Amtrak’s hidden gems: 25 unique stops to plan a trip around

Many people look forward to riding Amtrak’s long-distance routes to view scenery across the United States. Mountain, desert, ocean and river views end up being a reason to take a train trip, and sometimes to travel to popular cities like New York, Washington D.C., New Orleans and Chicago. But there are also interesting places to visit off-the-beaten path where you can really experience life and landscapes in America.

To get ideas for your next train trip, here 25 unique Amtrak stops you might want to visit, even if just for a night or two while on your cross-country journey.

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Alpine

Near Big Bend National Park (pictured above), Alpine, Texas is a stop on the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited routes. You can rent a car to explore the national park, and in town you can visit the Big Bend Museum, explore historic buildings and visit art galleries. For stunning views of the area mountains, climb to the top of Hancock Hill.

Bellingham

Bellingham, Washington is an outdoor escape on the Cascades route. In addition to being the gateway to Alaska via ferry, the area is full of lakes, hiking trails and a few waterfalls. Top spots include Whatcom Falls Park and Lake Padden Park (pictured above). Other things to do include day trips to Mt. Baker and exploring the quaint Fairhaven Village, which has restaurants, shops and a First Fridays Art Walk.

Delray Beach

Known as the “Village by the Sea,” Delray Beach, Florida has a walkable downtown near the Atlantic Ocean. There are many restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and even a retro arcade. The Festival of the Arts takes places in January and there are other downtown events to check out. Enterprise offers pickup service from the station (call in advance to confirm) if you’d rather not use rideshare services.

Elkhart

In Northern Indiana on the Lake Shore Limited route, Elkhart is full of surprises. The National New York Central Railroad Museum is here along with many band instrument manufacturers past and present (view the self-guided tour). It’s also a great stop for exploring Indiana’s Amish Country via the Heritage Trail (rental cars and pickup service available at Enterprise).

Essex

Izaak Walton Inn in Montana — *Photo by Don Barrett*

Originally built to house railroad workers, the Izaak Walton Inn is a unique place to stay next to the Essex Station in Montana. Lodging choices include rooms in the inn, old cabooses, luxury railcars and family cabins. During your visit, you can soak in a hot tub, relax in the sauna, view wildlife, cross-country ski, tour Glacier National Park or go on an outdoor adventure.

Gallup

Founded in 1881 as a railhead for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, Gallup is a historic New Mexico town on the Southwest Chief route. The train station houses the Gallup Cultural Center, so you can learn about the area as soon as you arrive. You’ll also want to check out all the Native American jewelry, art and other goods. For outdoor recreation and stunning scenery, plan to hike at Red Rocks Park (pictured above) or go on a hot air balloon ride (pictured top of page).

Hermann

Hermann, Missouri is a small town with European charm and lots of wine and wineries. Settled by German immigrants, you can learn about the town’s history at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, Historic Hermann Museum and Hermann Farm Museum. For more things to do, consider planning your trip around a special event such as Oktoberfest and the seasonal German Christmas market.

Hinton

Step back in time with a trip to Hinton, West Virginia. Next to the Amtrak station is one of the most intact historic areas in America. The town was built along the New River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, and there are over 200 buildings constructed just before and after 1900. It’s a very walkable area with plenty of shopping, dining and lodging options. There’s also a railroad museum and a Railroad Days festival in the fall.

Holland

Settled by the Dutch in 1847, Holland, Michigan is a magical place in the spring with the Tulip Time Festival. The event takes place in early May and features a parade, carnival, entertainment and millions of tulips. While in town, you can also check out the Dutch village, Dutch windmill and nearby Lake Michigan. To get there on Amtrak, book tickets on the Pere Marquette route, which departs daily from Chicago, Grand Rapids, Bangor and St. Joseph.

Klamath Falls

Upper Klamath Lake — *Photo by Richard Griffin*

Plan a trip to Klamath Falls, Oregon on the Coast Starlight for amazing scenery and outdoor recreation. The city is next to a river, in between two lakes and has views of Mount Shasta, so there’s plenty of fishing, kayaking and scenic hiking opportunities. You’ll also want to exit the train here to visit Crater Lake National Park (a guided tour from Klamath Falls is an option or rent a car at Enterprise).

Lafayette

Known for Cajun food and music, Lafayette, Louisiana is a fun stop on the Sunset Limited route. There are many festivals to plan a trip around along with a downtown ArtWalk on the second Saturday of each month. To learn about the unique culture of the area, don’t miss the Acadian Cultural Center and the 19th-century bayou village (pictured above). And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go on a swamp tour.

Laurel

Laurel, Mississippi is a charming small town getaway on Amtrak’s Crescent route. The “Home Town” HGTV show is filmed here, so be sure to check out the Home Town tour if you’re a fan. You can also explore restaurants, shops and events in the walkable downtown area next to the train station. Keep in mind when planning your trip that many places are closed on Sundays and that you’ll find the best lodging options via Airbnb and Vrbo.

