October 9th & 10th Fall Color Excursions!!
All proceeds to benefit the overhaul of Steam Locomotive 261


Presented by the
"Friends of the 261"
Having spent $225,000 in Spring, 2010 to purchase Milwaukee Road 261 from the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI, the Friends of the 261 is working hard to fund the restoration of our locomotive. To date, through the generous financial contributions of our members and supporters, we have successfully raised more than $100,000.

By purchasing tickets to ride with us this coming October, you will not only receive a world class train journey, but you will also be supporting the future of railroad preservation in America.

The Friends of the 261, in conjunction with Amtrak, the BNSF Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, are running a full weekend of "Fall Colors" trips October 9th and 10th to raise money for the restoration. Although they will not be pulled by the famed locomotive, these diesel-powered excursions will feature all of our vintage passenger cars and will be an unforgettable weekend enjoying Minnesota at its Fall best while providing much needed support for the restoration and future operation of this classic Alco 4-8-4.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, our excursion train will depart Minneapolis at 9:00 a.m. and travel BNSF Railway's ex-Great Northern Hinckley Subdivision 88 miles to Askov, Minn. where it will arrive at 11 a.m. At The train will make a brief stop to load passengers, then proceed 36 miles north to the wye at Boylston, just south of Superior. After turning, the train will return to Askov arriving at 1:30 p.m. Passengers may detrain for a one hour stop and may visit the Pine County Historical Society, located in the former Great Northern depot. Arrival in Minneapolis will be at 5 p.m. - a round-trip of 250 miles over trackage that has not seen regular passenger service since 1985. This is guaranteed to be a rare-mileage trip on our one-of-a-kind passenger fleet.

On Sunday, Oct. 10th, the train will operate from Minneapolis to La Crescent, MN, with an intermediate stop at Winona. The train will depart Minneapolis at 9:00 a.m. and operate via Canadian Pacific's scenic ex-Milwaukee Road main line along the Mississippi River arriving in Winona. Passengers may detrain in Winona to explore the town while the train heads south to turn on the wye in La Crescent, returning to pick up passengers in Winona for the return to Minneapolis.

Passengers will be able to choose premium, first, or coach class on either excursion. See below for details.

Tickets can be purchased online by following the link at the bottom of this announcement. With ticket prices as low as these, be sure to order now because these trips are sure to be sellouts!

*Times and cars on trips subject to change with out notice and may be delayed to freight traffic.
Milwaukee Road 261
Passenger Classes
Coach Class~
Enjoy a smooth ride in one of the Friends four Amtrak-certified coaches. Whether it is the No. 202, a former Algoma Central coach, or one of our three ex-Pennsylvania Railroad "Clocker" coaches, you won't be disappointed. In these well maintained cars, you will have comfy seats, great views and plenty of space to roam around. Also featured in coach class will be the Friends baggage/concession car. In this car we will be selling snacks and food, along with 261 collectibles and memorabilia.
Clocker Coach Baggage Car
Coach Class Ticket Prices:
October 9th, 2010
Minneapolis to Boylston & Return
COACH $69.00 (children under 3 free if not occupying a seat)
CHILDREN'S COACH $49.00 (ages 3 to 14)
Askov to Boylston & Return
COACH $29.00 (children under 3 free if not occupying a seat)
CHILDREN'S COACH $19.00 (ages 3 to 14)

October 10th, 2010
Minneapolis to Winona & Return
COACH $69.00 (children under 3 free if not occupying a seat)
CHILDREN'S COACH $49.00 (ages 3 to 14)
Winona to La Cresent & Return
COACH $29.00 (children under 3 free if not occupying a seat)
CHILDREN'S COACH $19.00 (ages 3 to 14)


First Class~
Upgrade from coach class and receive even more for your dollar. In First Class you have the opportunity to enjoy a memorable ride in one of our former U.S. Army Medical cars that the Friends have turned in to classy lounge cars. With a ride in First Class, you be able to walk thorugh the train with access to the baggage/concession car and coaches. First Class includes a first class meal prepared by one of our chefs. Breakfast will be served shortly after departure from Minneapolis. As the train is turned on the wye in Boylston, we will be serving lunch as well. First Class includes complimentary beverage service.
St. Croix valley St. Croix Valley
First Class Ticket Prices:
October 9th, 2010
Minneapolis to Boylston & Return
$139.00
Askov to Boylston & Return
$59.00

October 10th, 2010
Minneapolis to Winona & Return
$139.00
Winona to La Cresent & Return
$59.00

Premiuim Class~
Upgrade your ticket once more and enjoy an even more memorable excursion experience. With a Premium Class ticket you have the opportunity to enjoy a ride in the famous Cedar Rapids observation car and the full-length Super Dome. Built in 1948, the Cedar Rapids was Frank Sinatra's favorite car to ride. It's easy to see why, with the smooth ride along and some of the most comfortable chairs you will ever sit in. This is topped off by the glass enclosed Skytop solarium at the rear of the car, which offers a great view of the scenic countryside as it passes by. Teaming up with the Cedar Rapids is Super Dome No. 53. One of the heaviest railroad passenger cars ever built, Super Dome 53 offers incredible views through 90 feet of glass. Super Dome 53 was once of the first full-length dome cars ever built and offers a superior ride with great views. Recently renovated, Super Dome 53 has plush seats and a full service wet bar in the center of the dome. In Premium Class, you will enjoy a chef-prepared first class meal. Breakfast will be served shortly after departure from Minneapolis. As the train is turned on the wye in Boylston, we will be serving lunch as well. Premium Class includes complimentary beverage service.
Cedar Rapids Super Dome 53
Premium Class Ticket Prices:
October 9th, 2010
Minneapolis to Boylston & Return
$229.00
Askov to Boylston & Return
$89.00

October 10th, 2010
Minneapolis to Winona & Return
$229.00
Winona to La Cresent & Return
$89.00

General Information
"Friends of the 261" is not responsible for equipment substitution and assumes no liability for inconvenience caused by delays. Trains will run rain or shine. Seats are not reserved except in Premium Class. Seating will be available 30 minutes prior to departure time. Smoking is allowed only in vestibules. Light food service (such as hot dogs or sandwiches) and souvenirs can be purchased in the commissary car. We welcome disabled or handicapped passengers. However, because these are older cars, there are no special handicapped facilities available. Please consider the suitability of these trips carefully and call (651) 765-9812 for additional information between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. If you have special physical needs, please give us advance notice.
Order Tickets Online!
Buy Tickets
-Or-
Mail check or money orders, Made out to "Friends of the 261" to:
"Friends of the 261"
4322 Lakepoint Court
Shoreview, MN 55126.

Please include your phone number/e-mail address and a large stamped, self-addressed return envelope with your order. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.