Where to Stop Along Amtrak's Most Popular Minnesota Routes
One of America’s most scenic rail journeys, Amtrak’s Empire Builder, crosses Minnesota from the Mississippi River bluffs of the southeast to the wide-open prairies of the northwest. Along the way, the route follows the river for miles and stops in a half-dozen communities that invite you to slow down and stay awhile.
The Empire Builder runs daily in both directions, and while some Minnesota stops arrive late at night or early in the morning, a little planning goes a long way — from arranging lodging and local transportation to mapping out what you want to see.
Another daily option that runs along the Mississippi River is Amtrak’s Borealis line, which National Geographic recently named one of the best new rail trips in the U.S. It stops in St. Paul and such Bluff Country beauties as Red Wing and Winona on its way to Milwaukee and Chicago.
Here are some of our favorite local finds along both routes.
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Detroit Lakes
Hit the wooden wallrides at Detroit Mountain / PinkbikeIn case the name doesn’t give it away, Detroit Lakes boasts hundreds of lakes, along with lakeside fishing resorts and a popular mile-long sandy beach on Little Detroit Lake, right in the heart of town. Nearby parks include Dunton Locks County Park, with biking and hiking trails and picnic areas and Sucker Creek Preserve, featuring more than 100 acres of woods, prairie, wetlands and a trout stream.
Miles of mountain biking trails can be found at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, just three miles east of town, as well as nearby Mountain View Recreation Area.
Summer festivals include the Street Faire at the Lakes, featuring art, music and food, and the White Earth Celebration & Pow Wow, both in June. The biggest event of the year is the Northwest Water Carnival in July, a 10-day celebration with concerts, parades, food, games, sporting events and a signature water ski show.
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St. Cloud
Munsinger Flower Garden in St. CloudSt. Cloud is a thriving city along the Mississippi River, known for its parks and gardens, arts and entertainment, historic attractions, and strong lineup of shopping and dining.
Just across the river from St. Cloud State University, Munsinger Clemens Gardens combines two distinct spaces: the original 14-acre Munsinger Gardens, with flower-lined paths beneath tall pines, plus a lily pond, fountain and greenhouse; and the adjacent Clemens Gardens, featuring seven acres of themed plantings, more than 1,000 rose bushes, a long trellis and one of the tallest outdoor fountains in Minnesota.
Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with miles of biking and hiking on the Beaver Island Trail and the 46-mile Lake Wobegon Trail. At the 684-acre Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, former granite quarries now filled with clear water create a striking landscape for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and even scuba diving.
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Minneapolis-St. Paul
Union Depot / Credit: Visit Saint PaulHistoric Union Depot overlooks the Mississippi River in St. Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, serving as a major transportation hub for the Twin Cities and beyond. Reopened as Amtrak’s station in 2014 after extensive renovations, the neoclassical building features a grand facade, concourse and waiting room that have earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just outside, the Metro Green Line light rail connects downtown St. Paul to Minneapolis, linking two vibrant city centers. Along the route, you’ll find CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, and Target Field, where the Minnesota Twins play.
Lodging is easy to find near both downtowns and around the University of Minnesota, with walkable neighborhoods on either side of the river. Union Depot also serves as a hub for Metro Transit buses and intercity service, with connections throughout Minnesota via Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and Megabus.
Find more things to do in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.
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Red Wing
The Great River Road as seen from Barn Bluff in Red WingPerhaps best known for the pottery and boots that bear its name, Red Wing is also home to the historic St. James Hotel, featuring 67 uniquely decorated rooms, along with a range of charming bed-and-breakfast inns and motels. Right in town, Barn Bluff offers a short but steep hike to sweeping views of the Mississippi River Valley.
Outdoor highlights include the 19.7-mile Cannon Valley Trail, ideal for biking or running between Red Wing and Cannon Falls, and Colvill Park along the river, with a water park, picnic pavilions, marina and walking trails.
Red Wing’s heritage is on display at Pottery Museum, which showcases thousands of examples of locally made stoneware, and the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, home to the world’s largest boot and exhibits spanning more than a century of craftsmanship.
Popular summer events include the Prairie Island Indian Community Pow Wow, the Plein Air Art Festival, and the Summer Celebration of the Arts.
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Winona
An aerial shot of Winona / Paul VincentThe last Minnesota stop on the eastbound train, Winona is one of the state’s most scenic river towns, set between towering, wooded limestone bluffs and an island-dotted stretch of the Mississippi River. Outdoor highlights include Garvin Heights for sweeping views, Lake Winona’s 5.5-mile paved bike loop, and riverfront favorites like Levee Park and Prairie Island Park, along with three Minnesota state parks within 25 miles.
As a vibrant college town, Winona also boasts a strong arts scene. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum showcases works by masters, while the Great River Shakespeare Festival brings performances, concerts and conversations to town each summer. Seasonal festivals and live performances make the arts a central part of Winona’s warm-weather appeal.
