If you are passionate about history and love the idea of exploring America’s most historic landscapes by train, Amtrak has some incredible routes just for you. These journeys go beyond simple transportation; they are immersive experiences that allow you to walk through history, visit iconic sites, and discover the stories that have shaped the nation. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about America’s past, these routes offer a unique and meaningful opportunity to connect with history. Here’s a guide to the Best Amtrak routes for history lovers, each providing a fascinating glimpse into America’s rich and diverse heritage.
California Zephyr
Looking to walk through history while enjoying breathtaking scenery? The California Zephyr offers one of the most scenic and historically significant train journeys in the U.S., perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.
This legendary route follows much of the original transcontinental railroad, a feat that revolutionized travel and commerce in America. It’s a scenic journey through prairies, mountains, and valleys, giving travelers a chance to walk in the footsteps of pioneers and settlers.
Route & Highlights:
- Runs between Chicago and San Francisco, passing through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California.
- Highlights include Denver, a city with a Wild West history, and Emeryville, offering quick access to San Francisco’s iconic sites like Alcatraz Island.
- Passengers can appreciate the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, with opportunities to explore historic towns along the way.
Historical Significance: The route retraces the path of the original transcontinental railroad completed in 1869, a pivotal moment in American history that connected the East and West coasts, fostering commerce and settlement.
Southwest Chief
The Southwest Chief offers a journey through some of the most iconic and historically rich landscapes of the American West. It’s a scenic route that brings to life the stories of frontier life, Native heritage, and westward expansion.
This route embodies the spirit of the Old West and the Santa Fe Trail, winding through the Southwest’s iconic landscapes. It’s perfect for history lovers interested in Native American culture, frontier towns, and early railroad history.
Route & Highlights:
- Connects Chicago to Los Angeles, crossing eight states.
- Key stops include Albuquerque, gateway to Native American pueblos and ancient cultures, and Flagstaff, near the Grand Canyon Railway.
- The route’s scenery features red rock canyons, desert plains, and historic towns like Dodge City and La Junta.
Historical Significance: Follow the trail of westward expansion, Native tribes, and the historic Santa Fe Railway, which played a crucial role in settling and developing the American Southwest.
Empire Builder
If you are a history enthusiast looking to walk in the footsteps of early explorers, the Empire Builder offers a scenic and meaningful journey through America’s western frontier. It’s a perfect way to combine breathtaking landscapes with a deep dive into the nation’s exploration legacy.
This route traces parts of the Lewis and Clark expedition, crossing the northern plains and mountains, offering a glimpse into early exploration and the expansion into the Pacific Northwest.
Route & Highlights:
- Runs between Chicago and either Seattle or Portland.
- Stops include East Glacier Park and Whitefish, both gateways to Glacier National Park, rich in Native American and exploration history.
- Along the route, you’ll see the Mississippi River as you leave Chicago, symbolizing America’s heartland.
Historical Significance: The Empire Builder follows the trail of explorers Lewis and Clark, who mapped the western territories in the early 1800s, opening the door for future settlement and trade.
Northeast Regional
For those passionate about American history, the Northeast Regional offers a unique opportunity to journey through the very cities where the nation’s story began. It’s a train ride that brings the past to life with every stop along the way.
Travel through some of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the U.S., with easy access to colonial sites, revolutionary landmarks, and American independence stories.
Route & Highlights:
- Connects Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
- Boston: Walk the Freedom Trail, visit Paul Revere’s House, and relive the Boston Tea Party.
- New York City: Explore historic neighborhoods and landmarks around Penn Station.
- Philadelphia: See Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
- Washington D.C.: Tour the National Mall, museums, and monuments.
Historical Significance: This route traces the core of early American history, from colonial days to the birth of the nation and its ongoing political story.
City of New Orleans
Embarking on the City of New Orleans route is like taking a journey through the heart of American culture and musical history. It’s a trip that celebrates the vibrant traditions and stories that have shaped the South’s unique identity.
Made famous by the folk song, this route connects the Midwest with the Deep South, offering a rich tapestry of cultural history, folk traditions, and civil rights stories.
Route & Highlights:
- Runs from Chicago to New Orleans.
- Major stops include Memphis, home of blues music, and Baton Rouge.
- In New Orleans, explore the French Quarter, jazz history, and civil rights landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Historical Significance: The route highlights the evolution of American folk music, jazz, and the cultural blending that defines the South’s unique heritage.
Virginia’s Civil War & Colonial History (Amtrak Virginia & Capitol Limited)
If you are a history buff eager to walk through America’s foundational moments, Virginia offers some of the most immersive and meaningful train journeys. These routes provide a perfect way to explore the rich stories that shaped the nation’s early years and its Civil War history.
These routes take you through the cradle of American history, Virginia. From colonial Williamsburg to Civil War battlefields, it’s a journey through pivotal moments in U.S. history.
Route & Highlights:
- Amtrak Virginia: Connects Williamsburg (Colonial Williamsburg), Jamestown (first permanent English settlement), and Appomattox (Civil War surrender site).
- Capitol Limited: Runs between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, passing through Harpers Ferry and the Appalachian region.
- In Virginia, visit Colonial Williamsburg, the site of early American colonial life, and the Civil War battlefields that shaped the nation.
Historical Significance: Virginia is the birthplace of American independence and the site of critical Civil War events. Traveling these routes offers a deep dive into the nation’s origins and conflicts.
For history lovers, traveling by Amtrak isn’t just about the ride; it’s about connecting with the stories, landscapes, and events that shaped the United States. Whether you are retracing the transcontinental railroad, exploring Native American heritage, walking through colonial towns, or reliving Civil War history, these routes offer a unique way to learn and experience America’s past firsthand. Plan your journey, book your tickets, and prepare for a trip on the best Amtrak routes for history lovers. The rails await to take you through the pages of history, one station at a time.