February 09, 2012

GopherRail 2012 has been canceled.

For more info: visit the University of Minnesota's railroad club Website.

Division Street

Location Description

Welcome to urban railfanning�Saint Paul style! Division Street is possibly one of the best spots angle wise for shooting trains in this urban area of Saint Paul. Looking over the BNSF's Saint Paul Sub Division, high levels of traffic from several Class 1 railroads and one shortline railroad have the potential to yield dozens of trains per day. Common rail traffic through here include coal (and coal empties), stack trains, auto-racks and general merchandise.

Plan to use your walking feet since there is absolutely no parking on the overpass. There are numerous spots to park for a fee to the west of the overpass. Many spots are free on the weekends or evening hours. Neighborhood parking to the east is another option but walking distance will increase.

Despite heavy vehicle traffic on Kellogg Boulevard it is safe to to shoot off this overpass due to the concrete barrier between the sidewalk and roadway. The sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate you the photographer/railfan and the walking pedestrian or bicyclist.

 
Photography Description

Division Street will provide ample opportunity in the spring and summer months for late afternoon until sunset. Avoiding early to mid afternoon shots is a must to avoid the high sun during the spring and summer months. Winter shots here will be poorly lit due to the sun angle.

Headlights of westbound traffic can be seen approaching you as they depart, or pass through Pig's Eye yard.

Going away shots are also possible depending on your position on Kellogg Boulevard.

Telephoto lenses are a must for the "closer" shots but a wide angle will give you shots that convey the overall feel of the area.

 
Driving Directions
From the East
  Take I94 west to exit 243 (Mounds Blvd). Take a left at the first stoplight after exiting I94 onto Kellogg Blvd.
 
From the North
  Take 35E south to I94 east. Exit quickly to Mounds Blvd. Take a right on Mounds Blvd and take a right onto Kellogg Blvd.1
 
From the South
  Take US 52/Lafayette Bridge over the Mississippi River. Take a right on 7th Street East and follow to Mounds Blvd. Take a right onto Kellogg Blvd off of Mounds Blvd.
 
From the West
  Take I94 East to exit 243 (Mounds Blvd). Take a right onto Mounds Blvd and then right onto Kellogg Blvd.
Vital Statistics
Location City   St. Paul   Location Proper Name  Division Street   'Unofficial' Names   Division Street  Division  West Division Street  East Division Street   Railroads   Amtrak  BNSF Railway  Canadian Pacific  Twin Cities & Western  Union Pacific   Railroad Subdivision  Wayzata (BNSF)   Railroad Milepost  429.7    
Online Maps
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Location Photographs
 
About This Entry
This entry was published December 07, 2008 This entry has not been updated. This entry has been read 220 times It was last read March 02, 2010 11:12am John F has only written this entry Archive | Contact