Editor’s note: This week we begin a new feature by Duronda Schlue. A retired teacher in the Belle Plaine Community Schools, she has traveled extensively and will share what she has discovered in periodic contributions to this site.

By Duronda Schlue

Trains have always fascinated America. Our history is rich in stories of train robberies, hobos jumping on boxcars, and my favorite childhood story about the little train that was so brave it managed to get the toys to the children when all others failed. One of the best family vacations we ever had was taking our children on Amtrak from Ft. Madison to New Mexico. We had such fun that we repeated the trip three or four times during their childhood.

The westbound Southwest Chief leaves Ft. Madison at 6:57 p.m. It travels briefly through Missouri stopping in La Plata before heading on to Kansas City. KC is a refueling depot and the longest stop in route to New Mexico. As the train’s travelers relax in a “stress-less” mode over the clicking of the rails, the train travels through Kansas during the night and on to Colorado. It makes brief stops at many places on the rail line.

After a few stops in Colorado, the famous tunnel near Raton, New Mexico is first sign we are nearing our destination. In Raton many Boy Scouts disembark and head for the famous Fremont Ranch, the summer training ground for the Scout program. The Chief makes several stops in New Mexico after Raton including Las Vegas ( not the gambling place), Lamy (near Santa Fe) and Albuquerque. The travel time from Ft. Madison to Las Vegas is roughly 19 hours.

The Southwest Chief is a double-decker modern train. When it pulls into the station, the doors open and the attendants step out to assist new travelers in finding the correct car. All seats are assigned. Upon entering the train, pieces of luggage are placed in large luggage storage racks on the lower level. Totes and small bags can be taken upstairs to waiting seats. Upstairs passengers find overhead racks as well as storage areas in front of each seat.

Each coach car has comfortable reclining chairs with footrests. Two seats are on each side of the aisle. There is a drinking water counter with paper cups at the end of the car. Bathrooms are on the lower level. There are at least 5 available in each car. An Amtrak attendant is on duty in each car. Attendants take tickets, assist the car’s passengers with luggage, getting on and off the train, and general needs.

The lower level also offers coach seats in a quiet car for elderly and handicapped or people needing a quieter spot. There are also sleeping compartments on both floors. Singles and pairs can enjoy a room for two. Although the space is tight, it is adequate and comfy for sleeping. There is also a deluxe room with its own shower and bathroom. It sleeps 3 comfortably or 2 adults and 2  young children.

The family car is the ultimate in train travel. Children and parents have the entire width of the train on the lower level. The sofa makes a double bed and there is an adult berth above.  Two chairs pop down to make a bed suitable for a child 10 or younger and overhead is another child’s bed. Meals are complimentary with the sleeping cars.

The dining car offers economical meals three times a day. There are set hours and reservations need to be made. Attendants can help with reservations. The train offers a chef and crew that prepare delicious meals. If a lighter fare is preferred, the lounge car on the lower level offers sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Most families bring snacks for their children.

The favorite spot for most people is the observation car with its floor to ceiling windows and chairs facing the windows. The scenic beauty of the Southwest can be enjoyed for hours. On the Southwest Chief passengers can see herds of deer and antelope. Occasionally a herd of elk might be seen. There is a herd of buffalo in the area and it would be a rare treat to see the mighty beasts.

Before Raton, New Mexico is the Santa Fe Railroad’s train tunnel. It is the highest peak on the rail line. It is difficult to imagine what planning it took and how much dynamite required to create the bed for the railroad as well as hollowing out the tunnel.

Amtrak.com has plenty of information to peruse for options in accommodations, dates and prices. Train fares are in the same ball park as air lare if coach seats are purchased. They also offer family discounts. Parking is never an issue. Since Ft. Madison is a working railroad yard, there is ample parking in a well-lighted area where workers come and go at all hours. Tickets can be picked up at the Ft. Madison station, but it is a good idea to check the hours the office is open.

For people who are tired of the headaches of airline travel, I suggest you try a trip on Amtrak. It is restful. Some people read books, others write while some just meet new people and observe the scenery. Whatever sounds appealing, it is a refreshing way to experience America. Your children will love it too.