Las Vegas (NM)

To experience the Old West, board a Southwest Chief train reach to Las Vegas, New Mexico, once a popular stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The city has over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and Doc Holliday, Jesse James and other outlaws once walked the streets. The railroad reached the town in 1879, and not long after the Plaza Hotel (where President Teddy Roosevelt once stayed) and the Castañeda Hotel (next to the Amtrak station) opened. You can stay at both today.

Leavenworth

In the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth has a Bavarian-themed village with events, shops, restaurants and parks. Winter is especially a great time to visit with holiday lights, sleigh rides, a reindeer farm and nearby skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, you can also hike, kayak, go whitewater rafting and river tubing. Book your tickets to the Leavenworth Icicle Amtrak Station on the Empire Builder route, and to reach the village and other destinations, plan to use the shuttle.

Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach is a coastal vacation spot in Maine that you can reach on the Downeaster. It’s an optional day trip or overnight getaway from Boston and a handful of other cities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. One of the biggest perks is that the Amtrak station is one block away from the ocean, and you can walk to restaurants, lodging, Palace Playground amusement park, mini golf, water sport rentals and more.

Oxnard

If you want to enjoy the Southern California coast away from the crowds, consider a trip to Oxnard. In addition to beautiful beaches, the city has car museums, whale watching excursions and water activities at Channel Islands Harbor. For an incredible day trip, take a boat ride to Channel Islands National Park, often called the Galapagos of North America.

Paso Robles

Paso Robles is a must-visit destination if you love wine. Vineyards surround the small city, some of which have amazing views (like DAOU Vineyards). You can walk to several hotels, great restaurants and wine tasting rooms from the Amtrak station. Plus, there are wine tours and mineral hot springs to check out.

Red Wing

On the banks of the Mississippi River, Red Wing, Minnesota has historic architecture and interesting geography. Barn Bluff is the major landmark, which towers over the river and was regarded as sacred by Native American tribes. In addition to hiking this bluff and others, you can go to a show at the 1904 theatre, attend a festival, eat at an amazing bakery and explore museums. Visit in February or March to see wintering eagles.

San Marcos

For a unique tubing, kayaking or paddle boarding experience, take a train trip to San Marcos, Texas. The San Marcos River is the top attraction — fed by multiple springs, the clear water flows near downtown (and the Amtrak station). You can also go on a glass-bottom boat tour of Spring Lake, visit Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park, and shop at the San Marcos Premium Outlets.

Southern Pines

Trains on Amtrak’s Silver Star route literally stop in the middle of downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. The walkable village was designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead’s firm and is full of local shops, restaurants and historic buildings (including the Jefferson Inn). Notable golf courses are nearby (learn about traveling on Amtrak with golf clubs), and you can hike through a rare longleaf pine forest at Weymouth Woods or around a scenic lake at Reservoir Park.

Staunton

Former President Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia, a stop on the Cardinal route. You can check out his presidential library and museum along with an antique automobile museum, festivals and the world’s only replica of Shakepeare’s indoor theatre. To see more of the area, rent a car and explore Shenandoah Valley, including nearby Natural Chimneys Park and Grand Taverns.

Truckee

Donner Lake kayakers — *Photo by Kent Kanouse*

Truckee is a California mountain town near Lake Tahoe and Donner Memorial State Park. History lovers should stop by the state park’s visitor center to view exhibits on the Donner Party and Sierra Nevada railroad construction. You can also kayak, fish, swim, hike, camp, cross-country ski and go on a snowshoe tour at the park. Plan to use rideshare or taxi to explore the area or to reach the Truckee Tahoe Airport if you want to rent a car.

Waterbury

In Vermont’s Green Mountains, Waterbury has a historic district with restaurants and a craft beer scene that you can reach on the Vermonter route. Nearby attractions include the Ben and Jerry’s factory tour and the Trapp Family Lodge (of “The Sound of Music” fame). There’s also excellent skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Stowe Mountain Resort. Rent a car (pickup service available) or use Green Valley Taxi to get around, and consider staying at the Old Stagecoach Inn near the station.

Winslow

Mentioned in the Eagles song, “Take It Easy,” Winslow is an Arizona railroad town on Route 66. You can learn about the city at the Old Trails Museum and visit or stay at one of the few remaining Harvey Houses in America: the beautiful La Posada Hotel (pictured above). Amenities include gardens, an art museum and a highly-rated restaurant with a martini bar. Another perk is that the Amtrak station is next to the hotel.

Wisconsin Dells

Dells of the Wisconsin River — *Photo by Pentachlorphenol/ Wikimedia Commons*

Named after rock formations carved by glaciers, Wisconsin Dells is a small city with a large recreation area. There are amusement parks, indoor and outdoor water parks, boat tours and a variety of outdoor activities. Empire Builder trains stop next to the downtown village, which has lodging, restaurants and kid-friendly things to do. If you want to stay further out, some hotels have shuttles (verify service with the hotel before booking).