Embarking on a train journey from New York to Chicago offers a unique way to experience the heartland of America. Instead of rushing through airports, you can settle into a comfortable seat and watch the landscapes transform outside your window. My recent trip on this route provided a delightful reminder of the simple pleasures of train travel, from engaging conversations to scenic views.
One of the highlights of train travel is the dining car. Unlike hurried meals at airports, the dining car offers a chance to relax and enjoy a proper meal. On my journey, I shared a table with a woman from Rochester, New York, heading to Chicago to visit her daughter. Her deep knowledge of the Midwest, having grown up on an Illinois farm, enriched the experience as she pointed out the various crops we passed and commented on their harvest readiness. We exchanged travel stories, and I recounted my recent visit to Rochester, mentioning a charming carousel I encountered. These spontaneous encounters are part of the charm of train travel, fostering connections you rarely find in other modes of transport.
As the train progressed westward, the scenery began to shift. The familiar farmlands gradually morphed into suburban sprawls, eventually giving way to industrial areas reminiscent of the New Jersey port regions near Newark Bay. This transition offered a visual narrative of the changing American landscape, a perspective often missed when flying above it all.
Anticipation built as we neared Chicago. Tracking our progress on a map, I eagerly awaited the first glimpse of Lake Michigan. The train slowed, allowing for a more immersive experience of the urban approach. Soon enough, we were enveloped by the cityscape of Chicago, the excitement palpable. As the train attendant began tidying up, I couldn’t resist playing Frank Sinatra’s iconic “My Kind of Town.” The upbeat melody perfectly captured the exhilaration of arriving in this vibrant city, and I almost wanted to share the music aloud to amplify the collective arrival experience.
Finally, we pulled into the majestic Chicago Union Station, a central hub where an impressive sixteen Amtrak routes converge. Stepping onto the platform, I was struck by the sheer size of a Superliner train parked opposite our single-level Lake Shore Limited. Having previously traveled on these double-decker giants, seeing one again sparked a sense of wanderlust. Knowing it was bound for destinations like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New Orleans, traversing the vast Western plains, ignited a desire for future long-distance rail adventures.
For this visit, however, my plans were set on exploring Chicago itself, starting with the renowned Chicago Architecture Foundation river cruise and, more importantly, spending quality time with family. Train Travel From New York To Chicago had not just been a journey; it was an enriching prelude to a Chicago weekend, filled with observation, conversation, and the building excitement of arrival.
