The Scenic Train Ride In Iowa That Runs Year-Round

When people think about scenic train rides in Iowa, their first thought probably goes to the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. That Iowa mainstay may deliver brilliant views - but are you out of luck when colder weather rolls around? Not if you know where to look. Amtrak, the cross-country railroad, runs two long-distance routes through Iowa - the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief. Both originate in Chicago and terminate in California - and you can take year-round Iowa train rides on either. Whether you're looking for a short jaunt through the prairie or a long journey to the coast, these memorable train rides are an epic adventure - with a spot in the Hawkeye State,

All aboard! The Southwest Chief train leaves from Chicago and makes six stops along the route in Iowa,

The Burlington station is one of the busiest, and is a great place to hop aboard or buy tickets.

The train also serves smaller areas like Osceola - which is the closest stop to Des Moines.

Wherever you get on, you can take a three-hour Amtrak ride across the Hawkeye State for a scenic day trip.

But that's not where the adventure ends. Sure, you can get off and stay in Iowa - or you can get settled for a multi-day trip across the American southwest.

If you're staying on board till LA, you'll enjoy high-quality dining in the restaurant-like dining car.

And unlike many other scenic train rides, this one runs year-round.

The scenery is very different in the winter, but no less beautiful. Take in the snow-capped mountains as you ride the leisurely rails - and it all starts in Iowa.

Have you taken one of these Amtrak train rides in Iowa? Let us know what you think of these year-round scenic train rides in Iowa in the comments section. If you're planning a trip of your own soon, make sure to visit Amtrak's route page for more information about the routes and stations.