Successfully Restored Depots

Other Minnesota communities as well as those in the region and nationwide have successfully saved (or are in the process of saving) their historic railroad depots. Below are some that have been identified as similar in size, scope, or architecture to the Northfield depot project.

Minnesota Depots

Hopkins
Date Built: 1928
Date Restored: 1998

The Hopkins depot serves as a student-run coffee house, youth community project, and trailhead for area bike trail. To learn more, visit The Depot Coffee House.

Red Wing
Date Built: 1905
Date Restored: 1990

The Red Wing depot serves as an active Amtrak station and is also home to the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau as well as the Red Wing Arts Association.

Wadena
Date Built: 1915
Date Restored: 2008

The Wadena Northern Pacific depot currently serves as a visitor’s center and museum. There is also meeting space that can be rented for events such as conferences and wedding receptions.

Faribault
Date Built: 1902
Date Restored: 1985

The Faribault Rock Island depot is now home to The Depot Bar and Grill restaurant.

*Source: John D. Jones, photographer Depotmaps.com — used with permission*

Bemidji
Date Built: 1912
Date Restored: 2001

The Bemidji depot is the home of the Beltrami County Historical Society which runs a history center and gift shop. Meeting space can also be rented. To learn more, visit the Beltrami County Historical Society.

*Source: Jacob Nelson, photographer — used with permission*

Montevideo
Date Built: early 1900s
Date Restored: In progress

The Montevideo depot is the home of the Milwaukee Road Heritage Center, a railroad museum which also displays historical railroad equipment. To learn more, visit Milwaukee Road Heritage Center.

Regional Depots

Clarion, Iowa
Date Built: 1889?
Date Restored: 1984

The Rock Island Depot depot serves as the home for the Clarion Chamber of Commerce.

*Source: Bradley J. Grefe, photographer — used with permission*

Dows, Iowa
Date Built: 1896
Date Restored: 1988

The Dows depot was purchased and restored by the Dows Historical Society and houses a welcome center as well as railroad and community memorabilia.

Racine, Wisconsin
Date Built: 1902
Date Restored: 2006

The Racine depot serves as a waiting area (with bathrooms and vending machines) for patrons of the adjacent transit center bus terminal. The architecture of the new terminal mimics the canopies and platforms of the old train station. Learn more about the Racine Metro Transit Center.

Other U.S. Depots

Hopewell Junction, New York
Date Built: 1873
Date Restored: 2012

The Hopewell Junction depot serves as a local museum and educational facility as well as an anchor for the eastern terminus of the Dutchess County Rail Trail.

*Source: Bernie Rudberg, Hopewell Depot Restoration Corporation — used with permission*

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Date Built: 1937
Date Restored: 2004

The Myrtle Beach depot serves as a public facility for meetings, committees, receptions, activities and parties. The city of Myrtle Beach also rents it out to other groups. For more details, visit the City of Myrtle Beach.