Despite an attempt to overcome the failed acquisition of the Minnesota Zephyr railroad corridor by the MN Parks and Trails Council/ MN Dept. of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Zephyr is officially discontinuing operations as of Jan. 1.
After 23 years and entertaining over one-million guests, this difficult decision was primarily due to the following circumstances. The highly publicized yet failed attempt to buy the corridor by state agencies caused a misperception by much of the public that the Minnesota Zephyr was permanently closed in 2007. This misperception created a $1.6 million loss over the past two years. Due to equipment and track maintenance needs, as well reorganizing management and staff, it was impossible to reopen the dinner train operation until Mid-May of 2008.
In addition, the inability to obtain necessary operating capital as a result of the current financial market crisis contributed to a situation whereby it is physically and economically impossible to continue running this popular Minnesota attraction. Following the close, David L. Paradeau, owner, plans to remove the railroad materials (steel tracks, ties, etc.) and proceed with the asset liquidation sale, which will include listing and selling the railroad corridor to adjacent land owners.
This may include the removal and sale of the railroad bridge spanning Highway 95 near Hazel Street on North Main Street in Stillwater. The Zephyr dinner train, locomotives and dining cars will remain at the newly opened Stillwater Depot Grill and will in large part be available for an additional unique dining experience while stationary.
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