Photograph of Head of the Lakes

Head of the Lakes

Seats

18

Sleeps

3

Bedrooms

1

Photograph of Head of the Lakes

Onboard

Experience

One of 6 built for CN Railway by National Steel Car in 1959, she was originally dubbed car 92 for the railway’s top executives and based in Winnipeg. In 1994, the car was converted to private charter use, renamed the Scottish Thistle and given a new home in Southern California. The car completed numerous private charter trips around North America before being donated to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. Now in private ownership, a full rehabilitation was completed in 2026.

Details

Learn all the history and technical details about Head of the Lakes.

Floorplan for Head of the Lakes
  1. Built in 1959
  2. Built by National Steel Car
  3. Originally built for Canadian National Railway
  4. Styled in Classic

An historic executive business railcar …

One of 6 built for CN Railway by National Steel Car Company in 1959, she was originally dubbed car 92 for the railway’s top executives and based in Winnipeg. The car served the V.P. of the Prairie Division. Eventually, the car was converted to private charter use, renamed the Scottish Thistle in 1994 and given a new home base in Southern California. The car completed numerous private charter trips around North America before eventually being donated to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth in 2015. In 2022, the car was acquired by a Duluth-based company with a vision to bring new life and new purpose to original car 92.

Historic car, modern vision …

Completely refurbished with a new interior, redesigned floor plan, modern amenities and fresh paint, the Head of the Lakes will begin a new life operating on the spectacular North Shore Scenic Railroad between Duluth and Two Harbors along the north shore of Lake Superior in 2026. Available for a variety of charter excursions including business retreats, customer entertainment, employee appreciation and private dinner events, Head of Lakes promises an unforgettable experience. At a length of 85 feet, plenty of capacity exists to comfortably accommodate 18 guests.

Blending business and entertainment …

Head of the Lakes features an expansive lounge area with leather swivel chairs, table seating and a well-appointed bar. Modern audio-visual equipment and dual Wi-Fi accessibility via Starlink/cellular service guarantees connectivity for business meetings, sports-themed events and private celebrations. The car features an open-air observation platform, modern galley and a private office/small meeting area that converts to sleeping accommodations for two.