Avoid Long Weekend Parking Lines By Riding The Shuttle Train To Duluth’s Bentleyville

Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" will be opening for the 2022 season on Saturday, November 19, when Santa skydives into Bayfront Festival Park at 4:55 p.m. The attraction draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and busiest time to go is on Fridays and Saturday.

If you live in the Twin Ports area, it's always best to go early in the week to avoid the long lines to park and while seeing all that Bentleyville has to offer. However, if you absolutely need to visit during their busiest times, there is a fun and unique way you can avoid waiting in the long line to get into the parking lot.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad is once again offering their Bentleyville Shuttle Train every Saturday, beginning November 26.

 Ride to the Bentleyville Tour of Lights aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Skip the hastle of parking at Bayfront, and enjoy a meal at Fitgers before or after your tour (not included with your ticket). All tickets are round-trip included.

The Bentleyville Shuttle Train will run Saturdays on the following schedule:

• Departure Times From Fitger's - 4:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
• Return Times: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Get our free mobile app

Train tickets are $10 and they're only available online. Each ticket includes round-trip service to Bentleyville "Tour of Lights".

The North Shore Scenic Railroad notes that passengers should allow time for parking at Fitger's. While not as busy as Bentleyville, Fitger's does draw a nice Saturday crowd. However, it is a great place to return to after exploring the Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" as it's also very festive during the holiday season.

Be sure to keep your parking meter stub and get it validated at any of the Fitger’s shops, or at the Train Ticket Office at Fitger’s.