Best Train Journeys Around the World in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
1. Amtrak's Empire Builder
Daily train journey from Chicago to Seattle, offering scenic views of the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Solves the challenge of exploring vast American landscapes without flying.
- Scenic Routes: Provides breathtaking views of North Dakota's badlands, Montana's Glacier National Park, and the Pacific Northwest.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
- Affordability: Compared to flights, train travel can be a more affordable option for long-distance travel.
2. Vermonter
Amtrak's Vermonter line offers daily service between Washington D.C. and St. Albans, Vermont, showcasing New England's fall foliage.
- Seasonal Beauty: Ideal for autumn leaf-peeping, with views of the vibrant colors of New England.
- Historical Sites: Passes through historic sites like Mystic Seaport and Providence, Rhode Island.
- Comfortable Stops: Stops at popular destinations like Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts.
3. Hiawatha Service
Daily Amtrak service between Chicago and the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul), showcasing the beautiful Midwest landscapes.
- Quick Getaway: Ideal for a quick weekend getaway, with a travel time of just over 6 hours.
- Downtown Stations: Stops at convenient downtown stations in both cities, making it easy to explore urban destinations.
- Scenic Highlights: Offers views of the Mississippi River, St. Croix Valley, and the western Wisconsin bluffs.
4. California Zephyr
Amtrak's cross-country train journey from Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area), with stops in the Rockies and Salt Lake City.
- Cross-Country Adventure: A unique opportunity to travel coast-to-coast, covering a vast range of American landscapes.
- Iconic Landmarks: Stops near the Grand Canyon and Colorado's Rocky Mountains, as well as Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah.
- Comfortable Stays: Offers sleeper cars for overnight trips and dining car service for meals during the journey.
5. Southwest Chief
Amtrak's train journey between Chicago and Los Angeles, offering views of the Southwestern desert landscapes.
- Desert Scenery: Showcases the unique desert landscapes of New Mexico, Arizona, and southern California.
- Historic Route: Travels along historic Route 66, providing a glimpse into American road trip history.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
6. North Coast Hiawatha
Amtrak's train service between the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) and Duluth, Minnesota, showcasing Lake Superior and the North Shore.
- Lake Superior Views: Provides stunning views of Lake Superior and the North Shore's cliffs and forests.
- Scenic Routes: Travels through the beautiful Minnesota countryside, with stops in Iron Range towns.
- Day Trip Possibility: Ideal for a day trip from Minneapolis or St. Paul, with a travel time of just over 3 hours each way.
7. City of New Orleans
Amtrak's train journey between Chicago and New Orleans, showcasing the southern United States and the Mississippi River.
- Southern Charm: Travels through the deep south, offering a glimpse into Louisiana's unique culture.
- River Views: Provides views of the Mississippi River and its many tributaries along the way.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
8. Coast Starlight
Amtrak's train journey between Los Angeles and Seattle, showcasing the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Range.
- Pacific Coast Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of California's central coast and the Oregon coast.
- Cascade Range Views: Offers views of Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier as you travel through the Cascades.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
9. Capitol Limited
Amtrak's train journey between Washington D.C. and Chicago, offering scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and rural Midwest.
- Mountain Scenery: Travels through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, showcasing their diverse landscapes.
- Rural Landscapes: Offers views of rural Midwest landscapes and small towns along the way.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
10. Sunset Limited
Amtrak's train journey between Los Angeles and New Orleans, showcasing the Southwest and Deep South.
- Southwestern Scenery: Travels through Arizona's desert landscapes, showcasing the unique geography of the region.
- Deep South Charm: Offers a glimpse into Louisiana's and Mississippi's rich culture and history.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
11. Cascades
Amtrak's train service between Seattle and Portland, Oregon, showcasing the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
- Pacific Northwest Scenery: Provides stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Mount Hood.
- City Exploration: Stops at both Seattle and Portland, allowing for in-depth city exploration.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
12. Pere Marquette
Amtrak's train service between Chicago and Grand Rapids, Michigan, showcasing the Great Lakes region.
- Great Lakes Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside.
- City Exploration: Stops at both Chicago and Grand Rapids, allowing for in-depth city exploration.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
13. Lake Shore Limited
Amtrak's train journey between Chicago and New York City, showcasing the Great Lakes region and the Northeast Corridor.
- Great Lakes Scenery: Provides stunning views of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the surrounding countryside.
- City Exploration: Stops at both Chicago and New York City, allowing for in-depth city exploration.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
14. Keystone Service
Amtrak's train service between Philadelphia and Harrisburg (Pennsylvania), showcasing the historic east coast.
- Historic Sites: Passes by historic sites like Independence National Historical Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
- Urban Exploration: Stops at both Philadelphia and Harrisburg, allowing for in-depth city exploration.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.
15. Crescent
Amtrak's train service between New York City and New Orleans, showcasing the historic southeast.
- Historic Sites: Passes by historic sites like Montgomery, Alabama's Civil Rights Memorial and Mobile, Alabama's Fort Conde.
- City Exploration: Stops at both New York City and New Orleans, allowing for in-depth city exploration.
- Comfortable Journey: Offers comfortable seating, dining car, and sleeper cars for overnight trips.