Twin cities hot spot

[Anonymous]

I was looking at a train magizine the other day and was wondering about Hoffman Avenue or Daytons Bluff in the Twin cities and was wondering how the views are and how close your are to the engines . I was hoping that someone would have reply and one thing is does anyone have msn and lives in the state of minnesota wisconsin our north dakota

[Big_Boy_4005]

I may be the resident expert on this one. The action at Hoffman Avenue can be spectacular.

The problem is that the railroads have recently changed their policy about railfanning at this location. The problem is that this spot is well away from any parking, and foot access is difficult and almost dangerous because of all of the trucks on the road next to this spot.

The railroads have a small gravel parking lot that railfans have used for as long as I can remember. A couple of weeks ago, I went there, and was promptly asked to leave.
It may be possible to get a couple of shots before they come around, but be prepared to pack it in when they discover your presence.

There is another spot that's pretty good, about 7 miles east in the town of Newport. But Hoffman has the advantage of the yard lead, and there are transfers coming and going to and from both the UP and CP, and the variety of trains that you could see there may be unmatched by any single spot anywhere in the country, even Chicago!!!!!!

Here are some photos that I have taken there within the last year.

[michaelstevens]

Elliot,

Thanks for including that last shot -- otherwise I might have slipped up and said that I was "homesick" or some other idiocy -- having lived and train spotted along those bluffs (year round) back in the 80's.

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

Cool Shots

[Big_Boy_4005]

Mike, that was a really nice day. There may have been some snow on the ground, but the sky was so blue, and the sun so warm, I don't think you really would have minded. That was my last visit before I was turned away by a railroad cop later that week. As a matter fo fact that shot was taken just two weeks ago. I'm afraid that times have changed, and not for the better.