10 Michigan Amtrak Day Trips via the Blue Water Line

Get ready for a ride across Michigan on the Blue Water Amtrak route, which starts in Chicago and spans the eastern edge of Lake Michigan to the waters of Lake Huron.

The Blue Water train carves a path through the heart of the mitten, with college towns, cultural hubs, and lakefront gems along the way.

Whether you’re in it for the architecture, local food, or just the joy of riding the rails, this Amtrak route makes it easy to hop off and see what each stop has to offer.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about parking fees, finding a spot, or sitting in traffic since most of the places to visit are within walking distance of the train station.

New Buffalo

The Amtrak New Buffalo (NBU) train station is located at 226 North Whittaker Street.

The first Michigan stop after leaving Chicago is the beach town of New Buffalo, recently ranked as the Best Beach Vacation by Good Housekeeping magazine.

New Buffalo Beach sits just an eight-minute walk from the train station. Enjoy the views or rent a kayak/SUP to explore the coastline by water. Sailing excursions also leave from the waterfront here.

Leave the train station, and head east to be in the heart of the charming New Buffalo downtown. You’ll find it to be a welcoming and vibrant place, with wide sidewalks to support the walkable layout.

Less than 1 mile from the station is the New Buffalo Railroad Museum, with exhibits and walkable train cars that take you through history.

The food scene is strong here and leans heavily Italian, with favorites like the waterside upscale Terrance Room and a more low-key Sonny D’s with a speakeasy below. Choose a patio or rooftop view at The Stray Dog, offering international comfort food.

Niles

The Amtrak Niles (NLS) train station is located at 598 Dey Street.

From the beach to the banks of the St. Joseph River, Niles is known for its rich history involving four countries over the past three centuries.

You’ll arrive at Riverfront Park after a half-mile walk from the train station. Pick up the IN-MI River Valley Trail and consider as many of the 35 miles as you’d like. You can take it about 2 miles south to explore the Fort St. Joseph Museum and Archaeological Park.

Downtown is also less than 1 mile from the drop-off point, with a collection of shops including Veni’s Sweet Shop, crafting sweet treats for more than 100 years.

Try the local spirits at the Iron Shoe Distillery for craft cocktails and bougie burgers, or Niles Brewing Company to taste the small-town brews with big tastes. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, follow your nose to Curly Q’s BBQ or Jim’s Smokin’ Cafe.

Dowagiac

The Amtrak Dowagiac (DOA) train station is located at 200 Depot Drive.

Let’s start with how to pronounce this next stop on the Blue Water Amtrak route. Dowagiac (“duh-WAH-jack”) comes from the Indigenous word that means “foraging grounds.” This is a reflection of the rich agriculture historically found throughout the region.

The train stops at the southern edge of downtown, offering a walkable route through the shops, restaurants, and attractions of the city’s core.

The Heddon Museum here is a quirky, volunteer-run spot that showcases vintage fishing lures and the town’s unexpected role in tackle history.

Just a short walk away, the Dowagiac Area History Museum dives into the city’s industrial past, with exhibits on everything from local factories to forgotten railroads.

Check out the list of local parks, including the nearby Rudolphi Woods, a year-round outdoor retreat. Spring visitors shouldn’t miss the wildflower display at Dowagiac Woods, but you’ll need a car or a ride to get there, about 5 miles from downtown.

When you need carbs or a cup of coffee, The Baker’s Rhapsody is the place to visit. Those a little more hungry in the morning should look at Brookie’s Cafe, with breakfast and lunch specials that look (almost) too good to eat.

Kalamazoo

The Amtrak Kalamazoo (KAL) train station is located at 459 North Burdick Street.

Kalamazoo packs a lot into a walkable downtown, and the best part is that you can get to it all straight from the train. Just step outside the historic Amtrak station, and you’re a few blocks from breweries, museums, public art, and live music.

Stroll the pedestrian-only Downtown Kalamazoo Mall for indie shops, cafes, and outdoor sculptures. It’s worth looking up the events at Arcadia Creek Festival Place to see if something is happening during your visit.

Keep the art vibe going with a stop at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe for local brews, craft food, and live music, or make an early morning or lunch stop at Studio Grill to enjoy the creative meals and walls filled with art.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is free to enter and surprisingly fun, with hands-on exhibits about science and local history. If art’s more your thing, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has a solid permanent collection and some great rotating shows.

Battle Creek

The Amtrak Battle Creek (BTL) train station is located at 119 McCamly Street South.

Battle Creek is also known as Cereal City, as it’s the (accidental) birthplace of the cornflake. To learn more about the Kellogg family’s rise to fame, walk to the Cereal History Exhibit downtown.

The W.K. Kellogg Manor House is open to guests, but you’ll need a car or a rideshare to get there. It’s about 15 miles away on the shore of Gull Lake. His “city” home is now an events center in Battle Creek Linear Park.

The park offers 26 miles of trails, with the best access point being near Friendship Park. The designated loops ensure you don’t miss any of the attractions and historical markers along the way. Routes range from 1 mile to almost 11 miles.

Take a trail to the Battle Creek Regional History Museum, too. If you get hungry on the way, cross over to Clara’s on the River, a unique spot housed in a historic train station. The Sunday brunch should be on your must-do list!

Hop into The Cricket to see the longest cherry wood bar in the state and sample the cocktails, or make a long dinner reservation at Kitchen Proper Foods for mid-Michigan specials.

