History comes alive on the rails this weekend as the Lake Superior Railroad Museum gears up to celebrate National Train Day on Saturday, May 10th — the anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike, which completed America’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

“This all has to do with the Golden Spike,” said Ken Buehler, museum executive director. “It signified the completion of the Transcontinental Railway all the way to the West Coast. It was just gold-plated, about $350 worth of gold, but it sold for $2.2 million just a couple of years ago because of its significance.”

The event, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., promises an action-packed day for train enthusiasts of all ages. Ali Manthey, the Train Day organizer shared, “Our maintenance shop will be open for tours, which is really unique because that’s not normally open to the public. And to get there, you get to go for a little speeder ride — always everyone’s favorite!”

For those hoping to ride the rails, the North Shore Scenic Railroad will be operating train rides throughout the day — though tickets are selling fast. “If you want to go, I would buy them sooner than later,” advised Manthey.

Admission is family-friendly: adults pay, but kids get in free when accompanied by an adult. Train ride reservations can be made at DuluthTrains.com.

As Buehler summed it up, “We’re really celebrating the history and the significance of railroads in our nation. They built America, and they keep it running strong today.”