The Milwaukee Road Trail -- Projects

Select the state you are interested in:

WA, ID, MT, ND, SD, MN, WI, IL

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad

Chehalis, Washington

This is the sister railroad to Mt. Rainer Scenic, and it has steam train runs on the Centralia-Chehalis line.

Cowlitz River Valley Historical Society

Contributor Mike Mills brought this group to our attention and we are pleased to add the National Branch Line to The Milwaukee Road Trail. These folks are literally movers and shakers, check out their site for more details!

Friends of the South Cle Elum Depot
Cle Elum, WA

Click here to read the Foundation's news release for recent funding.

If you'd like to schedule an event at the depot, contact Brian Lee, VP of the Cascade Rail Foundation for details.

See the postmarked envelop and telegram TMRT received from the Cle Elum Depot's Hiawatha Days in June 2007.

John Wayne Pioneer Trail

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Department is working hard to connect the full route by 2013. View the last cost estimates here. For specific information, email the Trail Coordinator.

John Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders Association (JWPWR)

This equestrian group stages rides along the John Wayne Trail. Check out their site to see the next ride scheduled.

The Old Milwaukee Interpretive Caboose
Othello, Washington

A historic Milwaukee Road caboose and interpretive display is parked next to the Old Hotel Gallery property.

Idaho's Hiawatha Bike Trail

Lookout Pass Ski Area is operating this portion of The Milwaukee Road Trail, under a special use permit from the U. S. Forest Service. Follow the link to see a full description, along with photos and a very helpful map.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: 20 New Trail Miles in Idaho

The new trail segment on the Milwaukee Road Corridor is largely owed to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) partnership with Friends of the Coeur d'Alene Trail (FCDT), an advocacy group based in Wallace, Idaho.

Hiawatha Trail Extension
St. Regis to Lookout Pass, MT

We are hoping to find more information on this project soon. If you can share more info about it, please let us know.

Smoking Boomer Rail Trail Harlowton, MT A “Rails to Trails” committee in Harlowton, Montana has begun work on the “Smoking Boomer Rail Trail, named in memory of a dog who entertained troop and passenger train riders during the 1940’s.  He worked the platform carrying his curved stem pipe, wearing eye glasses and doing tricks.

The committee has utilized several small grants to do their initial work, and are seeking other funds to continue. The old roadbed has been graded and marked with large boulders. The site is adjacent to the city park which provides
camping and parking spaces. A fishing access on the Musselshell River located just south of the trail site, is also being developed in cooperation with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Although the site is in its early stages, it is already being used by area residents. The volunteer committee is being guided in their work by
the county Extension Agent.

Milwaukee Road Train Station Rehabilitation

Aberdeen, SD

Project information contact Jodi Gerdes (605) 226-0015.
It is a large brick two-story station, which also was the Division offices. Reference was made to the Canteen, a Red Cross refreshment center for soldiers and sailors passing through on Milwaukee Road troop trains. This particular canteen served up pheasant sandwiches!!

The Depot Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Originally serving the city as a train station, The Depot once again reopened its doors following an extensive renovation completed in 2001. The building incorporates Renaissance Revival old world charm architecture with modern amenities such as an indoor water park and seasonal indoor ice skating rink to provide guests with a memorable experience. More details ...

Milwaukee Road Heritage Center

Montevideo, Minnesota

This division point on the Milwaukee Road west of the Twin Cities has a Milwaukee Road depot and a turntable that remains in place.
 

 The Little Falls Railroad & Doll Museum

Cataract, WI

See this smooth-sided steel caboose, #992175, built in 1958. It was in a wreck, and the drawbar in one end was pulled out when the car in front turned over. The caboose frame was bent, but it did not turn over or leave the rails. The restoration will be finished the summer of '07.

Home of the Train Town Project, this museum is packed with interesting exhibits. Including running model trains in many gauges. Showcases contain model steam locomotives - many in brass.