1. Amtrak’s Borealis: Chicago to Minneapolis/St Paul
Unveiled in 2024, Borealis doesn’t go along the same tracks as two other services: the long-distance Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle or Portland) and the Hiawatha (Chicago to Milwaukee, Wisconsin). But the increased number of trains around the Great Lakes is a boon for travellers. From Chicago, you could day trip to Milwaukee to check out the breweries inspired by the city’s German heritage. Or go all the way to Minneapolis/St. Paul to ogle at the Walker Art Center — don’t miss the Spoonbridge and Cherry statue in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden outside — and catch live music in Prince’s hometown at the Guthrie Theater or First Avenue & 7th St Entry.

Top tip
Plan your trip to visit Milwaukee on a Friday night, when many restaurants and breweries put on a ‘fish fry’ — battered fish, chips, coleslaw and rye bread. Lakefront Brewery, where meals are accompanied by live polka music, is a solid choice. Milwaukee has many breweries founded by the local