Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Northern Rail Traincar Inn is a "Unique Hotel with a B&B Feel"! Nestled in the woods our accommodations provide a relaxing northern getaway 1/2 mile from the north shore of Lake Superior. There are 14 rooms in 7 boxcars (1/2 car each) called Porter and Porter w/Sofa rooms and there are 3 full car Suites (there are 10 cars total). We have several themes for our rooms: Oriental (inspired by the Asian influence of the Orient Express) Safari (Inspired by the Safari trains of the early 1900's) Victorian (Inspired by the era of train travel) Northwoods rooms for something different: Fishing, Bear, Golf & Lighthouse. From the charming platform hallway to the unique rooms and the peaceful surroundings Northern Rail appeals to anyone looking for a unique experience!
We arrived here for one night during a busy Labor Day weekend on our Lake Superior circle tour. This turned out to be the one stop that family and friends asked about most often upon our return. It is a unique accommodation with its two rows of boxcar rooms sitting on parallel train tracks with an indoor platform running between the tracks providing private access to your room. What was most welcome to us was the air conditioning as temperatures soared above 90 degrees outside. I was a bit worried too, thinking that being encased in steel on such a hot day might prove overwhelming to any air conditioning system but it was comfortably cool. I should also mention that the train cars themselves are shaded by trees which helps regulate the temperature as well. Morning continental breakfast was spartan but it was free and served in an inn-like setting that made this place more like a bed and breakfast. All the railway artifacts on the wall, floors and shelves gave it a museum feel as well. They have a collection of hundreds of DVDs available to borrow for free, organized alphabetically except I think for the train movies as in Strangers on a Train. This place is a little hard to find off the main highway running around Lake Superior but it is worth the effort.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Sep 21, 2023
Thank you so much! We have had many guests on a Circle Tour of Lake Superior. We have yet to take that trip but we love hearing our guests' stories of what they have done/seen/experienced. It's like taking a vacation without actually going anywhere! Again, Thank you! Jeff & Cyndi
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Never stayed in a box car before. Thought it would be fun. So, they moved in eight or so box cars on parallel tracks. Then covered the area between the rows of cars a breezeway and walkway. Walking down the breezeway we could see the outsides of the boxcars (some even with graffiti).
The rooms are very nicely done all sheet rocked so there’s not much appearance of the box car except for the original box car roof. It feels much like a long skinny motel room. In the room are a queen bed, bed table; sofa; coffee table; dresser; a number of pole lamps and a regular bathroom.
The Lobby area tries to feel like a train ticket office. It has a check-in desk resembling those in train stations. Jeff (the third owner) checked us in. There are; tables in the area for eating; memorabilia; tourist-y items for sale; Jeff said they had spotted a black bear wandering the area; haven’t seen him yet.
A continental breakfast was included. We sat in the lobby area for breakfast. It was a simple continental breakfast. We had yogurt; English muffin; square donut; OJ and coffee. We ate in the lobby area. We were the only ones there.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a cute traincar B&B. The owners were very friendly, the interior was nicely done, the rooms were comfortable and quite. They offered a continental breakfast (muffins, french toast you put in the toaster, cereal, yogurt, coffee and tea). Check in and out went very smooth and quick.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â We enjoyed the full traincar room, which offered both a bedroom and sitting area.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Mar 2, 2024
Cindy, Thank you for giving us such a nice review! Just one thing - we are not a B&B. Many years ago they called this place a B&B and it made a lot of people pretty upset at breakfast. The B&B expectation for breakfast is what I have called "A Lemon Curd Breakfast" meaning fresh cooked, served hot and a tad gourmet. We do not have a kitchen that allows us to do that. We offer what we are allowed to and a try to keep a nice variety. That said - I love our French toast! For a "Heat & Eat" product it is delish! Again, Thank you! Cyndi
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My friend and I spent 2 days in the Duluth/Two Harbors area. While planning our trip we decided to ride a train in Duluth and then googled train car sleeping possibilities. When I found the Northern Traincar Inn and read the reviews I booked the Rose room. WOW!! What a wonderful decision that was! It is such a cool and unique experience. Cyndi greeted us warmly and the hallway leading to our room was SO creatively decorated with train memorabilia. Our room was very clean and so very quiet! The breakfast was tasty and the conversations were delightful at breakfast. It’s location was SO close to Gooseberry Falls, Betty’s Pies and our new favorite place The Tipsy Mosquito. We would definitely recommend anyone who is up in the area to stay there! It was a delightful stay!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Oct 23, 2023
Hi Mary! Thank you for the wonderful review! I am so glad you found us and got to do the things you wanted to do AND found such a fun place as The Tipsy Mosquito! Again, thank you so much! Cyndi & Jeff
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Turns out boxcars are larger than i was picturing in my head! This place is pretty cool; we would definitely stay there again. We got one of the 2 suites, and it was much too large for just the two of us. 1/2 car is probably about the size of a typical hotel room, maybe a bit smaller. The room was clean and comfortable. We had an AC in both parts of the room/car, and a working electric fireplace/heater. We loved the old train car smell! The breakfast was included and was more than i expected: pancakes, french toast, bagels, some fruit, yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal, a couple cereals- enjoy! Tips: i dont like shampoo/conditioner in one, so if you are like me, being your own. There is a fridge and microwave in the room, so being some eats- dining options are kind of limited. The area is really quiet, but stay on the “200” rooms to have a view of the trees (“100s have a view of the parking lot.)
