Student Experience: Riding the Borealis

By Elida Roskamp

I recently took the Amtrak from Union Depot in St. Paul to the Winona Station when my car was sitting on a jack in my parents’ garage, and I didn’t have a spare vehicle to get me back to school in beautiful Winona, Minnesota. I knew that it would be inconvenient for my family to drive me the 3.5 hours both ways, because they had other things that they needed to get done like work, which is why I decided on Amtrak. I also didn’t know anyone that was going back to Winona from my hometown the same weekend that I needed to head back, so the train was the best option for me.

I also decided on riding Amtrak, specifically the Borealis, which is the line that goes from the Twin Cities to Chicago and back every day, with a few stops on the Mississippi river valley, because of the price. As a college kid traveling on a budget, price was super important to me when it came to my searching to find a way back to school. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on gas or promise people cash for their gas when I didn’t have cash, but looking at the prices for a short trip from the Cities to Winona proved to be the most fiscally reasonable option, so I booked my ticket. 

The trip to Winona itself was shorter by about an hour than driving would have been and the entire experience was very pleasant. The seats on board the Borealis were super comfortable and without having to be physically driving, I was able to work on some homework while I traveled, while also taking in the sights of the Mississippi.

The staff were all very kind and helpful and the food on board the Borealis was good. It was reasonably priced, cheaper than airplane or airport food, but about on par with your local Kwik Trip’s food, it made for a great lunch option as I traveled.

The next time you’re in a pickle, or if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to travel, while not having to worry about the stress of an airport, the Borealis is a great way to go!