Augsburg News

News Archives - 2008

All aboard the Auggie train

JUNE 24, 2008

Picture of a train.In the past week, you may have seen the Auggie eagle flying down the Hiawatha Light Rail line. It's the new Augsburg train, ready to serve world travelers and city explorers alike.

Our train will be in service through December. A series of events are being planned to help Auggies explore our city on the Light Rail, beginning with a kick-off party at the Bedlam Theater on Thursday, July 24. Watch Inside Augsburg and the Daily A-Mail for details coming soon.

Where will you take the train? How about...

...to the Minneapolis farmers' market.
Every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, local vendors sell fruits and vegetables, flowers, crafts, and other great items along Nicollet Mall. Wear good walking shoes, bring your canvas shopping bag, and don't forget your small bills ($1 and $5).

...back in time.
In the early 1900s, the growing city of Minneapolis provided ample opportunities for experienced and up-and-coming architects to showcase their talents. Learn about the city's rich architectural past (and present) from art history associate professor Kristin Anderson with a visit to some of the city's noteworthy buildings. Date and time to be determined.

...to cheer for the home team!
Park at Augsburg and ride the train to the Dome to watch the Minnesota Twins as they march toward a World Series win. At the very least, enjoy a dome dog and possibly catch a fly ball!

...to Minnehaha Park.
Minnehaha Park is one of the city's oldest and most beautiful parks, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The 193-acre park features a 53-foot waterfall, bandstand, hiking trails, river overlooks, and the Sea Salt Eatery. Take your bike on the train and connect at Minnehaha Park to the Grand Rounds, 50 miles of scenic biking and walking trails.

...to the Mall of America.
Bring your children to the new Nickelodeon Universe theme park, or bring your credit card and shop 'til you drop! This last stop on the Light Rail line is home to more than 500 stores and 50 restaurants. Not a shopper? See a movie, power walk the 4.3 miles of storefronts, or just enjoy some good people watching.

The Hiawatha Light Rail
The Hiawatha Light Rail line opened with service between the Minneapolis warehouse district and Fort Snelling on June 26, 2004, and full service to the Mall of America in Bloomington began in December of that year. Today the Hiawatha line includes 17 stations over 12 miles of track with 24 cars, each 94-feet long. By 2014, the Metropolitan Council plans to complete construction of the Central Corridor LRT line, connecting downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul along University and Washington avenues through the State Capitol complex, Midway area, and the University of Minnesota.

Trips
Regular fare is $1.50 for adults. A pass is good for 2.5 hours. Go to www.metrotransit.org for more information about the light rail and other transit options.