Summer by Rail: Exploring Wisconsin with Amtrak

It had been years since I boarded a train in the U.S., but at St. Paul Union Depot, it all came back quickly. I stood in a short line, showed the digital ticket on my phone, and rolled my suitcase aboard. I grabbed a window seat, opened the water I packed—no TSA rules, no shoes off, no laptop removal. The train pulled out on time, Wi-Fi humming. I was onboard the Borealis—Amtrak’s newest route, launched in 2024. It runs daily between St. Paul and Chicago, with multiple Wisconsin stops in between.

I set out to explore three Wisconsin cities—La Crosse, Wisconsin Dells, and Milwaukee—without a car. Just trains, walkable towns, and time to experience summer in Wisconsin. For couples, friend groups, families, or solo travelers, this route keeps it simple: no driving, no parking, no gas. And yes—there’s a café car for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.

This was a three-night trip, no car keys involved. Each train leg took under three hours. I packed a small bag, rolled it on board, and let the route do the rest. There’s no gas to buy. No highway exits to miss. No parking meters to feed. Whether you`re traveling as a couple, with friends, flying solo, or bringing the whole crew, just board the train, sit back, and let Wisconsin come to you....

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Ken Notes: One of the best ways to get to the "River" is on the new Amtrak Borealis. You can jump off in La Crosse and spend a great weekend. Coming from the north or south we are in the middle of everything.