A Closer Look: The Six Amtrak Stations in Iowa
Each Iowa Amtrak station tells its own story, representing a blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and modern functionality. Let’s explore them one by one.
1. Fort Madison Station (FMD)
Route: Southwest Chief
Location: 902 20th Street, Fort Madison, IA
Depot Style: Mission Revival
Historical Restoration: Reopened in 2021
Fort Madison is Iowa’s only stop on the Southwest Chief line. After operating out of a temporary structure for years, Amtrak service was moved back to the beautifully restored Santa Fe Depot, a stunning Mission Revival building from the early 20th century.
Features:
ADA accessible
Riverfront views of the Mississippi
Nearby historic military fort and downtown
Who It Serves: Travelers heading southwest toward Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles—or east to Chicago.
2. Mount Pleasant Station (MTP)
Route: California Zephyr
Location: 418 North Washington Street, Mount Pleasant, IA
Opened: 1912
Mount Pleasant may be a smaller station, but it packs a nostalgic punch. During the annual Old Threshers Reunion, it becomes a vital part of a massive celebration of steam engines, antique farming tools, and vintage Americana.
Features:
Partially ADA accessible
Open-air waiting area
Near Old Threshers Grounds
Pro Tip: Visit in late summer to catch one of the Midwest’s most charming rural festivals.
3. Burlington Station (BRL)
Route: California Zephyr
Location: 300 South Main Street, Burlington, IA
Highlight: Mississippi River nearby
Located right along the Mississippi River, the Burlington station offers a tranquil and picturesque start (or end) to your rail journey. While simple in structure, it’s within walking distance of Snake Alley (the “crookedest street in the world”) and historic downtown shops.
Features:
Limited passenger amenities
Covered shelter
ADA accommodations available
Great For: Travelers who want to mix natural beauty with a nostalgic town vibe.
4. Ottumwa Station (OTM)
Route: California Zephyr
Location: 210 West Main Street, Ottumwa, IA
Bonus: Home to the Wapello County Historical Museum
Ottumwa’s Amtrak station is one of Iowa’s most unique, doubling as a historical museum. Passengers can browse exhibits featuring railroad artifacts, local history, and even regional art, all while waiting for their train.
Highlights:
ADA accessible
Indoor seating, restrooms, and exhibits
Cultural and educational value
Why It’s Special: No other Iowa station offers such a deep dive into the town’s roots and connection to the rail industry.
5. Osceola Station (OSC)
Route: California Zephyr
Location: 201 South Main Street, Osceola, IA
Proximity to Des Moines: ~50 miles
Serving as the closest Amtrak station to Des Moines, Osceola is a key transportation node for central Iowa. It’s especially popular among residents of the capital city looking for long-distance train travel.
Facilities:
Enclosed waiting room
Free parking
ADA accessible
Good to Know: Consider arranging a shuttle or ride service from Des Moines to Osceola if you don’t have a vehicle.
6. Creston Station (CRN)
Route: California Zephyr
Location: 116 West Adams Street, Creston, IA
Built: 1899
Style: Romanesque Revival
Creston’s depot is a visual feast for fans of old-world architecture. With its arched windows and heavy masonry, the building is a local treasure. While city offices now occupy the main structure, Amtrak passengers board from a nearby modern platform.
Essentials:
ADA compliant platform
Outdoor shelter
Ample parking
Train travel may not dominate the headlines like flights and expressways, but its magic endures—especially in places like Iowa. These stations are not just waypoints—they’re symbols of a transportation era that still thrives. Whether it’s the historic depot at Creston, the riverside stop at Burlington, or the revitalized Fort Madison station, each site offers a unique slice of Americana.
So if you’re ready for a more relaxed, picturesque, and grounded way to travel, hop aboard. Your gateway is waiting at one of the many amtrak stations in iowa—where history rolls on with every passing train.