjoy a trackside meal. We can’t wait to host you on this unforgettable annual event, either as a returning guest or a first time attendee!
We wish you Bon Appetit and Welcome aboard.
Passenger Classes available for purchase
Deluxe Coach Tickets:
$99.00
Presidential Class Tickets:
Milwaukee
$2500.00
Dome Class
Tickets:
Silver Palace – Super Dome
$299.00
Premium Class Tickets:
Cedar Rapids
$329.00
Detailed class descriptions here
All tickets are round trip (Children 3 yrs to 14 yrs require ticket, children 2 yrs & under free if not occupying a seat)
Boarding Location
Sponsors of this years Gourmet Express
