Lake Shore Limited & Sad Heartland Update


The Travels with Kev Newsletter

Hello Reader,

Welcome back!

🚆 Featured Route: Ride the Lake Shore Limited

If you’re dreaming of a classic overnight train trip, Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited is a fantastic way to experience long-distance rail travel. This train operates daily between Chicago and both New York City and Boston, providing you with options based on your destination—and offering some beautiful views along the way.

🌆 What You’ll See From the shores of Lake Erie to the scenic Hudson River Valley and rolling Berkshires, this ride offers stunning sights. It’s one of those journeys where the train window becomes your personal movie screen. If you want to go to Toronto, you can transfer to the Maple Leaf in Buffalo, NY.

🚪 Coach vs. Sleeper Cars Coach offers wide, reclining seats with plenty of legroom—great for budget travelers. However, if you’d like to stretch out or need privacy overnight, sleeper cars provide you with your own space and include meals. I break it all down in the guide!

🕐 Travel Tips for First-Timers

  • The train runs overnight, so be sure to bring snacks, headphones, and something comfortable to wear.
  • Sleeper rooms can sell out—book early if you’re interested.
  • Delays happen, so plan your connections with some wiggle room.

🔗 Ready to explore this route? I put together a complete guide that includes:

  • A printable schedule
  • A breakdown of coach and sleeper options
  • What to expect onboard
  • Beginner-friendly tips from someone who’s been there (me!)

👉 Check out the Lake Shore Limited guide

🚨 Heartland Flyer Update 🚨

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I believed the Heartland Flyer had secured its funding to continue operations; however, unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

Amtrak has now confirmed that the Heartland Flyer, which runs between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, is facing imminent suspension due to a lack of funding. This update comes directly from Amtrak’s official news release, and unless state or federal funding is secured soon, service may be halted.

🔗 Read the official update from Amtrak here

The Heartland Flyer serves as a vital connection for communities in Oklahoma and North Texas, making it a popular choice for regional travel.

I will keep an eye on this story and share any updates as they come. I hope that this money comes through, and this doesn't become another Hooser State.

What has Kev been up to?

This week, I celebrated my birthday, and my family organized the entire day for me, especially my eldest niece, Mackenzie. We went to a pizza buffet they liked, and I did not get my favorite cake, it was still great. I suppose when you have younger nieces and a nephew staying with you, your birthday becomes their day.

Other than that, I am enjoy the warm weather we are getting in Wisconsin!

Since this is my birthday month, I am 26 (again) (okay, I am 48), and to celebrate, if you join Patreon this month, you'll get 48% off your first month! Additionally, you'll receive a free postcard each month and more. If you're interested, use code 605BD.

I just got my order of postcards, and I would love to send you one.

Looking at the Markers 🚂

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a great deal to me!

If you enjoy my work, consider supporting this free information. If you're interested, please visit my support page and click the green button located at the bottom of this newsletter.

Every little bit truly helps, and together, we’re inspiring more people to explore the world—one train trip at a time! 🚆✨

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith

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Travels with Kev is not affiliated with Amtrak or the other companies referenced; this newsletter serves as a guide.

Kev’s Amtrak Long-Distance Quick Guide - Updated 3-5-2025

216 E Chandler Blvd, Burlington, WI 53105
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