A look back in time at Union Depot’s treasured past.

CHOO CHOO! ALL ABOARD FOR TRAIN DAYS!

COVID-19 Protocols: We are following the guidance of state and federal health officials to protect all guests, vendors and staff. Here are the health and safety measures that will be in place during this event:

• Based on current guidelines, face masks will be required for all guests, vendors and staff. Face masks must be worn at all times unless eating or drinking.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be provided throughout the event.
• All are required to be seated when eating or drinking. Socially distanced seating will be available.
• Janitorial staff will complete routine sanitizing of all high-touch areas.
• Guests must maintain a 6-foot distance from others at all times, including when waiting in line, touring train equipment, shopping, and participating in other activities.
• Under current State of Minnesota capacity guidance, attendance for this event is limited to 500 guests.
• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home. Temperature checks or proof of vaccine will not be required for event entry.

TRAIN DAYS FAMILY ACTIVITIES
– Kid activity area from 10 AM – 1 PM Saturday and Sunday
– DJ and contests for families 10 AM – 12 PM Saturday and Sunday
– Take home craft kits and coloring kits
– Model trains
– Train equipment tours

AVAILABLE CONCESSIONS
– Station 81

TRAIN EQUIPMENT OPEN FOR TOURS AND VIEWING

FRIENDS OF THE 261
On display for the 2021 Train Days event will be the 32A diesel locomotive owned by The Friends of the 261. Originally numbered 202A, when delivered in April 1956, it was part of six sets of A-B-A E9s. Records indicate the unit was retired by the Milwaukee Road in the early 1970s when it was converted to Amtrak, which had it rebuilt at the Milwaukee Shops and renumbered it Amtrak 434. 32A/434 continued in Amtrak service until 1982 when deliveries of new locomotives rendered it surplus. The 32A was obtained by The Friends of the 261 and will be unveiled for the first time in a freshly painted color scheme restoring the locomotive to the original paint job when it operated under the Milwaukee Road. This color scheme will match the rest of The Friends of the 261 fleet.

TWIN CITIES AND WESTERN
Twin Cities and Western Railroad Company is a regional railroad based in Glencoe, Minnesota operating over 229 miles of track and serving some of the most productive agricultural counties in Minnesota and South Dakota. TC&W is the largest shortline railroad in Minnesota! This year TC&W are celebrating their 30th anniversary!

CANADIAN PACIFIC
Canadian Pacific No. 6644 is a 4,300 horsepower Electro-Motive Diesel SD70ACU that the railroad uses to take the message of military pride across the CP system. CP personnel studied the paint colors and patterns that branches of the Canadian and U.S. militaries applied to tanks, planes and warships. Based on their research, they devised the livery for the 6644, which is numbered to commemorate the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on “D-Day” June 6, 1944 during World War II.

CP 6644 wears the camouflage colors applied to “Spitfire” fighter planes flown at Normandy on D-Day. No. 6644 is one of five specially painted locomotives CP unveiled in 2019 to honor the culture and history of the armed forces in the United States and Canada. It is making its first appearance at Union Depot Train Days.

TRAIN DAYS VIDEO MINISERIES FROM VIRTUAL TRAIN DAYS 2020

Join us online for a six-part video miniseries, highlighting memories of Union Depot, the history of trains, interviews with railroading experts and more! 

Virtual Train Days – Episode 1 | Memories of Union Depot

Virtual Train Days – Episode 2 | How the Steam Locomotive Changed History

Virtual Train Days – Episode 3 | Luxury Train Travel

Virtual Train Days – Episode 4 | The History of Railroading in Saint Paul

Virtual Train Days – Episode 5 | Q & A With Railroad Experts

Virtual Train Days – Episode 6 | Union Depot and Railroads Today

This video miniseries will feature partners such as The Friends of the 261 and the Minnesota Transportation Museum to showcase interesting lessons and educational insights.

Check back here to see the rest of the video releases or follow Union Depot on social media to make sure you don’t miss a moment!

ALL ABOARD FOR UNION DEPOT COLORING SHEETS!

Download these PDF coloring sheets and wow us with your artwork!

Participants of all ages can post their completed coloring sheet on social media and tag #traindays for a chance to win a prize package valued up to $250! 

Are you looking for another fun activity for your kids to complete? Download our free 10 page activity book that includes coloring pages, puzzles, word finds, mazes and fun facts about Union Depot!