I asked this one before but can’t find my thread. What streets do I take to go watching at Northtown? And can I do it without tresspassing or having the cops called on me?
Back in 1996 I spent many evenings out there. At the time there were about 6-12 vehicles that were “regulars” along with others that would come along. We all had our spots to park, but anywhere along the track there was good viewing (the east side of the track has terrible viewing.) At the time the police were aware of the location as a railfan area, and left us alone. I have no idea about today, but I suspect you’ll be fine as long as you don’t get out and wander around the track. Here’s the location with street names. Well worth an evening or two. Very busy location.
http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=45.017011&lon=-93.261243&z=17.9&r=0&src=msl
There’s a street overpass between Central Ave. and East River Road - 44th St. I believe. You could park in the neighborhood east of the yard and walk on the sidewalk of the overpass. You could also take University Ave. and turn-off on St. Anthony Parkway. There’s a boarded-up business right there near the girder bridge spanning the yard just south of the SOO main. You might be allowed to park there or on one of the side streets that parallel the yard tracks and watch from the girder bridge. I believe 35th St. runs on the west side of the yard just south of the girder bridge and you might find a place to park there.
The best viewing of trains at Northtown is the south end of the yard at 27TH Avenue NE. Come down University to the BP gas station and turn east and you will deadend at the tracks.It is a local railfan haunt and very popular. It is quite safe during the day. Sometimes a Minneapolis squad will come by. The BNSF bulls also swing through, so don’t go on the tracks. Some times BNSF will park a cut of coal hoppers so the view is blocked. Most guys just sit in their cars and watch the action. You will see BNSF UP CP and CN action. The bridge at 44TH and East River Road is OK, you can not park on the bridge and watch your speed when crossing the bridge. It is one of the Fridley cops favorite spots to run radar. You won’t see them until it is too late.35TH street is very good if you want to photograph CP crossing BNSF. You will have to park on the street and walk.