16.0 Palmers

There are two large steel bridges at Palmers, the longest and highest on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Coming from Duluth, the first bridge crossed is the Big Sucker River as the tracks come into town. The tracks then cross County Highway 42, and just beyond the crossing is another passing siding similar to the one at Lakeside, but this one is 1,790 feet long. Some North Shore Scenic excursions, such as pizza trains, stop in Palmers and head back to Duluth. Those headed to Two Harbors continue north and cross the Little Sucker River on another large steel trestle just past the Palmers siding. After crossing the bridge the tracks pass the entrance to Tom's Logging Camp. The camp is an authentic re-creation of an early 1900s era logging camp and Northwest Fur Company Trading Post. It includes a nature trail, eight museum buildings, the Knife River Fishing Museum, and a Finnish sauna. The camp is open seasonally and a small entry fee is charged.