BEK - BEACON

Hidden Stories Among Us

Wilton’s Soo Line Depot Tells the Story of a Town and Its Tracks

August 2025

Tucked just north of Bismarck in Wilton is home to a unique and storied landmark, The Wilton Soo Line Depot. It’s a structure that has stood the test of time and today serves as a living tribute to the community’s proud railroad roots.


Built in 1900, just one year after the city of Wilton was established, the depot wasn’t your typical railroad stop. While other towns received standard-issue designs from the Soo Railroad, Wilton’s founder, William Washburn, and his wife had something more artistic in mind. Frequent travelers to Asia, the Washburns requested the depot reflect their love of Oriental art. As a result, a Japanese-style pagoda was added to the top of the building, making the Wilton depot truly one of a kind.


Minneapolis architect William J. Keith delivered a striking design, and the pagoda still remains perched above the historic building today.


For decades, the depot saw its share of freight coming in and out of Wilton. It also hosted thousands of travelers. But with the rise of automobiles and the construction of interstates and highways, train travel began to decline. The Soo Line closed the Wilton depot in the winter of 1970.


In 1976, as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations, Wilton residents rallied to save their beloved depot. The Soo Line donated the building with one condition: it had to be moved. The Wilton City Commission provided land, and on May 25, 1976, the depot found its new home in the city, where it stands today as the Wilton Railroad Museum.


“Wilton was a railway and mining town, but many kids don’t know what their great-grandparents did,” says Pattie Solberg, Wilton City Auditor. “It’s important to understand that history as they grow into the future.” Today, she gives tours of the depot.


Inside, visitors can explore a remarkable collection of artifacts, including early 1900s telegraph machines and rail tools. In the rear of the museum, the Slope Area Model Railroad Club, a group of mostly retired hobbyists, has built an impressive model train display that delights visitors of all ages.


Solberg says the museum plays an important role in helping people connect with their roots. “The younger generation always comes out learning something new, and that’s the whole point. If you don’t know your history, you don’t know where you came from,” she explains.



Tours are available by appointment at 701-734-6707. More information can be found at WiltonND.org.

More stories in this Issue

Do you Have BEK Fiber Yet?

August 2025

Want the fastest, most reliable internet? Discover how BEK Fiber is powering a stronger future for your home, business, and community.
Read more...

Message from the CEO

August 2025

BEK TV is nominated Best Local TV Station for the 5th year in a row. Find out why we’re leading the way, and how you can make us a Five-Time winner.
Read more...

How to Vote

August 2025

Help BEK TV win Best Local TV Station for the 5th year, and vote Dawn & Jonah for Best TV Personality! Learn how to vote twice daily now through Aug. 13!
Read more...

Packers Pre-Season 2025

August 2025

Packers fans—don’t miss a snap! BEK TV is airing all 3 pre-season games live and exclusive. Find out how to watch every play, tackle, and touchdown—only on BEK TV!
Read more...

Stay Ahead of the Storm with the BEK Weather App

August 2025

Don’t get caught off guard! Discover how the free BEK Weather App keeps you ahead of the storm with alerts, radar, and more. Download now and be ready for anything!
Read more...

Hidden Stories Among Us

August 2025

A Japanese pagoda in small-town ND? Discover the rich history behind Wilton’s one-of-a-kind Soo Line Depot and how it’s keeping the town’s railroad legacy alive for future generations.
Read more...

Heroes on the Field

August 2025

Veteran amputees. Brave kids. One unforgettable camp. See how BEK helped share the story of USA Patriots’ Kids Camp at this year’s McQuade Tournament.
Read more...

Click Smart – Stay Cyber Safe

August 2025

Think updates are just for new features? Think again. Skipping them could leave your device wide open to hackers. Find out how to stay protected with one simple habit!
Read more...

August Beacon Trivia

August 2025

Be sure to play this month’s trivia for your chance to win! Good luck, and happy playing!
Read more...