Train Days will roll into Union Depot for two days of fun-filled, locomotive-themed entertainment for all ages on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This event is FREE and open to the public.
CHOO CHOO! ALL ABOARD FOR TRAIN DAYS!
TRAIN DAYS FAMILY ACTIVITIES
– Kid activity area
– DJ and contests for families
– Take home craft kits and coloring kits
– Model trains
– Train equipment tours
– Bus tours
– Historic exhibit about Union Depot
– Oversized games (Chess, Checkers, Connect-Four, Jenga)
Attendees will be able to participate in train equipment tours with five historic locomotives onsite. Each train has a unique history to uncover, including the Great Northern Railway SD45 No. 400, which will be making its Train Days debut this year. This was the first SD45 production model and was colloquially known as “Hustle Muscle” to symbolize its impressive speed and horsepower.
Other train equipment will include:
- Northern Pacific Railway SD45 No. 3617
- Milwaukee Road E9A No. 32A
- Canadian Pacific SD70ACU Locomotive
- Twin Cities & Western Railroad GP38-2 Locomotive
- Amtrak Charger Diesel-Electric Locomotive
The event will feature a train-themed marketplace with vendors selling toys, apparel, model trains, photography and more. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. Visitors will have dining options that include ice cream, a selection of food trucks and Deb’s Hot Dogs stand. Station 81 Drink & Eatery will be serving up delicious, locally grown food in the Union Depot Head House.
Train Days will be an exciting event for families. There will be an activity area for children featuring train play tables, crafts, a bounce house, coloring stations and a chalk drawing space. Older children and adults will enjoy playing games for prizes, including trivia. Additionally, two large model trains will be available to view and inspire anyone with an interest in transportation.
Educational materials will spark the interest of anyone who would like to learn more about locomotives. Railroad experts will be in attendance for interviews and to answer questions from visitors. The event will also mark the grand opening of “Land to Legacy,” a photo exhibit showcasing 150 years of history of Saint Paul, railroading and the historic Union Depot. The exhibit will bring the past to life, providing a glimpse into the milestones that have made Union Depot a local landmark.
“Train Days is the kind of event that makes adults feel like kids again,” said Lindsay Boyd, Senior Marketing & Events Manager at Union Depot. “As soon as you see the festivities, it will be difficult to decide what to do first—you’ll want to check out everything.”
