Construction started last week at the iconic Two Harbors Depot to stabilize the chimney, replace the roof, and improve roof drainage, which is part of the Society’s long-term preservation plans to preserve the 1907 Depot Building for generations to come. Impacts will be minimal to pedestrians and primarily limited to the parking lot side of the building. The depot will still be welcoming scheduled Two Harbors Turn Fall Trains from the North Shore Scenic Railroad into the station scheduled Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12 to 3 PM. Work is anticipated to wrap up by the end of October.
This work is funded by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, a competitive grant process administered through the Minnesota Historical Society. More information on the Legacy Amendment can be found on the website: https://www.mnhs.org/legacy/amendment
About LCHS
The Lake County Historical Society was established in 1925 to “collect, preserve and disseminate information about Lake County.” The Society brings to life the rich history of the County through exhibits and programming.
Two Harbors Depot
The Duluth & Iron Range Railroad hired Duluth architect Peter Olson to build the company’s headquarters and passenger station overlooking the ore docks and rail yards on Lake Superior. Opening to the public in 1907, the Two Harbors Depot became the hub through which goods, services, and people traveled.
The company officially merged to become the Duluth, Missabe, and Iron Range Railroad in July 1938, moving its headquarters south to Duluth. Passenger service continued at the Two Harbors Depot until July 15th, 1961, when the final passenger train departed the station for Duluth. The Society opened its first museum in the building in 1960, expanding displays into the entire first floor in 1984 with the celebration of the centennial of iron ore shipping from Agate Bay. With 4,000 feet of exhibit space, the Depot Museum continues to share the past and present culture of the county.
While not an active rail station, the Two Harbors Depot now serves as the end point for the Two Harbors Turn excursion train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Trains depart and return from the Duluth Depot seasonally on Wednesdays & Thursdays.
