10 Beautiful Lakes You Can Easily Visit on Amtrak
If you are craving a scenic escape without the stress of driving, traveling by train offers a relaxing and eco-friendly alternative. In fact, there are 10 beautiful lakes you can easily reach on Amtrak, making it simple to enjoy nature without straying far from a station. Whether you are into kayaking, swimming, hiking, or just soaking in tranquil views, these lake destinations combine the charm of the outdoors with the convenience of rail travel. In this blog, you will explore 10 stunning lakes across the U.S. that are perfect for your next Amtrak adventure.
Here are 10 beautiful lakes you can easily reach by Amtrak, combining relaxing lake visits with scenic train travel. These lakes offer fantastic outdoor activities and are just a short trip from convenient Amtrak stations.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan’s stunning shores are within easy reach thanks to four key stations that serve up a perfect mix of urban excitement and small-town charm. You have got Chicago station, the bustling city with lakefront trails and beaches just minutes away; Milwaukee station, known for its lively waterfront and vibrant cultural scene; and the quieter escapes of New Buffalo and St. Joseph in Michigan, both offering peaceful lake access just a short stroll from the train. These four gateways open the door to everything from city skylines to sandy shores, all within a comfortable walk of the station.
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a big, fresh lake that sits mostly between Vermont and New York, and a small part touches Canada. It is very long, about 107 miles, and has many islands and a lot of shoreline with beaches and parks. People visit Lake Champlain for fun activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. The city of Burlington, Vermont, is right next to the lake and has an Amtrak train station called Burlington, Vermont Union Station, so visitors can easily take the train and walk down to the lake to enjoy its beauty and outdoor activities.
Lake George
Lake George is a long, narrow lake in northeastern New York, located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. It is about 32 miles long and up to 2.5 miles wide, known for its very clear water and many islands. Lake George is popular for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The closest Amtrak station to Lake George is Fort Edward Station, which is about a 15-minute drive from the lake, making it easy for visitors to reach this stunning area by train. Fort Edward station is served by the Ethan Allen Express route.
Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is the largest lake entirely in Pennsylvania. It is a man-made lake about 32 miles long, surrounded by trees and hills. Many people visit for boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming. The closest Amtrak station to Raystown Lake is Huntingdon Station, which is about a 20-minute drive from the lake. Huntingdon Station is served by the Pennsylvanian train route, making it easy for visitors to get close to the lake by train.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is about 10 miles long and surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. The water is very clear, and the area has great hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The closest Amtrak station is West Glacier, about a 20-30 minute drive from the lake. Visitors can enjoy peace and nature easily by train and a short drive.
Donner Lake
Donner Lake is near Truckee, California, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is known for its clear water, hiking trails, and water activities like swimming and kayaking. The Truckee Amtrak station, served by the California Zephyr route, is just a short drive away. This makes Donner Lake easy to reach for those taking the train. The town nearby offers shops and restaurants as well.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis is a large lake near Austin, Texas, popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. The closest Amtrak station is Austin Station on the Texas Eagle route, about 30 minutes from the lake by car. Visitors can enjoy beaches, parks, and water sports after a short drive. Lake Travis is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, offering many outdoor fun activities.
Crater Lake
Crater Lake in Oregon is famous for its deep blue water and natural beauty. The nearest Amtrak station is Klamath Falls, about an hour’s drive from the lake. Visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to reach this stunning lake inside Crater Lake National Park. It is a great spot for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. The lake is one of the deepest in the United States.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is inside Yellowstone National Park and is the largest high-altitude lake in North America. There is no direct Amtrak stop at the lake, but visitors can use nearby gateway cities served by Amtrak trains and continue by car or shuttle. Yellowstone Lake is popular for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. It offers peaceful views surrounded by the park’s mountains and forests.
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes National Park offers stunning dunes, sandy beaches, and many hiking trails through forests and wetlands. Visitors can explore historic sites like Chellberg Farm. The park is famous for birdwatching, with over 350 bird species present. Swimming, hiking, and camping are popular activities in this beautiful natural area. The closest train access for visitors is the New Buffalo Amtrak station in Michigan, about 10 miles away.
In conclusion, these 10 beautiful lakes you can easily reach on Amtrak offer incredible opportunities for relaxation, outdoor fun, and scenic beauty, all accessible by train travel. From crystal-clear mountain lakes like Lake McDonald and Donner Lake to large recreational spots like Lake Travis and Raystown Lake, each destination provides unique experiences close to Amtrak stations. Whether looking for hiking, boating, wildlife watching, or beaches, these lakes provide easy access without the hassle of driving long distances.