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You might think summer is the time of year to hit the beach, but over 200,000 passengers have been opting for the Midwest by rail, even in the throes of winter.
Of course, Lake Michigan is the ultimate loophole for beach trips with blue waters just as vivid as some Florida and California hotspots.
But it’s not necessarily the destination that’s a big surprise; it’s how travelers are choosing to traverse this vastly underrated region of America, as cities such as Omaha, Des Moines, and even Cleveland have commonly been labeled as snoozefests.
Icons like Chicago are a great starting point to explore not only this vast metropolis itself but also neighboring states with epic day trips like Indiana Dunes National Park, Milwaukee, or numerous delightful small towns for an idyllic escape.
Amtrak’s Borealis route has been surging to/from Chicago, where travelers are embracing the comeback of slow travel rather than deal with busy airports, Real ID requirements, and most recently, communication system failures that aren’t the most reassuring for nervous fliers.
Explore Midwest Marvels: Chicago, Milwaukee & Underrated St. Paul
Chicago is expecting a busy summer, as it should. It’s one of America’s most fascinating cities with cultural neighborhoods, phenomenal food, world-class shopping, and towering luxurious hotels.
It’s a magnet for all walks of life, attracting foodies, lovey-dovey couples, artists, solo travelers, and anyone with 2 legs looking to discover the hype of one of America’s biggest playgrounds.
Summer is a great time to visit despite the humidity since you can always pack in a beach day along Lake Michigan’s shores, but in actuality, more people are opting for air-conditioned cabins to explore beyond the Windy City.
The Borealis, Amtrak’s latest resounding success, had an impressive first year, and tickets are still selling quickly like Wrigley Field hot dogs.
Theroute covers Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with stops in major cities Chicago, Milwaukee (including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport), and concluding in St. Paul, one of America’s most underrated cities overshadowed by its ‘twin’, Minneapolis.
Milwaukee is just an hour and a half from Chicago by train. It’s most notably a haven for beer lovers and boasts one of the Midwest’s most beautiful downtown districts along the scenic riverfront. Minnesota’s capital city displays stunning architecture and has access to numerous lakes, perfect for summer cooldowns.
You did know the Los Angeles Lakers were initially located in Minnesota, right?
Mix In Delightful Small Towns Along The Way
In total, Borealis stops in 9 small towns (mostly in Wisconsin). No matter if you’re starting in St. Paul or Chicago, the meat of the route is a passage through small-town USA with timeless main strips, classic diners, and a genuine sense of Americana often missed when looking down at Earth’s ant farm from a plane window.
These are the 3 most notable small town stops along the way:
Red Wing, Minnesota:a historic riverside town lined with antique shops, old-timey inns like St. James Hotel, and lush nature at Frontenac State Park
La Crosse, Wisconsin: pack your bike helmet as you explore the “Bicycle Capital of America” through natural sites like Riverside Park or hop aboard a Mississippi River boat tour; check La Crosse’s events page to scope out lively festivals, including one of the Midwest’s largest Oktoberfests
Wisconsin Dells: bring the whole crew along to the “Waterpark Capital of the World” and visit the Wisconsin River’s postcard-worthy sandstone formations
Amtrak Borealis Amenities
It might take longer to reach your destination by train, but you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs.
One, Amtrak allows power banks on-board unlike iffy new policies from various airlines.
Two, Borealis carriages are equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you can doom-scroll if you didn’t score a window seat.
There’s also dining on board offering everything from breakfast, lunch and dinner options to cocktails (see menu here).
As for seating, categories are split between Business and Coach class — you can pick your seat when booking online.
As I said previously, this is currently one of Amtrak’s hottest routes, so if you plan to take the full Chicago-St. Paul journey, it’s best to book as soon as possible.
The full route:
- St. Paul (Union Depot)
- Red Wing
- Winona
- La Crosse
- Tomah
- Wisconsin Dells
- Portgage
- Columbus
- Milwaukee (Downtown)
- Milwaukee (Airport)
- Sturtevant
- Glenview
- Chicago (Union Station
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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