You're standing in the historic 1910 Santa Fe Depot, a proud gateway for generations of travelers. Though your visit is brief, you're stepping into a space where over a century of passengers have paused—right here in the original baggage room, where trunks and tales from across the country passed through.

Fort Madison is the only Amtrak stop in Iowa along the 20-mile route between Missouri and Illinois—a unique geographic moment on your journey.

As you continue westward, you’ll cross the world’s longest double-deck swing-span bridge over the mighty Mississippi River. Built in 1927, the Santa Fe Bridge carries both rail and vehicle traffic—a true marvel of engineering and one of the last of its kind.

Even in just five minutes, you’re part of a living tradition.
Safe travels on the Southwest Chief!