Minnesota Transportation Museum (Jackson Street Roundhouse) | Saint Paul

The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM), centered around the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a premier destination dedicated to preserving and celebrating the state’s rich heritage of railroads, streetcars, and public transportation. It functions not only as a museum but as a living, operational hub where visitors can experience historic modes of transportation in an authentic setting.

Historical Significance and Origins

The Jackson Street Roundhouse, the focal point of MTM, was originally constructed in 1907 by the Great Northern Railway under the leadership of railroad magnate James J. Hill. This roundhouse served as a critical maintenance and repair facility for steam locomotives and railcars, featuring a distinctive circular or semicircular structure designed to efficiently manage multiple engines via a central turntable.

For decades, the roundhouse was a vital part of Minnesota’s railroad infrastructure, embodying early 20th-century industrial design and the heyday of steam railroading. By the mid-20th century, as diesel engines replaced steam locomotives and railroad operations modernized, the roundhouse’s original functions declined.

In 1962, the Minnesota Transportation Museum was founded by enthusiasts aiming to preserve Minnesota’s transportation history. MTM acquired the Jackson Street Roundhouse in 1986, undertaking a meticulous restoration process that culminated in opening the facility to the public in 1999. Today, the roundhouse remains one of the few intact and operational roundhouses in the United States, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the mechanics and culture of historic railroading.

Architectural and Mechanical Features

The Jackson Street Roundhouse is an architectural marvel tailored to the needs of early 20th-century railroads. Its semicircular layout surrounds a massive turntable, which allows locomotives to be easily turned and directed into any of the numerous maintenance bays.

Key features include:

Turntable: A large rotating platform capable of moving heavy locomotives and aligning them with different tracks leading into the roundhouse bays. This was essential for servicing and storing multiple engines efficiently.

Maintenance Bays: Spacious stalls equipped for repairs, cleaning, and inspections. Many of these bays are open for visitors to explore, with displayed locomotives and railcars.

200-ton Lifting Crane: Restored to working order, this crane exemplifies the heavy-duty industrial equipment required to lift engines and components during servicing.

Brick and Steel Construction: The building’s robust materials were designed to withstand the harsh demands of a working railroad facility and remain structurally sound over a century later.

Collections and Exhibits

The Minnesota Transportation Museum’s collection is extensive and diverse, spanning various eras and types of transportation:

Steam Locomotives: The jewel of the collection is the Northern Pacific 328, a 1905 steam locomotive lovingly restored to static display condition. This engine, known as the “Blueberry Special,” represents the power and elegance of early rail travel.

Diesel and Electric Engines: Several other locomotives, including vintage diesel freight engines and electric streetcars, illustrate the technological evolution of rail transit.

Historic Railcars: The museum houses unique railcars such as the Brill Car, an early 20th-century streetcar, and the Rock Island Business Car “Gritty Palace,” a luxury railroad car donated to the museum, showcasing the opulence of rail travel for executives.

Model Trains and Interactive Displays: These exhibits provide engaging learning experiences for visitors of all ages, illustrating the mechanics of railroads and their role in regional development.

Visitor Experiences and Train Rides

The MTM offers a range of hands-on activities and immersive experiences:

Guided Tours: Visitors can tour the Jackson Street Roundhouse to learn about railroad history, engineering marvels like the turntable and crane, and the daily life of railroad workers. Docents share stories and technical details, bringing the site’s history to life.

Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway: Seasonal passenger train excursions run through scenic countryside along the St. Croix River Valley, offering a nostalgic rail travel experience.

Caboose Rides: Short rides in the caboose-the last car on a train-allow visitors to see railroading from a unique perspective.

Special Themed Events: Annual celebrations such as the Pumpkin Express in October and Santa’s Train Shop in December provide festive family-friendly outings aboard historic trains.

Tots & Trains: Educational programs designed for young children encourage hands-on exploration of trains through play and storytelling.

Birthday Parties and Group Events: Unique venues inside vintage train cars and the roundhouse are available for private functions, making it a popular spot for celebrations.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location: The Jackson Street Roundhouse is situated at 193 Pennsylvania Avenue East in Saint Paul, Minnesota, close to downtown and easily accessible.

Hours of Operation: The museum typically operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with train rides and special events scheduled seasonally.

Admission Fees: Prices vary depending on the type of tour or event. General admission to the roundhouse museum is modest, and additional fees apply for train rides and special programs.

Accessibility: The museum is designed to be family-friendly and accessible, with ramps and facilities accommodating visitors with disabilities.

Contact: Visitors can call (651) 228-0263 or check the official website for up-to-date schedules, ticketing, and event details.

Educational and Cultural Importance

The Minnesota Transportation Museum and the Jackson Street Roundhouse serve as an important cultural institution, preserving the legacy of transportation’s role in Minnesota’s economic growth and social development. Railroads were instrumental in the settlement and expansion of the Midwest, enabling commerce, travel, and communication.

By maintaining operational historic equipment and facilities, MTM offers an interactive and tangible connection to this past, fostering appreciation among new generations. The museum’s educational outreach, including programs for children and historical interpretation, ensures that the stories and technologies of railroading remain relevant and engaging.

Summary

The Minnesota Transportation Museum, anchored by the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse, is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s heritage preservation. It uniquely combines architectural history, mechanical ingenuity, and cultural storytelling through its well-maintained facilities, impressive collections, and dynamic visitor programs.

Visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how transportation shaped the region and an appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication involved in early railroading. Whether experienced through tours, train rides, or special events, the MTM offers a richly immersive journey into Minnesota’s transportation history.