Hello Reader,

Welcome back!

🚉 Reader Highlight: Don’t Miss Dodge City, Kansas on the Southwest Chief!

One of my readers shared this excellent information in response to my recent newsletter on the Amtrak Southwest Chief. I had to pass that info along!

The Southwest Chief stops in Dodge City, Kansas, right near an original Harvey House and directly across from Boot Hill, which is packed with history tied to Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Bat Masterson.

Look closely at the north side of the train (right-hand side if you’re heading west) and you might spot statues of these legends—plus a nod to Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke fame!

🔎 Personally, Dodge City jumped onto my travel radar after watching a video by Jacob the Carpetbagger—he’s got a fun way of uncovering quirky Americana, and Boot Hill looked like a must-see after that!

🏨 Staying in Dodge City

If you’re planning to get off the train and explore:

• Holiday Inn Express is just three blocks from the depotthanks to —an easy walk, improved sidewalks and street lighting.
• Best Western offers a shuttle from the depot; please call ahead to arrange pickup.
  • The IHOP next to Best Western is Dodge City’s only 24-hour restaurant—perfect if you’re arriving early.

🎯 What to Do in Dodge City

• Boot Hill Museum: Allow approximately 4 hours to explore the site fully.
• Historic Trolley Tour: Runs in the summer, lasts roughly an hour,visits, and visits several historic sites.
• Other museums: A few nearby—budget 2 hours total.
• Main Street: Don’t miss the massive antique store and ice cream shop.
• Distillery, brewery, and restaurants: Walkable from Boot Hill.
• A water park is located just outside the Holiday Inn parking lot.
• State-run casino with a free shuttle from town.

🚍 Transportation Notes

• City buses are available, but tourist areas are mostly walkable.
• Hertz is the only rental car company located at the airport, which is not walkable.
• Train depot hours4:00 am5:30 am10:30 pm. The waiting area is open from 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM and from 10:30 PM to 11:59 pm

⏳ Suggested Itinerary

Arrive on the westbound Southwest Chief at 4:54 am, enjoy breakfast, store your bags at the hotel, spend the day exploring, and return east that night or head west the following morning. The eastbound train arrives at 11:17 pm.

🗓 Plan your trip for April–June or September–December for optimal weather conditions.

🎉 Into rodeos or Old West fun? Check out Dodge City Days, the first week of August, with concerts, rodeos, and even longhorn cattle on Main Street!

🖱 VisitDodgeCity.org for more info.

Big thanks to Christy On the Range who shared this info—you really brought Dodge City to life! If you’ve got travel tips from your own Amtrak journeys, reply to this newsletter or comment on my blog. I love hearing from you!

The Mardi Gras Service Is Delayed

Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service is being slightly delayed. Southern Rail Commission chairman Knox Ross told the station that “construction issues” are responsible for the latest delays. “We know the train’s going to run,” Ross said. “It’s just a matter of getting to that point.”

They are currently looking at the end of summer, likely at the end of July or the beginning of August. As soon as a firm date is set, ticket sales will begin.

What has Kev been up to?

My nephew and two nieces are here, along with their parents. Boy, the house feels small! They arrived safely, although there was some grumbling. But two days in a car for two three-year-olds and a six-year-old, not to mention two thirty-somethings, can be a lot.

This week, I received an email stating that my website address, TravelswithKev.com, is up for renewal. I can't believe another year has passed. The website has evolved significantly; it started as a platform for my travels, but now it focuses on how others can travel.

This is my birthday month! I will be 26 (again) next week, and to celebrate, if you join Patreon this month, you'll get 48% off your first month! In addition, you'll receive a free postcard each month and more. If you're interested, use code 605BD.

Looking at the Markers 🚂

Thank you for reading this newsletter and reaching out—it means a lot 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