Fort Worth to Springfield train

Much more than an afterthought to nearby Dallas, Fort Worth is an exciting destination in its own right. Fort Worth is one of the largest cities in Texas and in the United States overall, because, as we all know, everything is bigger in Texas. With the motto "City of Cowboys and Culture," Fort Worth has activities, sights, and experiences to deliver on both of those fronts.

If you dressed as a cowboy for Halloween as a child (or last year), your first stop should be the Fort Worth Stockyards. Once a livestock market, the Stockyards are now a National Historic District characterized by restaurants, bars, Old-West themed shopping, and live music. Here you can see real Texas Longhorns on a cattle drive twice a day, or attend the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, held every weekend at the Cowtown Coliseum. Can you see why we named Fort Worth one of the best vacation destinations in Texas?

If you're more intrigued by Fort Worth's cultural offerings, you'll be wowed by the breadth of museums to visit. Admire the art at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth or the Kimbell Art Museum (whose architecture is a work of art in itself). Outdoor oases like the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Fort Worth Water Gardens will bring a breath of fresh air - not to mention a chance to dip your feet in the water to cool off.

Luckily, there's no need to ride a horse into Cowtown. Bus service from several local and national carriers, as well as Amtrak train service, make it easy to get to Fort Worth from cities throughout the U.S. Plus, with proximity to one of the world's busiest airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, you can visit Fort Worth from nearly anywhere on the globe.

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.