Rails Through Time: The History of the Southern Minnesota Railroad 🚂

Before highways crisscrossed Southern Minnesota, it was the railroad that connected communities, sparked economic growth, and reshaped the map. One of the most influential lines was the Southern Minnesota Railroad—a line that brought prosperity to some towns and, through its absence, helped seal the fate of others. Its impact still echoes across the region, especially in places like Forestville, where history comes alive.

Laying the Line

Chartered in the 1850s, the Southern Minnesota Railroad was a bold effort to link La Crosse, Wisconsin, with the Dakota frontier. Track construction accelerated through the 1860s, weaving westward across Southeastern Minnesota and fueling the growth of towns such as Austin, Spring Valley, Wykoff and Grand Meadow. It carried passengers, produce, livestock, and the dreams of a growing region.

A Town Left Behind

But not every town benefitted from the arrival of the rails. Forestville, once a thriving settlement and trading post in Fillmore County, was completely bypassed by the Southern Minnesota Railroad. Without rail access, Forestville’s economic lifeline was cut. Over time, businesses closed, families moved away, and the town faded into near-obscurity. Today, Forestville stands as a preserved ghost town—an open-air time capsule of a once-hopeful frontier community.

The Railroad’s Rise and Fall

As with many historic lines, the Southern Minnesota Railroad saw its peak in the early 20th century. But as highways and trucking took over, sections of the rail were slowly abandoned. Tracks were pulled up, depots closed, and the line became part of Minnesota’s forgotten infrastructure. Still, remnants of the railroad—and its impact—remain visible throughout the region. Today the Root River State Trail allows you to ride a bike on portions of the old rail line. 

See the Story for Yourself

Want to walk the same ground where history unfolded? 🌲 Join us for a guided trolley trip to Forestville and Mystery Cave State Park, where you’ll experience the beauty of Minnesota’s bluff country and step back in time to see how the railroad helped shape—and sometimes sideline—entire communities.

👉 Visit our website to learn more and book your tour today:
https://www.rochestermntours.com/forestville-mystery-cave-tour/