I’ll be going to Montevideo in a couple of months. In what part of town is the museum, and how much time should I allow for to make sure I get a good look at everything?
The museum is in the center of town along 1st Street which intersects all of the converging highways. It has a few artifacts and if you can get in a nicely restored depot. I recommend that you contact the chamber of commerce or historical society as all I could find on the museum is:
Historic, Depot Railroad Restoration
Visit the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Depot, originally built in the early 1900’s, now being restored-by the Milwaukee Heritage Center to house a railroad museum. Stroll through the newly restored railroad yards, which include an engine shed, sand house and operational turntable. For tour information, call the Chippewa County Historical Society at 320-269-7636.
If you get a chance, continue south on 59 to Currie, MN and the End of the Line Museum. It is very active and is open daily thru the summer. See www.endoline.com
Wow–if they restored a yard, complete with engine shed, sand house, and operational turntable, they should have those two Skytop lounge cars up and running in no time!
Seriously, sounds like quite an organization.
Is there a rail link in Montevideo?
Yes, Montevideo Minnesota does have rail service and the restored depot does have a website. Check out Wikipedia or Google Montevideo Minnesota. I have not had a chance to check out the depot,but Montevideo is on US 212 and Minnesota 7. Us 212 follows the TC&W tracks much of the way out. You might get lucky and see a train. The last time I drove out there I didn’t. US 12 to Willmar then MN 23 to Clara City then MN 7 into Montevideo is better if you want to see some action on the way out. US 12 follows the BNSF Willmar line.
Some one mentioned Currie Minnesota, it is 69 miles south of Montevideo on US 59 then 4 miles east on MN 30.
Thanks everybody. I’ll have to go up early and take a look. I’ll be coming from Lake Preston, SD, the only tracks I’ll see before Montevideo will be the DM&E between here and Arlington.