Route: Southwest Chief
Address: 902 20th Street, Fort Madison, IA
Status: Staffed station with restored historic depot
Fort Madison’s station is more than a stop—it’s a destination. Housed in a Spanish Revival-style depot built in 1910, the station was fully restored and reopened in 2021. Located along the Mississippi River, this is Iowa’s easternmost Amtrak hub.
Amenities:
Indoor waiting area
Wheelchair accessible
Nearby historical attractions
Parking available
Fun Fact: Fort Madison is also home to one of Iowa’s most iconic historic forts and railfan hotspots due to frequent freight train traffic.
Burlington, IA (BRL)Route: California Zephyr
Address: 300 South Main Street, Burlington, IA
Status: Unstaffed platform
Located just off the banks of the Mississippi, the Burlington station is an open-air platform with limited amenities but incredible scenery. It’s perfect for seasoned travelers who prefer minimalist, efficient stops.
Amenities:
Outdoor waiting area
Street parking
Close to downtown restaurants and attractions
Nearby Highlight: Snake Alley, one of the most crooked streets in the world!
Mount Pleasant, IA (MTP)Route: California Zephyr
Address: 418 N Washington Street, Mount Pleasant, IA
Status: Basic shelter with limited facilities
This small-town stop is often used by attendees of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. Though it’s a simple shelter with no indoor waiting room, it serves as an important rail link for southeastern Iowa.
What to Know:
No ticketing or restroom facilities
On-street parking nearby
Limited accessibility
Tip: Plan ahead and arrive on time, as amenities are minimal.
Ottumwa, IA (OTM)Route: California Zephyr
Address: 210 W Main Street, Ottumwa, IA
Status: Full-service station with museum
Ottumwa’s Amtrak station doubles as the Wapello County Historical Museum. This combination of travel and heritage offers passengers something to explore while waiting for their train.
Features:
Indoor waiting
Restrooms and exhibits
ADA accessible
Parking available
Why Visit: You can immerse yourself in local history just steps from the boarding platform.
Osceola, IA (OSC)Route: California Zephyr
Address: 201 South Main Street, Osceola, IA
Status: Enclosed station near Des Moines
Osceola is the closest Amtrak station to Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. With its enclosed waiting area, parking, and nearby transportation services, it’s the preferred hub for central Iowa travelers.
Pros:
Indoor seating and restrooms
Rental car access
Long-term parking
ADA accessible
Strategic Benefit: Ideal for those heading to or from Des Moines via rail.
Creston, IA (CRN)Route: California Zephyr
Address: 116 West Adams Street, Creston, IA
Status: Outdoor platform next to historic depot
Creston’s Amtrak platform is situated beside a beautiful 1899 Romanesque Revival-style depot that now houses city offices. While passengers board outside, the historic building remains a visual centerpiece.
Details:
Open-air platform
ADA accessible
Nearby parking
Historic backdrop
Highlight: Great photo opportunities for architecture lovers and train fans
Whether you’re setting out on a cross-country journey or simply connecting to nearby cities, the amtrak stations in iowa offer a dependable, comfortable, and scenic route to travel. These six stations serve not only as transit points but as symbols of a slower, more mindful way to explore America.