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Sep 12, 2021
Thank you! You are right about the 200 rooms face the woods and the 100 rooms face the parking lot BUT there are a lot of trees and bushes in front of most of the 100 rooms so it isn't a typical parking lot view. And the end room (109) only has the driveway in the view - you can't see cars in the lot unless you try! Again, thank you for the great review! Cyndi & Jeff
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed two nights in a full boxcar with our two teenage boys. The box car was much roomier than we expected. We could all hang out in the living room and also eat and play games at the table in our bedroom. Our room had a nice sized refrigerator and a microwave and plenty of storage all around. Great location for sightseeing in the area. Continental breakfast had something for everyone and water fountain in the lobby was a nice touch for all the hiking we were doing. The couple that owns it were super helpful any time we had a question about something in the area, and if we said what we were doing they’d also offer up very helpful advice. While we don’t come up north often we’d all for sure stay here again.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Aug 5, 2021
Mandi, Thank you! We are very pleased that your family had a nice time and that we were able to offer some helpful suggestions! We are still, unfortunately, holding off putting out our games, books and toys but maybe soon we can have the rest of our amenities available! We hope to see you again! Cyndi
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a full train car that was very spacious and table for playing games, bed comfortable and great location to all our needs, Breakfast was good for continental type, and they had DVD's to use for free. Local gifts for sale and nice host and hostess. Would recommend a stay here.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded May 26, 2022
Thank you Islandgirl! We are hoping that the covid risk diminishes soon so we can put out all of the games and toys that are in storage. We can keep up with sanitizing DVD's but all of the rest is just too much to do to keep everyone safe. Fingers crossed that this is all over with soon! Again, thank you!!! Cyndi & Jeff
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The grandkids loved the idea of staying in a boxcar to sleep. The breakfast was filling, and the rooms were so very clean. We could leave our scooters safely outside our room to later use them outside. The 7 and 4.5 yr olds really thought it was magical with such a variety of DVD!! Watch the movie Iron Will and then find out where it was filmed locally.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Sep 12, 2021
Nancy, I wrote a response weeks ago but it apparently it got lost somewhere. Anyway, Thank you for the wonderful review! Not only were parts of Iron Will filmed up here but the movie Leatherheads was filmed in Duluth and there was a History Channel movie filmed up here as well (A friend of ours got to be a Viking extra!). The rugged North Shore is a great back drop for filming! Thank you again for the review! Cyndi & Jeff
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel was great! I was a skeptic before we arrived. I planned for the worse. I arrived with my pack of 10 of us. Ages 2-45. The kids were thrilled. The hotel was clean, and the owners were awesome. So kind and helpful! The website does not do this place justice. It is located on the North side of Two Harbors, MN. There is a restaurant (Betty’s Pies) within 1/2 mile and multiple options within 3 miles. The hotel had a complimentary breakfast. There were snacks and drinks available throughout the day. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate was free. Soda, juice and bottled water was VERY affordable. Most of us stayed in the large boxcars at the end of the hall. Each had a comfortable king size bed, pullout Queen couch, mini fridge, and a full bathroom. The rooms connected too. The Railcars are not super fancy, but they are decorated up to date and comfortable. There is AC and heat options.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Aug 5, 2021
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a glowing review! Your group was one of the best groups we have had stay here. Often times groups tend to get a little "loud and rowdy" and tend to take over the common spaces. You guys were just great! I hope that the kids will remember their stay here and come back when they are all grown up - if not sooner! I know it is a long way from your home to here but I hope you will return again! Tell D & D to be careful at work! Cyndi
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I discovered this amazing little gem! as we explored two harbors Minnesota and the surrounding area the rooms were clean the service was outstanding . The owners were amazing,helpful very knowledgeable about the area some of the best customer service I’ve ever experienced,
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cyndi Ryder, General Manager at Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Responded Sep 30, 2023
Thank you so much for the great review! We are happy that you found us and hope to see you in the future. Watch for the e-mails about our Bentleyville special and our January Customer Appreciation special - they are great deals! Again, Thank you! Jeff & Cyndi
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Congratulations on your anniversary! We have something in each of our room types available and the rates run from $92 to $152 per room per night (plus tax). If you go to our website you can see the room types and descriptions and pictures of each room.
Again, congratulations!
Cyndi
Hi Kim!
Thank you for your interest in Northern Rail Traincar Inn! We do have rooms open for July 5th. We have at least one of each of the Porter type (1/2 boxcar) rooms at $149 plus tax for two adults (additional guests 13 and up are $10, 12 and under stay free). We also have our King Conductor Suites available at $199 plus tax etc. as above. Please give us a call if you have any questions or you would ike to reserve a room.
Again, thank you for your interest in Northern Rail!
Cyndi
877-834-0955
The rooms we have available are our 1/2 train boxcar Porter and Porter w/Sofa sleeper rooms. These rooms run $149 per night and yes, each room has its own bathroom w/shower. Call us at 877-834-0955 if you have any questions or would like to reserve a room!
Cyndi
There are more places to choose from in the Two Harbors area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
northern rail traincar hotel two harbors, northern rail traincar bed and breakfast
LOCATION
United StatesMinnesotaTwo Harbors
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Rail Traincar Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Northern Rail Traincar Inn?
Nearby attractions include Two Harbors Lighthouse (3.0 miles), Superior Hiking Trail (2.9 miles), and The Lake County Historical Society Museum (3.1 miles).
