As I plan my summer travels for 2026, I find myself drawn back to the heart of America. There’s something truly magical about exploring the Midwest by train when the sun is high and the days are long. The region just seems to gleam with a special energy, offering a perfect blend of vibrant city life, serene natural beauty, and that unmistakable local charm. For me, an Amtrak journey isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about settling into a comfortable seat, watching the world unfold outside my window, and experiencing the unique rhythm of summer in places I might otherwise miss. From the sparkling shores of the Great Lakes to historic river towns and sprawling farmlands, the Midwest reveals its best self from the rails, and I can't think of a better way to be "summer drunk" on its sights and experiences.

My first must-do journey is the classic run from Chicago to Milwaukee on the Hiawatha service. This is the perfect day trip, whisking me between two incredible cities in just about 90 minutes. The ride itself is a spectacle, tracing the shoreline of Lake Michigan. I love gazing out at the endless blue water, the stretches of sandy beach, and the flocks of seabirds soaring past. It’s a quick escape that feels worlds away from the urban bustle. And now, with the Borealis service supplementing this route, the connections and scenic stretches have only gotten better. This expanded service links the vibrant core of Chicago with the lively streets of Milwaukee, and then stretches northward through the beautiful river valleys and rolling hills of Minnesota towards the Twin Cities.

Speaking of the Twin Cities, the journey north opens up a treasure trove of summer activities. A stop in a place like Winona, often called Minnesota's sweetest small town, is irresistible. I can imagine stepping off the train for a few hours to go biking along the bluffs or simply relaxing by the tranquil waters of Lake Winona. And then there's Minneapolis and St. Paul. Their chain of lakes is a summer paradise, perfect for a long, scenic stroll or a paddleboat ride. One of my favorite spots is Minnehaha Park, where I can stand and watch the famous waterfall cascade right near the mighty Mississippi River. It’s these kinds of spontaneous discoveries that make train travel so rewarding.

Of course, summer in the Midwest is also synonymous with the spirit of Missouri. For that, I'd board the Missouri River Runner. The eastern half of this route, between St. Louis and Kansas City, is an absolute delight. The train runs right along the banks of the Missouri River, offering stunning views of the waterway that shaped so much American history. The journey is peppered with charming, friendly towns that beckon for a quick explore. Starting in St. Louis, I’d make sure to see the iconic Gateway Arch glinting in the summer sun—it’s an unforgettable sight. Further along, a stop in Independence, the "Queen City of the Trails," offers a deep dive into history at the Truman Library. But the real summer treat awaits in Kansas City. The moment I step off the train, I'm hit by the incredible aroma of barbecue. Spending an evening in the Power and Light District, with its live music and amazing food, is the perfect cap to a scenic rail day.

For a true Great Lakes immersion, I’d choose one of the routes serviced by Amtrak's Pere Marquette, Blue Water, or Wolverine trains from Chicago. This network is my gateway to Michigan's incredible diversity. One year, I timed my trip to Holland for its famous tulip festival, and it felt like stepping straight into the Netherlands! The beaches there are simply beautiful. These routes also connect me to the vibrant college town energy of Ann Arbor and East Lansing, the craft beer scene of Grand Rapids, and the stunning natural shoreline of the Indiana Dunes. The combination of live music, local breweries, mouthwatering food, and the mesmerizing, endless blue of the Great Lakes is the tour de force of a Midwestern summer escape.

Sometimes, I crave a journey steeped in presidential history and riverfront charm. That’s when I turn to Amtrak's Illinois Service. These routes allow me to explore the central heartland in a relaxed, unhurried way. A pilgrimage to Springfield is essential for any history buff like me. Visiting the home of Abraham Lincoln in that beautiful city is a profoundly moving experience. But the smaller towns have their own magic, too. I have fond memories of wine-tasting at a cozy vineyard near Carbondale, a college town affectionately known as "Little Egypt." And Quincy, the "Gem City" on the Mississippi, always surprises me with its lovely parks, fascinating museums, and welcoming local breweries. It’s a quieter, more reflective kind of summer adventure.�轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮轮 |

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