Itinerary Suggestion from Chicago Please for Dad & Daughter Trip

[tommylicious]

Hi was wondering if you fine folks might suggest a good rail itinerary from Chicago to somewhere one-way overnight trip. We would stay a night or two at the destination, then fly back. Me (dad) and my 3rd grader daughter. We've already done CHI-STL, CHI-DAL, CHI-WAS. Thanks!

 

[nshvlcat]

Chicago to Memphis. Take her to Graceland.

 

[Big Iron]

Boston could work.

 

[Philly Amtrak Fan]

LSL to BUF/Niagara Falls or to NYP/BOS? If two days, maybe one of the California trains? I don't think the scenery is good on the CZ before DEN but after DEN you see the Rockies (although that's another day).

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Chicago to Denver is a good trip, you could rent a car in Denver and visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Or continue on the train and see the Rockies by train and get off at Glenwood Springs maybe.

Another great trip from Chicago (but not overnight) is Chicago to Dearborn Michigan and visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. I would HIGHLY recommend Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village to every person of all ages. Fascinating place with lots of Railroad history, operating full scale steam, working roundhouse, etc. And the Amtrak station is right next door.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Chicago to Memphis. Take her to Graceland.

I agree, plus see Sun Records Studio and Beale Street and eat some great ribs, make's for a great memory!

 

[RPC]

LSL to either BOS or NYP - it's hard to choose between the Berkshires and the Hudson River! Or, if you've got the time and money, a circle tour: LSL CHI-BOS, Acela to NYP, then LSL back to CHI.

The eastbound Cardinal route is very pretty between Charleston WV and Charlottesville VA - you could visit WAS again...

 

[George K]

Boston could work.

Boston would be great. You leave in the late evening on the LSL (9:30) and arrive in the mid-afternoon. Enough time to have a nice walk and see some of the sights.

However, I would suggest spending a couple of days there before flying back. Whale tour is highly recommended (though it's a 1 ½ hour ride out and back) if weather is good. Freedom Trail, Duck Boats.

Yeah. Boston.

 

[Philly Amtrak Fan]

Boston could work.

Boston would be great. You leave in the late evening on the LSL (9:30) and arrive in the mid-afternoon. Enough time to have a nice walk and see some of the sights.

However, I would suggest spending a couple of days there before flying back. Whale tour is highly recommended (though it's a 1 ½ hour ride out and back) if weather is good. Freedom Trail, Duck Boats.

Yeah. Boston.

LSL arrival in BOS is 8:01pm.

 

[George K]

You're right - you arrive in ALB at 2:50.

Sigh.

 

[user 7496]

CHI-MSP - 3rd grade daughter would love the Mall of America

 

[Sauve850]

I like Chi-Den as it leaves in the afternoon rather than a late train. Better for a third grader. What kid wants to get on a train tired and its time for bed? I happen to like the scenery winter or summer. Denver is a good town. Many flights to choose for your return. Enjoy.

 

[slither]

I'd try Chi-Grand Junction. Beautiful over and through the Rockies. Not sure about air fare from Grand Junction to Chicago

 

[Seaboard92]

Could also do CHI-PGH(or NYP)-PHL. Philly is a great city. And has loads of amazing sights and history. But a connection but it's worth a thought

 

[Eric308]

I'd try Chi-Grand Junction. Beautiful over and through the Rockies. Not sure about air fare from Grand Junction to Chicago

It's got to be close to $500 for two one-way. Don't know when they are planning to go, but if they do go to Denver and head up to RMNP most of the the park roads are closed in winter, and Trail Ridge is usually closed until early June or later. Highest continuous road in the US.

 

[neroden]

Denver is a really simple overnight, if you've never visited Denver. Or the ski areas west of Denver are pretty much the same schedule but more interesting scenery outside the train.

I strongly recommend the Lake Shore Limited, of course.

I will admit to a regional bias towards New York City and Boston. But the train is "a night and a day", not a pure overnight.

Buffalo is a nice overnight but I don't know what you'd see in Buffalo (you'd have to drive to Niagara Falls or something).

Minneapolis is a day train from Chicago.

Detroit is a day train from Chicago.

Indianapolis is a day train from Chicago.

So that exhausts the "overnight out of Chicago" market...

 

[me_little_me]

Go to New Orleans. No car needed. So much to see and do. The CONO is not the best of routes due to the food but NOL will make up for it.

 

[Eric308]

Go to New Orleans. No car needed. So much to see and do. The CONO is not the best of routes due to the food but NOL will make up for it.

Great idea! Leave Chicago around 8:00pm arrive mid-afternoon. Cab it to my fave hotel in the Quarter (secluded, quiet and reasonable). Enjoy yourselves, maybe take the St. Charles street car to the zoo. You can score a one-way home for two for less than $100 (shop around for dates).

http://www.lerichelieuhotel.com/

 

[kbmiflyer]

Great idea! Leave Chicago around 8:00pm arrive mid-afternoon. Cab it to my fave hotel in the Quarter (secluded, quiet and reasonable). Enjoy yourselves, maybe take the St. Charles street car to the zoo. You can score a one-way home for two for less than $100 (shop around for dates).

http://www.lerichelieuhotel.com/

This is the almost the exact first two days of my trip with my 6th grade son over spring break, including the street car to the zoo (different hotel). Followed by the Crescent to Philadelphia and the Cardinal back to Chicago.

My other thought was Chicago - Kansas City on the Southwest Chief. The arrival time in Kansas City isn't great, but lots to do and very easy flight home. Chicago - Denver is also a great option.

 

[andersone]

I was going to suggest CONO but the child seems a little young

how about Chi to Ottumwa, pay homage to Radar O'reilly and return the next day on the Zeph,,,, just long enough

 

[Eric308]

I was going to suggest CONO but the child seems a little young

how about Chi to Ottumwa, pay homage to Radar O'reilly and return the next day on the Zeph,,,, just long enough

I was in first grade in 1952 on my first trip to New Orleans with my parents. I remember it vividly and it is a wonderful city for young people if you use selection and discretion. I've returned many times since then including my first Mardi Gras in 1969 and several more since then, and also our honeymoon. NOLA is not ALL Bourbon St. craziness. Search and you will find.

 

[tommylicious]

Thank you for all the great suggestions. We're flying to NYC, spending a couple nights, then taking the LSL back. #49 much better schedule than 48 imo...don't like getting on train so late. Much rather get on in the afternoon and arrive in evening.

 

[ehbowen]

Leave some time to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island; also, the Empire State Building and the main waiting room of old Grand Central Terminal are worth a visit. And, last I checked, the Staten Island ferry over and back is now free.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

An excellent museum is the New York City Transit Museum located in Brooklyn in a former Subway station. Train cars from the entire history of the NYC Subway system are on display and most of them are open for display!

Not like you will be lacking things to do in NYC.... good choice!

 

[trainman74]

I was going to suggest CONO but the child seems a little young

how about Chi to Ottumwa, pay homage to Radar O'reilly and return the next day on the Zeph,,,, just long enough

If she's too young to go to New Orleans, she's definitely too young to know or care who Radar O'Reilly is!