The passenger train that ran between New York City and Chicago took less than 20 hours from 1902 to 1962. It was known as the “most famous train in the World” and the “favorite train of famous people.”
Photo by John McCloskey Jr./ Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ. Left, Courtesy of Hudson River Rail. Right
Source: Hudson River Rail The New York Times
After the train shut down in 1967, circus performers paid $1 a night to live inside the train as Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey toured across the country.
Ivan Dmitri/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Source: It’s home to the circus and a part of 20th Century Limited Lives on (New York Times, 1970)
The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey purchased two of these historic train cars in the 1990s and restored them to their former glory.
Photo by John McCloskey Jr./ Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
You can find the restored train cars attached to Amtrak trains that travel along the Hudson River from Penn Station, New York to Albany, New York, June through November.
Photo by Anthony Carpentier/ Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
Along with a few other lucky travelers, I nabbed a seat on the sold-out excursion and was transported back in time to the golden age of travel — when it was a social occasion and not just a way to get from point A to point B.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounge in Pennsylvania Station’s Moynihan Train Hall was where the day began. I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and coffee.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Staff laid out a red carpet as we boarded (though I was not the only paparazzi present).
Hannah Towey / Insider
My fellow passengers included vintage and train enthusiasts, as well as solo travelers who were looking for adventure in the local area.
Hannah Towey / Insider
For the best experience, travelers were encouraged to wear period clothing.
Photo by Mark Forman/ Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of NJ
My $349 ticket got me a seat in the “Hickory Creek” observation car with panorama views of the Hudson River — the very same car where the stars once wined and dined.
Hannah Towey/Insider
The interior design of Henry Dreyfuss, an acclaimed industrial designer, was replicated in every way, including the furniture and seating arrangements.
Bettmann / Contributor via Getty Images
The “first-class” ticket offered a four-course meal prepared by the onboard chef as well as unlimited beer or wine.
Hannah Towey / Insider
Lou, our waiter made sure everyone got a glass of champagne and was very knowledgeable about the train’s history. It is not easy to serve champagne on a moving train.
Hannah Towey/Insider
