Saving Historical Depots

• 2006: Depot on railroad’s demolition list
• 2008: Depot scheduled to be burned
• 2008 – 2011: Public awareness and input, work with railroad and City of Northfield
• 2009: Save the Northfield Depot established as 501(c)(3), talks held with railroad
• 2010: Community general meetings and focus groups to answer questions: Should it be saved? If so, where should it be placed and for what use?
• 2011: Design charette attended by 80 stakeholders and four architects
• 2012 – 2015: Planning, fundraising for move, public relation preparation for move
• 2016 – 2021: Rehabilitation, fundraising for rehabilitation (paused during pandemic), community engagement
• 2022: Occupancy, historical designation, fundraising for uncompleted projects
• 2023 – present: Utilization of Depot as event space, fundraising for maintenance and long-term sustainability

• Railroad wanted immediate action to eliminate their liability
• Time needed to obtain public input on any action or plan
• No immediate funding source or concrete plans
• No negotiating “chips” to offer the railroad
• Addressing 1944 modifications of two doors and the removal of station master bay
• Need to meet current ADA regulations regarding steps
• Graffiti on bricks

• Derelict Depot highly visible from main highway and streets
• Designated Local Historical Site in 1980
• Community values its historical heritage
• Vacant, adjacent City-owned, former center of railroad activity
• Highly engaged community
• More than 700 contributing “entities” (individuals, families, businesses, foundations, organizations)
• Individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds, and skills willing to help, including local historical architect (1,500 volunteer hours in a 12-month period in 2018)
• 1888 blueprints and floor plans
• Archival photos from city and county historical societies, local colleges, and individuals’ personal collections
• Original framing for doors and station master bay intact

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.

Date Built: 1902
Date Restored: 1985

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

Date Built: 1928
Date Restored: 1998

The Hopkins Depot served as a student-run coffee house for nearly 25 years before closing in 2023 and then reopening in November 2024. It continues to serve as a trailhead for the Three Rivers Park regional trails.

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.

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.

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.