Jim,
The line you are speaking of is the Great Northern Wilmar line, still operated
by the BNSF. A little history on the line. Jim Hill of course built it and as
you were passing by Wayzata. Had you gone into town, you would have seen a
beautiful depot, really larger than a town this size would normally have but it
was the destination for the wealthy folks of Minneapolis to get to their
vacation homes on Lake Minnetonka. It connected with a full line of "lake
boats" used to carry passengers, freight and mail to home around the lake and
on the islands. Leaving Wayzata, a branch line left the main and wandered
along the lake eventually reaching the Hutchinson Line. It really never served
any commercial purpose but it did serve one important customer, James J. Hill
and his mansion on Lake Minnetonka. Many interesting things about this place
but one in particular is that it had a turntable on the property. Not to turn
engines but to turn is private car so it would face the correct direction when
he went back. Directly west of Jimmy's property was the Arcola Bridge crossing
one of many of Lake Minnetonka's narrows between bays. Just a shot 3/8 of a
mile further on this line, Jim built a place for his sister. Unlike Jim's
place this one did not have a turntable at the time. The line was abandon by
the railroad some years ago, it was a tourist line for a few years and now is a
bike trail. However these many years later, the sister's property is owned by
another rail Barron. A turntable has been installed as well as many more feet
of trackwork. It is a known popular destination for visitors to the Twin
Cities. I recall a couple of summers ago, maybe 100 or so visitors gathered to
view this railroad and drink Guinnes Beer beer with the Barron himself. I hope
you have a few minutes to do so your next trip to the Cities.
Ken Zieska
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