Will the Empire Builder stop in Anoka, Minnesota?

Amtrak is in discussions with several partner rail agencies about the possibility of adding an Empire Builder stop in the City of Anoka. Anoka has a population of 18,000 and is located about 20 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis. Much of the needed infrastructure is already in place, including rail platforms, an elevated overpass, and a 344‑space parking ramp previously used by the Northstar commuter rail service.

Rail partners and government agencies are currently working through ownership and infrastructure issues along the former Northstar rail corridor. In the case of Anoka, the City owns the existing parking ramp, and the Metropolitan Council owns the existing train platforms and elevated pedestrian overpass located within BNSF’s right‑of‑way. Much of the Northstar infrastructure in Anoka was originally funded by federal grants. Stakeholders have been meeting for the past several months to sort out responsibilities and next steps following the end of Northstar service this past January.

The City of Anoka has long been a strong advocate for both commuter and intercity passenger rail. The City was an early supporter of the Borealis service operating between Chicago and Saint Paul, and it was among the first communities to adopt a resolution backing the evaluation of new rail service between Saint Paul and Fargo–Moorhead. In April, Community Development Director Doug Borglund testified before the Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee in support of legislation to advance new corridor studies.