Picturesque Small Towns In America Travelers Can Reach By Train

Amtrak has big plans for America. By 2040, it hopes to double its ridership to 66 million, even restoring its long-lost Western routes, banking on Americans falling in love with train travel again. While the busiest Amtrak stations are those in large cities, the network covers over 500 destinations, many of them picturesque small towns perfect for a short break.

So why not swap the great American road trip for a great American rail trip? Traveling with Amtrak is relaxing. With no traffic and no tailgaters, you can spend your time soaking in the miles of scenery rolling by. If you need to stretch your legs, you can head to the bathroom without breaking your journey or pop down to the dining car to grab a bite to eat. And once you arrive, you glide right into the center of town with no parking woes.

The small towns we've chosen span America, from the Northeast to the Southwest. They are easily walkable, with pretty downtowns and plenty of attractions to keep you busy without a vehicle. Hop on board and let your rail travel adventure begin.

Welcome to Hermann, Missouri! Or should we say Willkommen to Hermann? This charming Missouri River town is known for its strong German heritage, reflected in the old-world charm of its red-brick buildings. For a glimpse into Hermann's past, visit Hermann Farm, where you can take a tour with the farm's Shire draft horses, visit the distillery, and learn about early winemaking in the region.

The town's abundance of wineries makes a car a burden here! Award-winning Stone Hill is Missouri's oldest winery and is just a 25-minute walk from the center. Offering guided tours and tastings, as well as a restaurant serving German and American classics, it's a perfect place to while away an afternoon.

Hermann is easily accessible via Amtrak's Missouri River Runner, which runs between St. Louis and Kansas City. And there's no better way to arrive. The train follows the Missouri River into town, and the centrally located station is right on the banks, overlooking Riverfront Park.

Mississippi's Laurel is perhaps best known as the official backdrop of HGTV's "Home Town," hosted by Erin and Ben Napier. The couple have restored around 50 of Laurel's old homes, transforming it into a town that overflows with Southern charm. Wander around the historic district to see grand, early 20th-century homes sited along oak-lined boulevards and explore the well-kept downtown. There, you'll find specialty shops, like Buff City Soap and the Napiers' own Laurel Mercantile, selling a range of beautiful home goods.

Once you get hungry, head to 320 Fifth Street, where the tacos and pulled pork nachos come highly recommended. For mouthwatering Southern cuisine, you can't beat Pearl's Diner. The fried chicken, cornbread, and mac and cheese are beloved dishes.

You can reach Laurel on Amtrak's Crescent Train. The station is right in the center of town, making exploring on foot a breeze. If Laurel leaves you wanting to discover more of this corner of Mississippi, arty, offbeat Hattiesburg is just along the line. (Incidentally, Hattiesburg lies on Route 49, one of Mississippi's most dangerous roads — yet another reason to choose Amtrak!)

Not the sprawling Las Vegas of casinos and neon lights, Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a quaint town that boasts over 900 buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places and offers visitors a chance to experience the Old West. The local tourism site details walking tours of the five historic districts, and they're a great place to start exploring.

Expect plenty of New Mexican and Mexican flavors in Las Vegas. Don't miss X Marks The Spot, which has garnered an incredible 4.9/5 rating on Google. The tacos and stuffed sopapillas get particular shout-outs. Local stores showcase antique treasures and newer arts and crafts, making them the perfect place to pick up a souvenir.

Las Vegas is on the route of Amtrak's Southwest Chief, which rolls through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the U.S. on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. After visiting New Mexico's Las Vegas, you can get back on the same route to continue to the better-known city of the same name or head to Gallup, NM or Winslow, AZ, both iconic stops on Route 66.

Upstate New York's Hudson is simply a joy to explore. The town is a picturesque blend of architectural styles, from 18th-century Nantucket townhouses to early 20th-century Arts and Crafts style buildings. Many of the buildings house independent stores, selling everything from artisanal perfume to vinyl records. There are also over 50 antique dealers on Warren Street and by the pretty waterfront, making Hudson a mecca for treasure hunters and design lovers alike.

Hudson's vibrant arts scene is centered on Warren Street, which is lined with art galleries, performing arts venues like Hudson Hall (New York State's oldest surviving theatre), and music venues like Park Theater. For foodies, Hudson offers a variety of excellent restaurants, from farm-to-table fare to cozy cafes. Craft beer lovers can enjoy local pints at Hudson Brewing Company.

Hudson is particularly well-served by Amtrak — the Maple Leaf (unsurprisingly, this route terminates in Canada), the Empire Service, and the Ethan Allen Express all stop there, along with several other services. A trip on any of these lines in the fall will take you through landscapes ablaze with foliage, making for a spectacular journey. If you're planning a weekend break in Hudson from New York City, traveling by train is a no-brainer as it allows you to avoid the snarling traffic coming out of the city.

For an outdoor escape with no car required, look no further than Sandpoint. Situated in northern Idaho, Sandpoint's location is almost impossibly scenic on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, surrounded by mountain peaks. The train station is right next to the city beach park, so you can hop off the train and straight into Pend Oreille's refreshing waters.

Downtown Sandpoint has a range of places to eat, from diners like Connie's Cafe & Lounge to Asian fusion at The Fat Pig to Spuds Waterfront Grill, where the food is as good as the views. While summer is a glorious time to visit, Sandpoint is also an underrated spot for winter adventures, so don't limit yourself to visiting during peak bathing season. Schweitzer's ski slopes are a quick bus ride away.

You can reach Sandpoint on Amtrak's Empire Builder, which runs on another incredibly scenic Amtrak route from Chicago to Seattle. If you're traveling west, you'll have magnificent vistas of Montana's Glacier National Park just before you arrive in Sandpoint. The train also stops at East and West Glacier, convenient access points to the park.