East Lansing

The Amtrak East Lansing (LNS) train station is located at 1240 South Harrison Road.

The East Lansing stop puts you right in the center of a college town. You’ll be surrounded by the beauty of Michigan State University, covering 5,200 acres. Bike rental and Zip Cars are available on campus.

Explore the MSU Broad Art Museum while you’re wandering around. It’s free and open year-round. See what’s in bloom at the MSU Horticulture Gardens, the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens, and Beal Botanical Gardens & Campus Arboretum.

Once you weave your way through campus, you’ll be at downtown East Lansing. Explore the shops and sights on Grand River Avenue. Then, play some games at Pinball Pete’s, including old-school arcade games, pinball machines, and foosball.

For karaoke or to watch a game, head to local favorite Crunchy’s Burgers & Beer. The Peanut Barrel is another staple of this Midwestern college town. Beggar’s Banquet is the place to be for brunch with bottomless mimosas.

Durand

The Amtrak Durand (DRD) train station is located at 200 South Railroad Street.

At first glance, Durand is a small town without a lot to do. Once you realize how big the railroad history is here, you’ll be excited to learn more.

In fact, the train pulls in and out of Durand Union Station, home to the Michigan Railroad History Museum. Grab a meal across the street at the Union Station Smokehouse, which is built into an old gas station.

Head to the Downtown Social District, where adults 21 and older can walk around with their favorite alcoholic beverages. Pizza lovers need to try a slice or pie from Jim’s Pizza.

Prefer a sandwich? Jimmy’s Steak and Onion is an old-school diner that proves if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Flint

The Amtrak Flint (FLN) train station is located at 1407 Sout Dort Highway.

Flint is best known as the birthplace of General Motors and the modern American auto industry. If you want to explore Flint on the Blue Water Amtrak Route, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. The station is unmanned. Arrange for a taxi, rideshare, or rental car to meet you there.
2. Downtown is about 2.5 miles away. It’s not a long distance, but it’s still not very walkable.
3. If you’re staying at a local hotel, ask about shuttle service to and from the train station.

Once you’re in downtown Flint, there are several must-see stops to consider. Those include the Cultural Center campus with the impressive Flint Institute of Arts gallery and studio, Sloan Museum of Discovery, Longway Planetarium, and the gleaming Capitol Theatre.

History buffs should consider the Whaley Historic House Museum and the Genesee County Historical Society.

The heart of Flint’s food scene is at the Flint Farmer’s Market, which is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. However, the best burgers in town are at The Torch Bar & Grill, and of course, you have to try the Torch Burger.

Meanwhile, Hoffman’s Deco Deli nails creative sandwiches and wraps with generous portions. Looking for a unique breakfast? Head over to Flint Crepe Company for a menu filled with sweet or savory dishes.

Lapeer

The Amtrak Lapeer (LPE) train station is located at 73 Howard Street.

Lapeer likely got its name from the French word “la pierre,” meaning “the stone” in reference to the rocky riverbed of the Flint River. The community earned its place in Michigan history as a lumber and railroad town. Today, it’s a charming but subdued small town.

About half a mile from the train station, you’ll be in the heart of downtown. Start with a history lesson through the Lapeer County Historical Society. The places to visit include the Lapeer Heritage Museum and the courthouse, the oldest operating courthouse in Michigan.

Check out Galley 194 and the Pix Theater downtown, with special events and performances scheduled throughout the year. Create your own art at the Whitney Creative Arts Studio. For a more interactive night of entertainment, try Axecadia, an axe-throwing and arcade combo.

There’s a small but mighty food scene in Lapeer. Tilted Axis Brewing Company, the town’s first brewery since Prohibition, snagged a 2018 World Beer Cup gold and doubles as a gastropub. It serves craft pizzas, mead, cider, and distilled spirits.

Kin Thai is known for fresh ingredients and in‑house sauces that bring bold, authentic Thai flavors. Even the coffee here gets rave reviews.

Then there’s the familiar scent of barbecue coming from Woodchips BBQ, where Michigan apple-wood meats are smoked up to 16 hours. Plus, the menu rounds out to an impressive eggroll menu, including angry bird and armadillo variations.

Port Huron

The Amtrak Port Huron (PTH) train station is located at 2223 16th Street.

The last stop on the Blue Water Amtrak route before it heads back the other way is Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumbcoast. This is another stop where having a car or a rideshare waiting would be ideal. Downtown is about 2 miles away.

Wander the Blue Water River Walk beside the St. Clair River, watch freighters glide by, or hop on the seasonal Blue Water Trolley. Another photo op is at the Easternmost Point of Michigan near the Black River and St. Clair River meeting point.

Pop into the Port Huron Museum’s Thomas Edison Depot, Carnegie Museum, and Fort Gratiot Lighthouse to dig into the local past. Also, tour the HURON Lightship, which is essentially a floating lighthouse.

You can grab tacos and a margarita at Señor Tequila, where the vibe is casual but the flavors are solid. Around the corner, Bootleggers Axe Co. is half axe-throwing range, half craft kitchen. And, it has an underground speakeasy.

For a slow morning or a quick bite, Kate’s Downtown does great coffee and baked goods. And, if you’re in the mood for something polished, The Vintage Tavern delivers.

The Blue Water Route in Review

Taking this train trip between Chicago and Port Huron gets you so many vantage points, including two Great Lakes and nearly a dozen cities along the way.

Should you want to continue the route into Canada, you’ll need to cross over the river and head to the train station in Sarnia, Ontario.