Faster Rides Ahead: Amtrak’s $11M Wisconsin Upgrades Are Live
Many visitors line up for Alcatraz in San Francisco. Closer to home, a quieter pick waits on the rails: a simple train getaway to Wisconsin’s freshly upgraded Amtrak stops.
In November 2025, Amtrak wrapped an $11 million package of station improvements across Wisconsin, including Columbus and Tomah. The work matters now. Riders get smoother boarding, brighter platforms, better signs, and easier accessibility. That means simple day trips for leaf peeping and cozy early winter escapes. Details were shared by Amtrak and local officials and confirmed in recent coverage. See the upgrade overview from Amtrak’s newsroom and reporting linked below in this guide.
What Got Upgraded in Wisconsin, and Why It Helps Fall Trips
Several Wisconsin stations just got a refresh, including Columbus and Tomah. The focus is on rider comfort and accessibility. Think sloped walkways, railings, heated platform segments, LEDs for lighting, clearer signage, and tidier waiting rooms.
These stops sit on the long-distance Empire Builder and the newer second daily Twin Cities–Milwaukee–Chicago frequency. More trains mean better timing for day trips and weekend plans.
- Budget: about $11 million, completed November 2025.
- Benefits: faster boarding, safer footing, more clarity after dark, and better ADA access.
Why go in fall and early winter? Fewer crowds, crisp air, and small-town holiday lights. Trains feel calm, and cozy cafe stops land just a short walk from the platform.
Where the work landed
The highlighted stations are Columbus and Tomah, with improvements touching multiple Wisconsin stops used by the Empire Builder and the second daily Twin Cities–Milwaukee–Chicago service. These stations serve trips between Chicago, Milwaukee, the Twin Cities, and points to the west.
How riders feel the difference
- Boarding is faster and cleaner.
- Waiting rooms feel tidier and warmer.
- After-dark lighting is brighter and safer.
- Wheelchairs and strollers move with less hassle.
- Signs and wayfinding are easier to follow.
Top Things To Do Near the Upgraded Stations
Think easy-on, easy-off trips. Short walks, quick rides, and low-stress itineraries. Hours shift by season, so check ahead. Some tours may pause in winter.
Wisconsin Dells Station: Riverwalk, sandstone views, and boat tours
- Stroll the Dells Riverwalk for cliff and river views.
- Take a guided boat tour for sandstone canyons, seasonal schedules vary.
- Try short hikes at nearby parks, bring grippy shoes in fall and winter.
- Warm up with cocoa or coffee on Broadway after the walk.
Walkability note: the station sits close to downtown, so it is an easy stroll to shops and the riverfront.
La Crosse Station: Grandad Bluff and the riverfront
- Ride up to Grandad Bluff for a wide Mississippi Valley view.
- Walk Riverside Park to watch for bridges and bald eagles.
- Visit the Dahl Auto Museum or local breweries near downtown.
- Catch sunset photos along the river on clear evenings.
Transit note: the bluff sits uphill, so plan a local bus or rideshare from the station.
Tomah Station: Bikes, Elroy-Sparta Trail access, and cranberry country
- Rent bikes in nearby Sparta for the Elroy-Sparta Trail’s tunnels, seasonal closures may apply.
- Sample local cranberry products in fall.
- Take short walks at lake parks near Tomah.
- Warm up with hot soup and bakery stops downtown in cold weather.
Access note: plan a short rideshare or shuttle from Tomah to nearby trailheads when in season.
Columbus Station: Easy hop to Madison’s lakes and museums
- Connect to Madison by rideshare or regional bus when available.
- Walk the Capitol Square and State Street for food and views.
- Stroll the Lakeshore Path for an easy scenic walk.
- Spend a warm hour inside at the Chazen Museum of Art.
Local note: Columbus has charming architecture and cafes right by the station if staying close is the plan.
How To Visit by Train: Routes, Tickets, Passes, Best Times
It is simple. No ferry, just the train. Book early for the best fares. Check schedules before buying.
Routes and schedules in 2025
Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, La Crosse, and Columbus sit on the Chicago–Milwaukee–Twin Cities corridor. Two daily options serve many riders: the long-distance Empire Builder and a second daily frequency linking the Twin Cities and Chicago. For the route map and long-distance details, see the Empire Builder.
Quick snapshot:
- Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison region by rail and short connections.
- Direct links to the Twin Cities, plus Montana and the Pacific Northwest on the Empire Builder.
Tickets and passes
- Look for Saver and Value fares. Book early for weekends.
- Children and seniors often get discounts. Check the fare rules before purchase.
- The USA Rail Pass works well for multi-stop loops.
- Bike space is limited. Reserve a bike slot only on trains that allow them.
Money tip: sales pop up on shoulder dates, so search a few days around the target.
Best times to ride
- Aim for midweek for lower fares and lighter crowds.
- Take early departures for day trips, then return after dinner.
- Leaf color peaks around October in many spots. River views shine year-round.
- After Thanksgiving, rides feel extra cozy with snow in the forecast.
Quick History, Practical Tips, and Map Notes
A short history of Amtrak in Wisconsin
Amtrak began in 1971, keeping long-distance trains through La Crosse and corridor links to Chicago. State-supported service grew, strengthening the Chicago–Milwaukee–Twin Cities route. A second daily Twin Cities link added flexibility for Wisconsin riders. The latest chapter is the $11 million station upgrades, completed in November 2025, celebrated with local partners in Columbus.
Practical tips: fees, restrooms, food, accessibility, safety
- Stations and trains have restrooms, lines can form before departures.
- Grab snacks near stations, carry a water bottle, and keep a small tote for layers.
- Accessibility improved with sloped walkways, railings, and lighting from the upgrades.
- Safety basics: stand behind the platform line, watch for ice, and follow posted signs.
- On trails, pack out trash, stay on marked paths, and respect closures.
- Day trip vs. overnight: day trips fit well with the new frequency. For winter overnights, book refundable rooms and check road or trail conditions.
Map, parking, and nearby towns
- Save offline maps in case service drops.
- Small-station parking can be limited or unmonitored, arrive early.
- Add-on towns for easy loops:
- Baraboo near the Dells for Devil’s Lake hikes.
- Onalaska near La Crosse for lake paths and birding.
- Sun Prairie near Columbus for cafes, murals, and quick bites.
Optional driving tip: if mixing car and train, park at an outlying station, then ride into city centers to skip traffic.
Quick Station Snapshot
| Station | Lines Served | Nearby Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Dells | Empire Builder, second daily Twin Cities link | Riverwalk, sandstone boat tours |
| La Crosse | Empire Builder, second daily Twin Cities link | Grandad Bluff, Riverside Park |
| Tomah | Empire Builder, second daily Twin Cities link | Elroy-Sparta Trail access, lakes |
| Columbus | Empire Builder, second daily Twin Cities link | Madison connections, cafes, architecture |
Why This Matters Now
- Investment: about $11 million across Wisconsin stations.
- Timing: completed November 2025, improving comfort and access for winter and spring trips.
For official details, see Amtrak’s announcement and this summary report, Station upgrades in Wisconsin.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s upgraded Amtrak stations make quick train trips easier, cleaner, and more accessible right now. Pick a stop, plan a simple day loop, and pack a warm layer. Aim a camera at Grandad Bluff at golden hour over the Mississippi, or catch the Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk at sunset after an early dinner. Ready to roll? Check fares and schedules on Amtrak’s site before booking, then ride.
