North Dakota’s modern history is deeply intertwined with railroad history. Many of North Dakota’s towns were established just to be a railroad stop every 10 miles to service early trains. The rail expansion westward brought many settlers by train to homestead on North Dakota’s open, untouched prairies. Nowadays, trains are still used all across the state for hauling freight – primarily coal and grains – but a lot of the small towns and rail depots have fallen to the wayside. You can still find some remnants of that history, though. In fact, you can visit the last railroad depot in North Dakota of its kind. It’s special for another reason, too, see why:
Wimbledon, North Dakota is an interesting town with an interesting story. It’s a railroad town not like many others in North Dakota, but a railroad town nonetheless.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Although most of the original rail lines that went through here are no more, you can still find a very special part of them left behind: the very last two-story Midland Continental Railroad Depot in existence. Conveniently, it has been made into a museum.
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Both inside and out, you’ll find interesting things about this museum. The outside has train cars you can see…
Midland Continental Railroad Historical Society/Facebook
…and the inside has an extensive story of the railroad, its effect on the town, and North Dakota.
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From the carefully curated exhibit to the preserved rooms - such as the kitchen the depot agent would have made their meals and eaten in - it’s like stepping back in time.
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Speaking of the depot agent, here’s another reason why this museum is so cool: a former depot agent that lived here was the father of none other than Peggy Lee. Whether you grew up with her music playing over the radio or remember her from things like singing and voice acting in a childhood classic, Lady and the Tramp, you can learn all about her history here. You can even see her original bedroom!
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The Midland Continental Railroad Depot is certainly one-of-a-kind, and even if it may be a bit out of your way to visit, you’ll be glad you stopped by!
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Visit the Midland Continental Railroad Historic Society Facebook page to learn more about this museum and how to visit it.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Kirk M/Tripadvisor
Midland Continental Railroad Historical Society/Facebook
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SteveMirn/Tripadvisor
You never know what you’ll find in North Dakota’s small towns! They are easy to pass by, but worth a detour now and then. Here are more of the state’s best small towns to visit.
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Address: 710 Railway St, Wimbledon, ND 58492, USA
