Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast – Take a Trip into the Past

by Steve Heriot, photos provided

Looking for a place to stay that is fun and different? If you like antiques, Victorian architecture, old railroad memorabilia or simply the unusual experience, consider the Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast in New York Mills and its three types of accommodations.

The tour of the establishment starts with the 1903 Victorian Era home, built by the August Nylund family, who operated the third largest Finish newspaper in America. The home is graced by ornate oak trim and period antique furniture. There are several guest rooms available. The Great Northern Suite features a large bedroom with canopied four-poster Queen bed, fireplace, sitting room, and private bath. Modern touches to the suite include wifi, TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning. The Northern Pacific is a large guest room with private bath.

The Alaskan Cottage is a former home that has recently been refurbished in an ‘up-north’ cabin decor. It is handicap accessible and includes Queen bed, a double whirlpool tub, air conditioning, fireplace, TV, and a complete kitchen with stove, sink, refrigerator, and microwave.

Ever wonder what it was like to travel on an elegant and romantic train car? Completing the nostalgic experience are three turn-of-the-century dining and executive railroad cars and a caboose. Each completely restored unit is tucked into its own portion of the one-acre grounds and shaded by old growth pines and oaks. Every coach is inclusive, with its own private bath, whirlpool tub, shower, queen-sized bed, wifi, TV, free-standing fireplace, refrigerator, and air conditioning.

The cars each have a unique history and were brought to the property from different locations. The opulent Palace Car was built in 1909 as a club dining car and used by the Northern Pacific Rail Road until the 1960’s. The Imperial Car was built in 1895 and was formerly in service as a Day Coach on the Yellowstone Park Line. The Caboose, with shower and whirlpool tub, was built in 1893 for use on the SOO Line. After it was retired, it became a business office in Pelican Lake before making its way to the Whistle Stop. The Viking Car was used by the Forestry Service and also served as the Trolley Diner in Deerwood until 2006, and has a sauna and wet bar. Breakfast is delivered to the train cars and cottage.

The B&B is owned and operated by Jann Lee, just the third owner of the home, and her staff. The facility is great for holding a wedding, celebrating an anniversary, or for just ‘stepping back in time” and getting away from it all.