The Six Amtrak Stations in Iowa: A Closer Look

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1. Fort Madison, IA (FMD)
   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.

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.