Page 15 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – May/June 2019

TRAVELER’S GUIDE
America’s National Parks by Rail
On May 10, 1869, the ceremonial golden spike was hammered in the ground near Promontory, Utah, and transcontinental rail travel was made possible.
While the cost has risen a bit since then, you can re- create the journey with Amtrak, and even travel along some of the same routes as First Transcontinental Railroad to celebrate the 150th anniversary of transcontinental rail travel.
Along the way, you can visit another American icon celebrating a milestone in 2019.
It might have taken more than 35 years from when the first bill was introduced to get National Park status for the Grand Canyon, but the Arizona landmark is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a national park. Officially designated as such by an act of Congress on February 26, 1919, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has become the second-most visited national park in the United States behind the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee.
When you combine a rail adventure with the classic natural beauty of our national park system, it’s almost magical. The connection between our nation’s national parks and the train has always been strong.
Many people don’t realize that America’s early railroad companies were instrumental in creating our national parks. Because of their energetic public relations
By Spenser F. Barnes
efforts, the Northern Pacific Railroad aided in the national park designation of Yellowstone in 1872. The Southern Pacific Railroad worked diligently behind the scenes to help Yosemite and Crater Lake obtain their national park statuses in 1890 and 1902, respectively. Also, the Great Northern Railway paved the way for the creation of Glacier National Park in 1910.
In fact, in March of this year, the location where
the golden spike celebrated the completion of the transcontinental railway was changed from a historical site to the Golden Spike National Historical Park.
Hop aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder and enjoy a scenic ride that traces the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as it makes its way to destinations like Glacier National Park. Embark on the Southwest Chief for a majestic journey through the desert to Grand Canyon National Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains and the countryside along Interstate 80 aboard the California Zephyr.
Each national park provides a distinct and memorable experience, so choose one that fits you best. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous – visit them all.
All of the routes mentioned run daily, starting and ending in Chicago. The Lake Shore Limited services Chicago and also runs daily, with a stop at the Albany- Rensselaer station.
Celebrate two milestones this year
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Photo: © AMTRAK