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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Heartland Rail Journey
Independent rail trip from Kansas City to St. Louis and Chicago
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent, 6-day rail vacation through the American Midwest, from Kansas City to St. Louis and on to Chicago. Travelers ride the Missouri River Runner from Kansas City to St. Louis, taking in the scenery through the heart of Missouri, then the Texas Eagle north across Illinois farmland into Chicago. The trip includes 2 nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park and 3 nights at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, in Chicago. Day 2 in St. Louis includes admission to the Gateway Arch, and once in Chicago, days 4 and 5 bring a leisurely architecture river cruise along the Chicago River and a visit to the Willis Tower Skydeck, with time to see Grant Park and "The Bean" on your own. This suits independent travelers who want a short Midwest rail trip mixing river views, city sightseeing, and free time in each stop.
What to know before you look closer
- This is an independent rail vacation: most sightseeing in St. Louis and Chicago is on your own, aside from admission to the Gateway Arch, an architecture river cruise, and Willis Tower Skydeck admission.
- The evidence lists no specific departure dates; confirm current availability and pricing with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: St. Louis
Your Journey Begins in Kansas City
Board your train in Kansas City and enjoy a relaxing ride to St. Louis, taking in the scenery through the heart of Missouri. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
- Day 2overnight: St. Louis
St. Louis
Get to know the city known for jazz, blues, and barbecue. Discover the iconic Gateway Arch, explore the Missouri History Museum, or stroll through Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.
- Day 3railovernight: Chicago
Chicago
This morning, board your train to Chicago. Relax as you travel north across Illinois farmland into the Windy City. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and start soaking up the city's skyline, food scene, and Lake Michigan waterfront.
- Day 4overnight: Chicago
Chicago
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely river cruise along the Chicago River, admiring the city's world-renowned architecture. Spend the afternoon exploring Navy Pier, the Art Institute, or strolling through Grant Park.
- Day 5overnight: Chicago
Chicago
Head to the Willis Tower and ascend to the Skydeck for sweeping views of the city. Later, the day is free to explore at your leisure; visit Grant Park for a photo with "The Bean," and maybe savor Chicago's famous deep dish pizza.
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Discover the Gateway Arch, the Missouri History Museum, or Forest Park in St. Louis.
- Day 3Board the train north across Illinois farmland into Chicago, then explore the skyline, food scene, and Lake Michigan waterfront.
- Day 4A leisurely river cruise along the Chicago River, taking in the city's architecture.
- Day 5Ascend the Willis Tower Skydeck for views of the city, then visit Grant Park for a photo with "The Bean."
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Kansas City to St. Louis on the Missouri River Runner® and St. Louis to Chicago on the Texas Eagle®
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach travel on the Missouri River Runner from Kansas City to St. Louis, and the Texas Eagle from St. Louis to Chicago.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's an independent rail vacation; most sightseeing is on your own, aside from a few included admissions and a river cruise.
- Which trains are used?
- The Missouri River Runner (Kansas City to St. Louis) and the Texas Eagle (St. Louis to Chicago), both in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- The DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park (2 nights) and the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, in Chicago (3 nights).
- What is included besides rail and hotel?
- Admission to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, an architecture river cruise in Chicago, and admission to the Willis Tower Skydeck.
