Explore the Top 4 Scenic Train Rides for Stunning Wildflower Blooms in the U.S.

We’re a couple of days away from the official start of spring on March 20, but that hasn’t stopped Mother Nature from bursting back to life with a few unbelievable displays of beautiful wildflower blooms. Rather than trekking all the way to super blooms across the nation on your own, Amtrak has an easier solution: Hop aboard one of its trains offering wildflower views instead.

Though these scenic rides aren’t specifically for the flowers, they do traverse some of the most gorgeous landscapes in America that are often blanketed by wildflowers throughout the season. Here are four tickets to buy so you can sit back, relax, and let the scenery come to you this spring.

Texas Eagle: Chicago to San Antonio

Though the Texas Eagle begins in Chicago, the real star here is the Lone Star state. The ride travels to major cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, with the option to connect to Los Angeles. However, the power of this ride isn’t in the destinations, but rather the journey along the way. On the route, guests can gaze out the windows to admire fields of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, pink evening primroses, and Mexican hats sprinkled across the landscape. Amtrak even offers daily service through the more popular wildflower viewing areas in the state. Aim to plan your trip around early to mid-April for optimal viewing.

Empire Builder: Chicago to the Pacific Northwest

The Empire Builder takes travelers on a ride from Chicago all the way to Seattle, if they wish, riding alongside much of the Lewis and Clark Trail. As a representative for Amtrak shared, the train offers awe-inspiring views along the Mississippi River, Big Sky in Montana, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. On this route, guests can spot violet lupines, purple asters, glacier lilies, and beargrass.

Ethan Allen Express: New York to Vermont

Take a ride from New York City through the countryside to Burlington, Vermont on the Ethan Allen Express. The train takes passengers through the Hudson River Valley and Adirondacks, showcasing endless verdant vistas along the route. After the snow melts away from the mountains, passengers can spot trout lilies, purple spring beauties, and red trillium. Therefore, be sure to time your visit strategically between the snow and the summer heat, as these blooms tend to disappear quickly.

Coast Starlight: Los Angeles to Seattle

Travel the length of the West Coast, hugging the seashore before cutting through fairytale woodland landscapes in northern California, through Oregon, and into Washington State on the Coast Starlight. On this scenic ride, Amtrak shared that travelers can observe an abundance of varied blooms, including fields of California poppies, wild irises, and tiger lilies.