My First Post

Firstly, if the title didn't give it away, this is a blog about the abandoned railroads of Minnesota.  From the 1850s till the present day, railroads have operated in Minnesota.  Branch lines (those that run off of the main lines) often became unprofitable and were abandoned.  Others were bought up by investors and put back into operation.  Eventually some of these lines were then abandoned.

     In the mid 1960s conservationists began advocating for the conversion of abandoned rail right of ways to be converted into recreational trails, eventually becoming known as Rails to Trails.  50 years on and Minnesota has over 60 trails spanning over 2,200 miles!  Some, especially those around the Twin Cities metro, are paved and are extremely popular with cyclists, runners, rollerbladers, walkers, and anyone else who wants to enjoy them.  Others have a gravel surface and are commonly used by horseback riders as well as cyclists and runners.  Other trails are primarily for the use of ATVS, such as the Blue Ox Trail in northern MN.  In the winter time, almost all trails are enjoyed by snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross country skiers. 

     I will attempt to document and photograph as many of these tracks as I am able to.  Expect very few posts during the winter months, as it is a less than ideal time to photograph rail beds.  I will do my best to take high quality photographs of items of interest on the lines I visit.  I will also try and get as much detailed information as possible on each line, scouring old county records and museums for information.  This will be as much a learning experience for me as I hope it is for you.  All Aboard! (corny I know)
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