Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul): A New Era in Midwest Train Travel
In an era where the demand for sustainable, efficient, and cosy transportation is rapidly growing, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) emerges as a sparkling example of modern rail travel. Launched in May 2024, this new intercity train line has not only revitalized rail connectivity across the Midwest but also inspired a renewed public interest in long-distance train travel.
With impressive ridership statistics, scenic journeys, and strong multi-state support, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) has quickly positioned itself as one of the most exciting developments in American transportation. In this article, we’ll explore the background, performance, onboard experience, economic impact, and the promising future of this service.
Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) was designed to address a gap in consistent passenger rail service between these key Midwest cities. While Amtrak's long-standing Empire Builder train already connected these locations, it only operated as soon as daily and often encountered delays due to freight traffic on shared tracks.
The Borealis, by contrast, was envisioned as a reliable daily alternative, focused on punctuality, convenience, and regional accessibility. Backed by a partnership between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois Departments of Transportation, and with support from federal grants, Borealis represents a milestone in collaborative public transit planning.
Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) follows a picturesque and historically rich corridor. Spanning approximately 400 miles, the train departs from Chicago Union Station, traveling north through Wisconsin and Minnesota, with several notable stops along the way:
🔹 Major Stops Include:
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Chicago Union Station
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Glenview, IL
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Milwaukee Intermodal Station
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Milwaukee Airport
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Columbus, WI
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Portage, WI
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Wisconsin Dells, WI
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Tomah, WI
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La Crosse, WI
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Winona, MN
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Red Wing, MN
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St. Paul Union Depot
The total journey takes around 7 hours and 24 minutes, offering both business travelers and tourists a scenic and relaxing alternative to driving or flying.
From its inception, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) has exceeded expectations. By April 2025, just 11 months after launch, Borealis had already surpassed 205,800 riders, far outpacing the original projection of 124,000 annual passengers.
By July 2025, the service celebrated a major milestone: its 250,000th rider, accomplished during the busy July 4th travel weekend.These numbers clearly illustrate the strong demand for dependable, regional rail service in the Upper Midwest.
Notably, the addition of the Borealis increased total hall ridership (including the Empire Builder) to over 293,000 within the first year—an astonishing 227% increase.
Initially, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) operated using Horizon single-level cars, a practical choice due to availability and reliability. However, in early 2025, minor corrosion issues prompted a temporary equipment shift. During this time, passengers were furnished with Amtrak Thruway buses for a few days.
The good news got here in March 2025 when the service was upgraded to Superliner equipment—double-decker passenger cars known for their spacious interiors, larger windows, and enhanced comfort. This change significantly elevated the passenger experience, especially for those embarking on the full Chicago to St. Paul journey.
Onboard Amenities Include:
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Comfortable reclining seats
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Power outlets at each & every seat
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Free Wi-Fi (in cars)
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Café car with regional snacks and beverages
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Accessible seating and restrooms
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Ample luggage space
With panoramic windows and plush seating, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Midwest scenery without the stress of driving.
One of the standout features of Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) is its incredible natural scenery. Travelers are treated to views of:
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The Mississippi River bluffs near Red Wing and La Crosse
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Rolling Wisconsin farmlands
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Historic train depots and charming small towns
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Lush river valleys and vast forests
Especially in fall, when the foliage transforms into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows, the journey turns into a moving postcard of Midwest beauty.
The success of Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) is more than just numbers—it’s a catalyst for regional development. Increased rail access:
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Boosts tourism in smaller towns like Winona, Wisconsin Dells, and Red Wing
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Encourages investment in local hospitality and retail businesses
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Reduces highway congestion along I-94 and other major corridors
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Supports environmental goals by offering a greener transportation option
Communities along the route have already reported increased foot traffic at attractions, restaurants, and downtown events since the launch of Borealis.
No primary transportation service is without its challenges. For Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul), the biggest hurdle was corrosion problems in the Horizon fleet's cars as early as 2025. However, Amtrak's quick response—which included temporary bus service and a complete conversion to Superliner cars—showed its commitment to reliability.
Another potential challenge is track sharing with freight trains, which can occasionally cause delays. However, increased state and federal funding may enable future improvements to rail infrastructure, including adding more dedicated passenger tracks.
The future is bright for Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul). Based on overwhelming ridership success and community support, discussions are already underway to:
➕ Add a Third Daily Round Trip
This would provide even more flexibility for commuters, business travelers, and tourists.
Extend Service to New Cities
Potential future expansions include:
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Madison, WI
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Eau Claire, WI
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Duluth, MN
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Fargo, ND
These expansions would help integrate the Upper Midwest into a more connected, sustainable rail network.
💰 Federal Funding Secured
As of January 2025, $38.6 million in federal grants have been allocated to support Borealis operations through 2030, ensuring continued service and improvements.
Real stories add depth to the success of Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul). Here are a few comments from passengers:
“I used to drive from Milwaukee to St. Paul for work twice a month. Borealis has made my trips so much less stressful. I can work, relax, and enjoy the scenery.” — Jessica L., Business Analyst
Tips for First-Time Riders“We took the Borealis with our kids for a weekend getaway to Chicago. The train was clean, comfortable, and right on time. Highly recommended!” — Matt and Kim S., Family Travelers
If you're considering booking a trip on Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul), here are a few pro tips:
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Book Early: Trains fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
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Choose a Window Seat: For best views along the Mississippi River.
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Pack Snacks or Try the Café: Café cars offer light meals, but you can also bring your own.
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Use the Amtrak App: For mobile boarding, live train tracking, and alerts.
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Travel Light: Overhead luggage racks are available, but pack efficiently for comfor
You can book tickets for Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) directly through:
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The Amtrak mobile app
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Station kiosks and agents at any of the route’s major stops
Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and navy personnel.
In just over a year, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) has proven itself as more than a convenient rail line—it’s a symbol of renewed faith in public transportation. It combines speed, comfort, sustainability, and accessibility while connecting diverse communities and economies.
As the United States looks toward a future of eco-friendly infrastructure and regional revitalization, the success of Borealis stands as a powerful case study.Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a rail enthusiast, Amtrak’s “Borealis” Service (Chicago–Milwaukee–St. Paul) offers something worth exploring.
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