Average Visitor Ratings : 2.91 (out of 11)
Total Number of Reviews : 8
Rating : 5 star. Minnesota Zephyr Dinner train , 15-Oct-2002
Reviewer: Chris Guenzler from Santa Ana
I took this trip back in May of 2002. While it was easily the slowest train I had ever ridden at 3 MPH, the Prime Rib was the largest piece I had ever had. The train had F-units on each end and included the homebuilt SP dome car as well as the ex Missouri Pacific Dome Car. The serivce was first rate and I even got a cab ride on the way back. Stillwater was a delightful town to visit. I would recommend this trip to anyone!
Rating : 2 star. ripped off , 24-Mar-2003
Reviewer: Calvin Bench from Minneaplois, MN
I found the monotonous slow unexciting scenery bored us all.``Worst of all though was the way we were all nickeled and dimed to death by all kinds of gratuities, soda refill charges,etc etc etc!``Stillwaters a lovely town, but spend your money elsewhere in town!
Rating : 1 star. Severely disappointed , 7-Jul-2003
Reviewer: Lori Cossette from Manitoba Canada
We travelled over 7 hours to go on what is advertised as a romantic and picturesque journey. The dress code is clearly posted as semi-formal. Guests however were there with biker colors/jackets on, shorts, tank-tops, etc. ``We were seated in 37 A and B. The meal was enormous however there were several other guests who were loud, offensive, rude, and carrying on like they were bawdy house patrons. With high screaching yelling we endured the 3 1/2 hour trip waiting for the journey to end. ``The waiters or other staff did nothing to ensure the peaceful ambiance of the journey although upon disembarking we noticed that two trains were completely empty. However the waiter did tell us to pay a special service charge that would go to all the staff and then over and above this we were expected to leave a tip. (which we did not) When I approached a staff person at the station he told me I should have asked to be moved. Really? This is reserved seating only. Personally I think it is their job to ensure the peaceful enjoyment of all the guests who pay through the nose to get this 3 1/2 journey. I still have a headache.
Rating : 1 star. Also Severely Disappointed , 7-Aug-2005
Reviewer: Disappointed South Dakotan from South Dakota
PEOPLE BEWARE of the Minnesota Zephyr for it will be disappointing. The most disappointing part of the experience wasn't the fact that the train ride was slow, it was the scenic view. The train simply went forward in one direction and then reversed and went back to the depot in the same direction. There was NOTHING to look at except a golf course, a highway, trees, trees, oh and more trees. I was expecting to go around in a circle or something and to maybe ride up along the river (that didn't happen). The singers were really nice to listen too and the staff was ok, but I still walked away disappointment and really mad. Then to top it all off they had the nerve to EXPECT me to pay a huge gratuity fee AND leave a tip (which I also did not). The food was ok (and that is being nice) My boyfriend asked for the prime rib to be cooked medium and it was cooked well. We got charged for EVERY soda refill, but the desert (cheesecake) was excellent, I will give them that. I could have over looked everything and probably would have come back to Stillwater to ride the train again, but after sticking me with the gratuities, FORGET IT, I am never riding the MN Zephyr again, AND I am telling all my friends about the bad experiencing. BUT, with all that said, everyone should check out the town of Stillwater, it was BEAUTIFUL. The shopping is really cool and I would suggest taking a boat ride on the St. Croix River. For 28.00 on a Saturday night you can take a 3 hour boat ride on a beautiful ferry, have an all you eat buffet, and listen to a live band. The town, the stores, and the boat rides ARE worth your time, so check it out.
Rating : 5 star. , 7-Nov-2005
Reviewer: R. Brouque from Fl.
Had a wounderful trip. Food excilent and service great. 1950 Rail cars something to see. Great depot with martini bar. Stillwater is a nice place to visit.
Rating : star. Excellent 5 courses/Drinks extra/Expensive , 27-Nov-2005
Reviewer: from
22 oz. prime rib(too large)/salmon or game hen;engines: F7 & FP9;attractive depot;best seat is downstairs in the dome car (upper seats are very tight);14 miles round trip; wandering
Rating : 2 star. Overcharged, Overrated. Don't bother. , 9-Oct-2006
Reviewer: Matt Fetterley from Minneapolis
Don't bother with this trip, unless you happen to remember travelling this way. The experience just is *not* worth the price. The soup tasted like campbell's. The salad had *WAY* too much dressing. The prime rib reminded me of the $15 special at the VFW down the road from our house, and the cheesecake was, well, cheesecake. Added a couple cocktails, a $26 bottle of wine, the MANDATORY $7/person service fee, our initial cost rose from $170 to well over $230. Adding insult to injury, they pleasantly asked for an 18% gratuity to top it all off... You have got to be kidding me. A 3-hour train ride with a mediocre meal (for the price) while being nickle-and-dimed until the wallet is bleeding is not my idea of a good time. The scenery was nonexistant (nighttime), the music was 1940's jazz (when they remembered to turn it on) and the singers were fabulous. If you like to casually toss away your money, this ride is for you. Ridiculous! Never again!
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