Today we board Amtrak Fort Worth for a planned trip to Los Angeles by way Chicago. We selected a stop in Chicago for a few reasons. First, we had the time, train trips are not for those seeking a fast mode of transportation, opting for views and experiences. Also, the views taken in from Chicago are glorious as you take on the Rockies with the breath-taking scenes. And it is never a bad idea to take a few days to enjoy all that Chicago offers from a Cubs game to some of the best restaurants in America.
We begin our journey at Fort Worth’s Amtrak station, just west of Dallas, where the Texas Eagle awaits to carry you north to Chicago. Since Dallas itself lacks direct Amtrak service, Fort Worth is the practical gateway. The train departs Fort Worth and heads northeast toward Dallas before continuing through the wide Texas plains. This leg takes roughly 45 minutes to Dallas and then the full trip to Chicago takes about 19 hours from Fort Worth. Early on, you’ll pass small towns, open farmland, and oil fields—a quiet and steady introduction to the journey ahead.
As you roll into Oklahoma, the landscape shifts from flat plains to gentle hills and stretches of forest. The train stops in towns like Ardmore and Oklahoma City, where you can glimpse the mix of modern life and classic Midwestern charm. Continuing northeast, the route enters Arkansas with a stop in Little Rock, a riverside city with rich history and southern hospitality. From here, the train continues through Memphis, Tennessee, a city known for its musical heritage and famous barbecue. While stops here are brief, you get a sense of the cultural crossroads the train passes through…