Ride the rails near Silver Bay -- for one day

A rare train excursion on the North Shore will be part of Silver-Beaver Bay Days and is expected to attract railroad junkies regionwide.

Ken Buehler, head of the North Shore Scenic Rail­road, said the event will include 90-minute rides in passenger cars from North­shore Mining in Silver Bay to Milepost 7 above Beaver Bay on July 24.

The event has created a buzz among railroad enthusiasts, Buehler said, generating phone calls from South Carolina, Texas and Illinois.

Festival director Dave Gustafson said organizers have been trying to offer this train ride for three years.

The rides will be a group effort. The scenic railroad's passenger cars will be brought to Norshor Junc­tion, between Silver Bay and Babbitt, by Canadian National Railway. The cars will be connected with North­­shore Mining equipment and brought to Silver Bay.

When train rides begin, buses will pick up passengers at Re-Union Hall in Silver Bay and transport them to North Shore's dumping station above Highway 61 to board the train.

Once aboard the train, Buehler said passengers will hear about the history of the area while being on a "pretty, little ride" with views of Lake Superior, a few curves and rivers.

Once riders get to Mile Post 7, they should be impressed, Buehler said.

"It's huge," he said. "It's a valley."

Tickets will cost $5 per person, $15 per family. Proceeds will go to Silver-Beaver Bay Days Committee.

SAILING ADDED

A new venture based in Two Harbors is teaming up with the scenic railroad this summer. Amicus Adventure Sailing will offer a "rails and sails" package on weekends through August for riders boarding in Duluth. The train will stop in Knife River to board a 40-foot sailboat docked at the marina and owned by Mark and Katya Gordon. The train ride, sail and lunch will cost $80 for adults and $65 for children younger than 12.

The Gordons have just started the sailing tour business and plan to offer a two-hour sail for $10 this summer. To set up a ride or get a train package, call (218) 290-5975 or visit amicusadventuresailing.com .