WINONA, Minn. – The train still stops twice a day in Winona, but the depot isn’t open. Amtrak confirmed that the part-time depot master quit unexpectedly. So no one is there to unlock the place or greet travelers. You’re on your own to wait outside, whatever the weather – and hope the Empire Builder isn’t running late. No candy machine. No soda machine. No toilets. An Amtrak spokesperson in Chicago said the company is looking to hire. Need to buy a ticket? Try the on-train conductor.
Track-side bench. A place to sit and wait. The depot, built by the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific railroad in 1888, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Image: Steve Lunde