There’s something timeless about train travel — no traffic, no airport security lines, just the rhythmic clatter of wheels on steel and the American heartland rolling past your window. We recently made the journey from Kirkwood, Missouri to Chicago’s Union Station aboard Amtrak’s Texas Eagle, and it did not disappoint.
Departing from Kirkwood Station
Our adventure started at the Kirkwood Amtrak Station, one of the most charming depots in the St. Louis area. The historic brick station sits right in the heart of downtown Kirkwood, making it easy to grab a coffee or a bite before your train arrives. Parking is plentiful, and the platform experience is refreshingly low-stress compared to anything you’d encounter at an airport.
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle (Train 22) departs Kirkwood northbound toward Chicago, with the trip covering roughly 300 miles and taking approximately five to six hours depending on scheduling. We settled into our seats as the train pulled out through the Missouri suburbs, watching the landscape gradually transition from city sprawl to wide-open farmland.
The Ride: Sit Back and Enjoy the View
One of the greatest joys of train travel is the ability to actually see the country. As we rolled through central Illinois, vast stretches of farmland stretched to every horizon — a reminder of just how much open land lies between Missouri and Chicago. There’s a meditative quality to it that you simply can’t get behind the wheel of a car.
The onboard amenities are comfortable — wide seats with decent legroom, electrical outlets, and a café car for snacks and drinks. We highly recommend bringing your own food for the full experience, but the café car in a pinch is perfectly serviceable. Wi-Fi is available, though we found ourselves simply watching the world go by.
Arriving at Chicago Union Station
Pulling into Chicago Union Station is a moment unto itself. As the train glides beneath the city and into the station’s lower level, you get a genuine sense of arrival — this is how travel used to feel. The Great Hall above is a stunning Beaux-Arts masterpiece, with soaring ceilings, marble floors, and rows of wooden benches that have welcomed travelers since 1925.
Take a few minutes to walk through the Great Hall before heading out. It’s worth it every single time. From Union Station, the city is immediately at your fingertips — taxis, rideshare, and the CTA are all right outside.
The Field Museum: A World Beneath One Roof
From Union Station, we made our way south along the lakefront to one of Chicago’s crown jewels — The Field Museum. Situated in Grant Park with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the museum’s neoclassical exterior is as impressive as anything inside.
And what’s inside is extraordinary. The Field Museum houses over 40 million specimens and artifacts spanning natural history, ancient civilizations, and cultures from around the globe. Whether you’re drawn to the towering Sue the T. rex — one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever discovered — or the immersive exhibits on ancient Egypt, the Pacific Islands, or the gems and minerals collection, there is genuinely something for everyone.
We spent the better part of a full day exploring and still felt like we only scratched the surface. The Egypt exhibit alone could consume hours, with mummies, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring ancient history to life. The Underground Adventure exhibit — a larger-than-life journey into the world beneath the soil — is particularly impressive if you’re visiting with kids.
Michigan Avenue: The Magnificent Mile Lives Up to Its Name
After the Field Museum, we made our way north to Michigan Avenue — and if you’ve never walked the Magnificent Mile, put it on your list immediately. Stretching from the Chicago River up to Oak Street, this iconic boulevard is lined with flagship stores, world-class restaurants, and some of the most striking architecture in America. Whether you’re a shopper or just a people-watcher, it’s endlessly entertaining.
The undeniable highlight was a stop at Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate — universally known as “The Bean.” No photo does it justice. The massive reflective sculpture warps the Chicago skyline and everyone around it into a surreal, funhouse-mirror panorama. We spent far longer there than we planned, and we regret nothing.
From boutique shops to the big names, Michigan Avenue has it all. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, simply strolling the avenue as the city buzzes around you is an experience in itself. Allow at least a couple of hours — you’ll want them.
Florence and the Machine at the Rosemont: A Night to Remember
Our Chicago trip wasn’t just about daytime sightseeing — we had tickets to see Florence and the Machine at the Rosemont Theatre, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip.
The Rosemont is a fantastic venue. It’s intimate enough that there isn’t a bad seat in the house, yet large enough to generate real concert energy. The production value was stunning — Florence Welch commands a stage like few artists can, and the combination of her voice, the lighting, and the crowd made for a genuinely electric night. If you have the chance to catch a show at the Rosemont, don’t hesitate.
Getting Around: The Elevated Train is Your Best Friend
One thing that made the whole trip flow effortlessly was Chicago’s elevated train system — the “L.” For getting around the city and connecting to and from Union Station, the L is fast, affordable, and runs constantly. No rideshare surge pricing, no sitting in traffic — just hop on, hop off, and you’re exactly where you need to be.
For the Rosemont show specifically, the Blue Line runs directly from downtown all the way out to the Rosemont stop, dropping you right at the venue’s doorstep. After the concert, the same line whisked us back into the city without any of the post-show traffic headache. It’s the kind of public transit efficiency that makes you wish every American city had it.
Tips for the Trip
- Book Amtrak in advance — especially on weekends. Seats fill up, and you can often score deals booking a few weeks out.
- Arrive at Kirkwood Station early — 20-30 minutes is plenty, but the train won’t wait.
- Buy Field Museum tickets online before you go to skip the ticket line.
- Wear comfortable shoes — between the museum, Michigan Avenue, and the L, you will log serious miles.
- Get a Ventra card for the L — it’s Chicago’s transit card and makes hopping on and off the elevated train seamless.
- Check the Rosemont schedule before your trip — if there’s a show you want to see, plan around it. It’s a great venue.
- Consider a return evening train — watching the Illinois landscape at dusk from the train is a great way to wind down after a full day.
Final Thoughts
What started as a train ride from Kirkwood turned into a full Chicago experience — world-class museums, iconic landmarks, great shopping, incredible live music, and a public transit system that made it all effortless. The Amtrak ride sets the tone perfectly: relaxed, scenic, and completely stress-free.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Chicago via Amtrak from Kirkwood is one of the best travel values in the Midwest. We’ll absolutely be doing it again.
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