Minnesota has a long history of railroads since the first train operated between St. Paul and Minneapolis (St. Anthony) in 1862. Twenty-one railroads crisscross the state including the Canadian Pacific Railway, Minnesota Prairie Line, North Shore Scenic Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad. Railroads in Minnesota link the state to the Pacific Northwest as well as being the "gateway" to Chicago. Today northbound trains carry iron ore and southbound trains contain corn and grain. Many family resorts exist in Minnesota, building on the vast history of the railroad.
Train Bell Resort has been opened for over 100 years and caters towards families looking for a lake vacation retreat. Although a lot has changed since the resort first welcomed weary travelers at Cameron Station in Merrifield, Minnesota; the Grand Lodge and original train bell still exist. Many accommodations exist including cabins, villas, condominiums and reunion homes. The sandy beach along with activity programs, theme weeks and a ride on the Train Bell Express offers plenty of options for the visitor.
Train Bell Resort
PO Box 100
Merrifield, Minnesota 56465
800-252-2102
trainbellresort.com
Geneva Beach Resort is located in Alexandria, Minnesota. The resort has been opened for 127 years and was one of the stops from the Great Northern Railroad. The resort offers two cottages, a cottage annex and three lodges. A sandy swim beach, game room, boat rental and 20 foot rave aqua jump are just a few of the amenities available. Instead of train rides, visitors now enjoy biking on the Central Lakes Trail which stretches for 120 miles.
Geneva Beach Resort
105 Linden Avenue
Alexandria, MN 56308
877-891-3200
genevabeachresort.com/
Larsmont Cottages is located between Two Harbors and Duluth, Minnesota on Lake Superior. The resort offers biking; family games such as bocce ball and horseshoes; indoor swimming pool; whirlpool and wood burning sauna. While in the area, families can visit Lake Superior Railroad Museum which contains one of the world's largest steam locomotives, and ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad along the shoreline of Lake Superior. Catch both attractions in Duluth, Minnesota, a quick half hour drive away from the resort.
Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior
596 Larsmont Way
Two Harbors, MN
866-687-5634
larsmontcottages.com/northshore/index.php?id=duluth
