Wilkes-Barre to Springfield train

Wilkes-Barre is a Pennsylvania city surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. Like much of the Poconos, Wilkes-Barre has its fair share of resorts, outdoor adventure, and entertainment options. Slip down rocky slides and soak in glacial meltwater "tubs" at Kirby Park and Seven Tubs Nature Area, or enjoy the urban greenery at the River Common. Coal mining put Wilkes-Barre on the map, and you can imagine what life was like in the 19th-century boom by visiting Eckley Miners' Village in Luzerne County.

Nightlife in Wilkes-Barre is exciting, and it all starts at the Mohegan Sun Pocono, a casino resort and racetrack. Test your luck on the slots, cards, or horse races, or simply enjoy the luxurious dining options and spa on-site. Downtown Wilkes-Barre also has solid restaurants and bars to choose from.

Although Amtrak trains do not stop in Wilkes-Barre, Amtrak Thruway buses connect the city to Philadelphia, where you can transfer to several of Philly's rail lines. Plus, Fullington Trailways and Martz operate intercity bus service to Wilkes-Barre from Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, New York, and more. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is convenient to reach from town and offers flights on several major airlines.

There are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.

Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.

It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.