Passenger trains make it easy to explore America’s small towns. Many Amtrak stations are in walking distance of historic main streets filled with local shops, museums, and restaurants. Some also provide access to waterfronts, mountain scenery, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a budget-friendly trip, or a stop along a longer rail journey, this guide highlights the best small towns to visit by train and the top things to see and do after you arrive.
How these small towns were selected
For this list, we selected small towns based on the following criteria:
- Population under 10,000
- Walkable downtown
- Good train arrival and departure times
- Things to do and places to stay near the train station
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Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a charming coastal town in southeastern Connecticut known for its maritime history and scenic harbor. It offers a perfect mix of family-friendly attractions and cultural experiences on the Northeast Regional route. Walking time to downtown Mystic is about 7 minutes from the station or walk about 11 minutes to reach the historic district.
- Best Time to Visit: May, June or September to avoid the crowds, July and August for outdoor dining and water activities
- Things to Do: Explore Mystic Seaport Museum, visit Mystic Aquarium, stroll the historic downtown and recreated 18th century village, go on a boat tour
- Where to Stay: The Inn at Mystic is closest to the Amtrak station, Steamboat Inn is on the water, or choose from the many vacation rentals or the Whalers Inn downtown
Hudson, New York
Hudson is a vibrant town along the Hudson River, known for its arts scene, antique shops, and walkable streets. Its scenic riverfront and thriving downtown make it a popular getaway, especially since it’s only a two-hour train ride from New York City on the Adirondack and Maple Leaf routes.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for foliage, but it’s generally a good place to visit all year
- Things to Do: Browse art galleries and antique shops, walk the main street and historic district, explore the waterfront park, ride the ferry across the river
- Where to Stay: The Wick is closest to the train station, the Hudson B&B, Howard Hotel, and Hudson Navigator are also a short walk away, or choose from many vacation rentals
Waterbury, Vermont
Nestled between the Green Mountains and the Winooski River, Waterbury is a foodie destination with great restaurants, breweries, and mountain views. Vermonter trains stop daily at the Waterbury-Stowe station, and walking time is less than 10 minutes to downtown. To reach nearby attractions like the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour, check out Hometown Tours & Rides.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for stunning foliage, summer for hiking and the Waterbury Arts Fest, winter for access to nearby ski areas like Stowe and Sugarbush
- Things to Do: Visit local breweries, explore downtown, walk the Cross-Vermont trail
- Where to Stay: Old Stagecoach Inn or vacation rentals
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry is one of the most beautiful and historic places you can visit by train. The town played a key role in the Civil War, is near the Appalachian Trail, and is next to two rivers. You can walk to all the attractions after getting off a MARC or Amtrak Floridian train.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for spectacular foliage and ideal hiking weather. May is also a great month for exploring the historic district before summer crowds.
- Things to Do: Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, enjoy the dramatic river views at The Point and Jefferson Rock, go hiking (including on the Appalachian Trail and C&O Towpath)
- Where to Stay: Town’s Inn, Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast and many vacation rentals are in walking distance of the station.
New Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo is a family-friendly town on Lake Michigan known for its beaches, boutique shops, and wineries. Its relaxed vibe makes it perfect for weekend escapes or scenic lakefront visits from cities including Chicago, Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Ann Arbor (via the Wolverine and Blue Water Amtrak routes).
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for beaches, fall for fewer tourists and the Harvest Festival
- Things to Do: Relax on the beach, rent a boat or jet ski, kayak or paddleboard
- Where to Stay: The Harbor Grand Hotel is next to the train station or walk a bit further to the New Buffalo Inn & Spa and the Marina Grand Resort. There are also many vacation rentals.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is a resort town known for its water parks and striking rock formations. It’s a great family getaway, plus adults can enjoy local breweries, bars, and scenic river activities. Easily reached by train via the Empire Builder and Borealis routes, Wisconsin Dells is about two hours from Milwaukee, three and a half hours from Chicago, and four hours from St. Paul.
- Best Time to Visit: May-September (indoor water parks are also great in the winter)
- Things to Do: Play at water parks, go on a boat ride or trolley tour, stroll the riverwalk, hike Witches Gulch, try an escape room, visit the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
- Where to Stay: Downtown vacation rentals near the station, resorts with water parks (use rideshare or taxi to get there)
Hermann, Missouri
Hermann is a picturesque town on the Missouri River, full of German heritage and wineries. Its riverfront setting and charming downtown streets make it a peaceful getaway on the Missouri River Runner route. While a short day trip from St. Louis and Kansas City is possible, an overnight stay gives you more time to explore.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Things to Do: Seasonal festivals, museums, winery and distillery trolley tours, Hermann Riverfront Park, Deutschheim State Historic Site
- Where to Stay: Wharf Street Inn, The Inn at Hermannhof, and the White House Hotel are closest to the train station. You can also choose from many vacation rentals and other lodging in downtown Hermann.
Winslow, Arizona
Mentioned in the Eagles song, “Take It Easy,” Winslow is a historic Route 66 town in Arizona. The Southwest Chief stops here daily, giving travelers easy access to museums, restaurants, and the beautifully restored La Posada Hotel, one of the last surviving Harvey Houses in the country.
- Best Time to Visit: Fall, winter, spring
- Things to Do: “Standin’ on the Corner” and First Street parks, La Posada Hotel’s galleries and gardens, Winslow Visitor Center in the historic Hubbell Trading Post, Old Trails Museum
- Where to Stay: The La Posada Hotel is just steps from the train station. Earl’s Rt. 66 Motor Court and many vacation rentals are also a short walk away.
Whitefish, Montana
A gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a mountain town on the Empire Builder route. Restaurants, bars, and local shops are steps away from the train station, making it easy to explore on foot. In summer, you can hike or relax at Whitefish Lake; in winter, skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort are top activities.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snow sports; summer for hiking, fishing, and lake activities
- Things to Do: Ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort via the free shuttle, rent boats at the Whitefish Marina, go on a guided tour to Glacier National Park
- Where to Stay: Whitefish Downtown Suites and the Farmhouse Inn are closest to the train station. There are also many downtown vacation rentals or ride the free shuttle to reach multiple lodges.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, famous for its festivals and alpine charm. The local shuttle service is a great way to get from the Amtrak station to the village (and to the many winter and warm-weather outdoor activities).
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for holiday lights and winter sports; summer for hiking and water activities, fall for Oktoberfest
- Things to Do: Sample local wine and beer, hike riverfront trails, visit the reindeer farm and nutcracker museum, go on a walking tour or sleigh ride, raft the Wenatchee River
- Where to Stay: Bavarian-themed lodges and inns, downtown vacation rentals
More Information
- 10 best mountain getaways on Amtrak
- 25 hidden-gem Amtrak destinations
- Amtrak’s long-distance routes: Scenic highlights and top destinations
Top photo by SounderBruce/Wikimedia, Leavenworth (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)
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