Article Summary –
Amtrak has announced it will be adding a second train, the Borealis, to connect Wisconsin with Illinois and Minnesota, starting May 21. The Borealis will make daily trips from Chicago to Twin Cities with eight stops throughout Wisconsin, doubling the frequency of the service. The additional service is part of a partnership between the three states and Amtrak and aims to economically benefit the communities along the route.
Amtrak Announces Borealis Train in Southern Wisconsin
Amtrak has unveiled a second train route connecting Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, offering an alternative to the Empire Builder service. The Borealis train will start operations from May 21, serving eight stops in Wisconsin between La Crosse and Milwaukee.
Part of a three-state partnership with Amtrak, this new service is expected to stimulate economic growth along the route. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson stated that the doubled service frequency will better link businesses, universities, and tourist attractions along the corridor.
Democratic State Sen. Brad Pfaff welcomed the added service, which includes two stops in his district, citing benefits for residents, tourists, and local businesses.
The Borealis not only doubles the rail options for travelers but also offers a slightly quicker daylight journey through scenic Wisconsin landscapes. Amtrak describes the route as a picturesque journey past gentle hills and farmlands between the vibrant hubs of Chicago and the Twin Cities.
For this 7.5-hour journey, one-way tickets from St. Paul to Chicago start at $41 for coach seats. The train also offers business class seating and a cafe car with regional food and beverage selections. Departure times are set at 11:50 a.m. from the Twin Cities and 11:05 a.m. from Chicago.
The Borealis will stop at Sturtevant, Milwaukee International Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, and La Crosse. Following the Borealis announcement, travelers expressed their excitement on social media, with some even booking their opening day trips.
A $2.5 million federal grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is set to fund five potential new passenger routes around Wisconsin, including non-rail served cities like Madison and Green Bay. Amtrak President Roger Harris noted that interest in new or expanded Amtrak service countrywide is at an all-time high, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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