See Missouri by Train

The only remaining dome car in Amtrak service.

My son loves trains. Model trains, Thomas the train, freight trains, passenger trains – He loves them all. So I recently surprised him by taking him for a ride on a real train, the Missouri River Runner. Amtrak services KC and recently had the only remaining “Great Dome” rail car available for service between St. Louis to Kansas City.

Since this is the first time in many, many years that the historic dome car has been in KC – I knew that the kids and I had to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Our excitement grows as we wait to board the train. My son can’t keep still, he is so excited. As the train enters the station, they can’t contain themselves. I’m pretty excited too! It’s been years since I rode the train.

Finally the train comes to a complete stop and we wait our turn as riders deboard. Now it’s our turn! We board the train and make our way to the dome car which is the last rail car. It was funny to watch the kids try and keep their balance while the train was moving  80 mph!  As I giggled at them, I lost my balance and  fell into a man’s lap. Luckily he was nonchalant and unruffled by my clumsiness. We decided to go to the upper level, which was a good choice.  With windows on all sides and overhead, the  panoramic views of the Missouri countryside were lovely.

We were in the company of about 60 American Association of Railroaders. I think we were the only non-railroad enthusiasts in the dome car that afternoon.

Our first sights were of lots of the prairie with an occasional home or two or cemetery. Then as we came closer to KC, we saw more industrial plants and salvage yards. My son loved the salvage yards! It was cool to see KC grow bigger before our eyes.

It wasn’t long before we heard the announcement for Union Station. Amtrak is a great way to see Missouri. It’s affordable and very family friendly. Right now, kids ride for half price with a paid adult fare. Amtrak has service all through the Midwest (and of course the US) so you can hop on a train, come to KC, check out the Titanic exhibit, Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center and  spend the night in a Crown Center hotel. You don’t even need a car. Crown Center has all types of attractions, shopping, dining and entertainment options for families to enjoy.