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Milwaukee Road Matt

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A BNSF fan by default.

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I fly into to Minneapolis 6/29, so will have 6/30 and 7/1 to railfan. As far as traffic levels, well, I'd be very happy to catch 2-3/hour, but will take what I can get. Again, with only a couple of days, I'd like to maximize my time there. I picked up some maps today, so I'll be checking out some of the spots you guys recommended. Just as a side note, on 7/2 we'll head up to Thief River Falls, so any suggestions as to that area would also be appreciated. Thanks everyone!

How's Coon Rapids? I've seen it mentioned frequently on some other sites. The suggestion to visit Elk River got me thinking, that maybe I could hit Dayton's Bluff, Coon Rapids, Elk River, and hopefully over by the University (which, again, I've heard is a nice spot) all in the first day, then maybe head south to the River Sub the next. I've seen a few videos of the CP line there, and it sure looks nice. I'd kinda like to get some footage there.

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The railfan side

My pictures

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A BNSF fan by default.

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A BNSF fan by default.

Curt, the "Cliff's Notes" of all this is that there are basically two spots in town that are the highest traffic spots if you just plain want to see trains. Both spots offer anywhere between 60-100 moves in any given day. Some are locals and some are mainline pass throughs. You will see everything from BNSF z-trains to coal trains to run-of-the-mill manifests. You're bound to see a complete locomotive roster between the 3 railroads. Those two spots are Dayton's Bluff (aka Hoffman), and University Ave NE in Minneapolis. You will see the BNSF, CP, and UP all pass these spots and are pretty much guaranteed trains if you are concerned about traffic. Given your limited time (and gas prices) these are no brainers. I can't disagree with the other spots you've considered, but if you want to see action with limited downtime, don't stray from these two hotspots.

As for your trip to Thief River Falls: the BNSF Staples Sub (Northtown Yard in Minneapolis to Fargo, ND) and a part of the northern transcon literally hugs US Hwy 10 virtually the entire stretch. The tracks parallel Hwy 10 in many spots. The aformentioned spots near Coon Rapids and Elk River offer the outer metro area scenic spots as well.

Like Braham said, there's a good chance some of us will be out railfanning then anyway, and would be happy to give you a tour.

-Nat

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The railfan side

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Their also getting ready to replace some jointed rail on the west side of the River so it may be out of commision for a bit.

I would recommend Westminister Jct for some video. Kinda scenic for being in the city along with several tunnels. Plenty of action as both the BNSF St. Paul and Midway Subs run through here. The UP Altoona sub also comes into play. Several good locations that are both legal and safe to view from. Only abouot 5 minutes away from Pigseye if your planning on being there.

If your early morning and would like a city skyline as your scenic look I would say try atop Daytons bluff looking west. I have several PICS on railpics.com from both of these locations. I would have posted them here but the site appears to be down right now.

Echoing what has already been said, if you let us know when and where you'll be I'm pretty sure someone would be out and happy to show you around.

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