Minnesota Historia | Episode 3: Lost Train of Pine City

According to local legend, a train derailed in Pine City, Minnesota in the 1800s. It plummeted down a steep embankment into the impossibly deep Devil’s Lake, where it disappeared forever. There is no evidence that this ever happened, but that hasn’t stopped people from looking for the train. How does a legend like this persist? And grow? And add circus animals for some reason?
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Minnesota Historia Season 3, Episode 3

[@SummitHill79]

No question about it: Mike wants all that Confederate gold for himself.

[@twylachristian8334]

I was really saddened to see the legends of Devil’s Lake completely crushed. I think every community has its own legends; stories residents like to tell even though we know the likelihood of the story being true is slim to none. I just hate to see imaginations and creative minds halted. Just because the legend can not be proven (or disproven) does not mean that people do not enjoy the conversation. Pine City residents have passed the story of the “Mysterious Train at the Bottom of Devils Lake” for many generations. Most people will realize it is a tall tale, but then so is Bigfoot, Loche Ness, or St. Nick. (believers don’t hate me) They still hold large festivals to celebrate their unique local legends. People enjoy getting lost in a make-believe world, even for a short time. Imagination and fantasy are key components in developing a creative mind. Sharing and encouraging our young people to their ideas of what happened on the train. See how the circus clowns, animals, gold thieves, and bandits come to life. Maybe there is a new Mark Twain, James Patterson, or Agatha Christie waiting to come to life.

[@t.f.3305]

If you really think this video is going to stop me from going out there and finding the gold myself, you have another thing coming Mike. Clearly you didn't get it all and there's still some in the lake. That's why you have this stupid video made to clear up any misconception about there being gold LEFT.

[@PBSNorth]

When you find the gold remember to make a tax-deductible donation to your local PBS Station.

[@daseemore4377]

Fake news! The gold will be mine!

[@PBSNorth]

When you find the gold, please consider making a donation to support your local PBS station.

[@lindamiller9391]

My family moved to Pine City in the 1970's and I remember that being one of the first things I learned as a twelve year old about my new home. A sunken train! Cool! Now the circus animals and gold are new additions to the story for me, but, it was still fun to think about as a kid!

[@TahshaRae]

Oh Mike Gainor. Don't go ruining my dreams of finding that lost pirate treasure in Devils Lake's quick sand bottom!

[@browngreen933]

The same legend also exists across the state line in Wisconsin where the supposed circus train derailed and sank into the great Empire Swamp of Douglas County.

[@frostyxpapasnag3091]

I’ve lived in pine city for over 20 years and have to say from swimming at devils I’ve heard the tale go back from I was a child, I was told from my older sister it happened! But the tales of the monster fish is different story!! I’ve seen with my eyes a 6 foot fish on the ice from a random person who ice fished there! But the fish wasn’t like a fish!

[@DuluthTW]

I love this segment. A great story told in an appropriate tone. Thanks for sharing!

[@SummitHill79]

…Sorry, couldn’t resist.

[@berniesmith6466]

So….Haylee, where ya’ from then ??