CITIES ON THE SOUTHWEST CHIEF ROUTE You'll travel the old Santa Fe Trail aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief. Across wheat fields and deserts, past frontier towns and pueblos, you'll retrace the steps of Native Americans and pioneers alike. When you're through, you'll understand why many call the region the "Great" Southwest. Leaving behind the distinctive skyline of Chicago, you'll travel across the farmlands of the Midwest and over the Mississippi River, toward Kansas City and Topeka. Continuing south, the train crosses the Missouri River and tunnels through the fiery red sandstone of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, to Albuquerque. In the New Mexico high country, you'll spot the world-famous ruins of an Anasazi village more than 2,000 years old. Past the Painted Desert, through canyons barely wider than the train itself, you'll come upon Flagstaff, Barstow, and eventually, Los Angeles. Be sure to save some film for the City of Angels - you never know who you might see. _______________ CHICAGO, IL Chicago may be known as the "Second City," but this city is second to none. Starting with the city's picturesque Union Station, this city is a perfect combination of past and present, of industry and technology. Enjoy an architectural tour down the Chicago River, cheer on one of the local sports teams, groove to world-class music at the renowned House of Blues, or marvel at the view of Lake Michigan from the tallest building in America. With fantastic shopping, various ethnic cuisine and show-stopping theater, the Windy City will knock you off your feet. Let Amtrak take you there. UNION STATION á 225 S. CANAL ST. á CHICAGO, IL 60661 _____ KANSAS CITY, MO Locals consider Kansas City the "Heart of America." After one visit, you'll think so, too. Known for its spectacular public areas, the "City of Fountains" also offers great food and music. From the recently expanded H. Roe Bartle Hall Convention Center to the city's new zoo, Kansas City is on the move, adding new attractions every month. And the excitement doesn't stop there. Visitors can tour the world headquarters of Hallmark Cards, enjoy a ride on a trolley car, or spend a day shopping in the city's historic River Market. With dozens of casinos, theater performances and golf courses, Kansas City offers something for everyone in your family. 2200 MAIN ST. á KANSAS CITY, MO 64108 _____ ALBUQUERQUE, NM Albuquerque is a unique combination of old and new. The city dates back nearly 10,000 years, when Anasazi Indians inhabited the region in communities that can still be seen today. Modernity arrived in 1880, with the introduction of the railroad. Since then, the city has become home to many of the most popular attractions in the Southwest. The metropolis sits on the fabled Route 66, and remnants of that roadside culture are preserved in 50's-style diners, theme motels, and the KiMo Theater. Other must-sees include the annual hot-air Balloon Fiesta, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, renowned for its collection of Native American art. 214 FIRST ST. S. W. á ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87102 _____ FLAGSTAFF, AZ Situated along an old wagon trail to California, Flagstaff began after the transcontinental railroad arrived in 1881. Since then, the city has emerged as a favorite destination for Arizonans and vacationers alike. The Grand Canyon is the top local attraction, drawing nearly five million visitors each year. Other popular natural wonders are the dormant volcanoes at Sunset Crater National Monument, the Indian ruins at Wupatki and Walnut canyons, and Meteor Crater. Flagstaff offers some manmade attractions as well. There's Lowell Observatory, where scientists discovered Pluto, the mansions at Riordan State Park, and halls full of Native American art at the Museum of Northern Arizona. 1 E. SANTA FE AVE. á FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001 _____ LOS ANGELES, CA The City of Angels is a place where dreams come true for everyone -- aspiring actors, immigrants and visitors. Home to the most diverse population of any city in the world, Los Angeles is also famous for malls, murals, traffic and beaches. Vacationers flock to Hollywood, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills to catch a glimpse of their favorite TV and movie actors. Elsewhere in the city, you can enjoy The Museum of Tolerance, the prehistoric La Brea Tar Pits, and the Getty Art Museum. With all these attractions, acres of parks, and enough restaurants to to tempt your taste buds for years to come, Los Angeles is a great vacation spot throughout the year. UNION STATION á 800 N. ALAMEDA ST. á LOS ANGELES, CA 90012