PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AMTRAK
For those with the itch to travel without packing the car or worrying about traffic, Amtrak offers ample opportunity to see sights beyond the Midwest. Here's a list of five destinations in the West and Southwest worth the trip. While the travel time might be significantly longer than by air, the beautiful views along the way make it worth the journey.
Denver, Colorado
California Zephyr route via Chicago (~25 hours)
Colorado is a great place for nature lovers year-round. In spring and summer, enjoy hiking and biking in the Rockies, or get out on the water by kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or whitewater rafting. The colder months, of course, bring opportunities for downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Denver's also a hub for pro sports, live music (think Red Rocks), art, festivals, delicious food, robust nightlife, family-friendly activities, and more.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Southwest Chief via Chicago (~40 hours)
Situated in a high-altitude area of northern Arizona filled with mountains and a large pine forest, the beautiful terrain of Flagstaff also includes high desert, barren tundra, plateaus, and a green alpine forest. Visitors flock to Flagstaff all year for hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Nearby nature-based destinations include the Arboretum, where visitors can see more than 700 plants native to the Colorado Plateau; the Walnut Canyon National Monument, home to cliff dwellings and trails; and the Snowbowl, for hitting the slopes in the winter. For a memorable nighttime activity, head to Lowell Observatory to scan the solar system with one of the observatory’s four telescopes.
Portland, Oregon
Empire Builder via Chicago (~55 hours minimum)
Portland offers an engaging city life and nearby forest, mountains, and other green spaces. The Pearl District downtown is buzzing with art galleries, independent stores (including the world’s largest new and used bookstore, Powell’s) and fashion boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Among the other highlights: the Latin American food trucks at Portland Mercado, Distillery Row, Living Room Theaters, and the Portland Art Museum. Must-see outdoor attractions include the Peninsula Park & Rose Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, the waterfront, the Portland Aerial Tram, and the Hoyt Arboretum.
Seattle, Washington | Empire Builder via Chicago (roughly 55 hours minimum).
A little over three hours from Portland by train, Seattle is picturesque, situated near the Pacific Ocean, Mount Si, Mount Rainier, and more. Similar to Portland, the city is full of arts and culture, known for the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Museum of Pop Culture, and Pike Place Market (home to the first Starbucks and the famous gum wall). Other must-visit spots include Kerry Park, an idyllic place to take in the views of the city; Pioneer Square, Seattle’s original downtown; the Chinatown-International District, with incredible food options; and South Lake Union, for hitting the water.
San Francisco, California
California Zephyr route via Chicago (~60 hours)
San Francisco is renowned for its hip offerings, with a pulse on the latest in art, dining, and other trends. The neighborhoods contain plenty of public parks, and there's more immersive nature nearby in the form of beaches, waterfront, and trails. Muir Woods, Mt. Tamaplias, Monterey, and Yosemite are just a short drive away. Before leaving, check out The Presidio, near the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Mission District, the city's oldest neighborhood.
Closer to Home:
- Taking the train to Hermann for Oktoberfest is a responsible way to enjoy the festivities.
- When factoring parking costs, train travel to Chicago is often the least expensive way to get to the Windy City.
- Traveling to Kansas City is a great way to see our entire great state.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHUCK GOMEZ, COURTESY OF AMTRAK
Tips For Traveling By Train
With high gas prices, train travel has never looked so appealing. A trip from St. Louis to Chicago costs a mere $31, and you can get to Kansas City for $36. If the cost savings wasn’t luring enough, train travel is considered to be one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel. Nonetheless, Amtrak estimates that 63 percent of travelers have never traveled on its trains before. If you’re among those new to train travel, here are six tips to help make the most of your next trip.
- Tickets. You can buy your tickets online and don't need a hard copy for travel. Tickets are scanned onboard once the train is in motion. The great thing about Amtrak: If you have a change in plans, then you can change your itinerary online.
- Schedule. Schedules are fixed, so you don’t have as much flexibility as you would if you were driving. Also, keep in mind that Amtrak shares the rails with freight trains, so there can be occasional stops to let them pass. Factor potential delays into travel time.
- Luggage. Amtrak can accommodate large suitcases. Instead of hoisting them overhead, they're stored in a designated storage space near each car’s door. Amtrak also also offers options for larger items, such as bikes, surf boards, instruments, and sporting equipment.
- Food. There is a dining car on every Amtrak train, but it’s more similar to a snack bar that you’d find at a youth baseball game. So if you don’t want to eat a microwaved pizza, hotdog, pretzel, or bag of chips, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re traveling a longer distance and have a private room, you can even bring a bottle of wine. There are tables in most dining cars, but you can only eat food purchased on the train in this space.
- Entertainment. There are electrical outlets at each seat, so you can work or watch your favorite shows without worrying about your laptop, phone, or tablet running out of battery. Wifi is also available on some trains.
- Enjoy. Perhaps the best things about train travel: You can just watch the countryside roll by. And if you want to stretch your legs, you have plenty of room to walk around.
