Borealis Ridership Reaches 100,000 Passengers in 22 Weeks

Amtrak and states celebrate with customers and supporters.

October 24, 2024 - The Borealis trains between St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago will recognize its 100,000th passenger with a celebration and two media events, one in St. Paul, MN and the other in La Crosse, WI. Both eastbound and westbound train customers will be provided a complimentary refreshment, commemorative certificate entitling each passenger 500 bonus guest rewards points, and a “100-Grand” candy bar courtesy of Amtrak.

Statement from Great River Rail Commission 

"We are excited and delighted that the Borealis train has met the milestone of 100,000 passengers in just a few months. It is clear that residents of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois recognize the benefits of train travel on Borealis -- it is comfortable, affordable travel to great destinations, especially in southeastern Minnesota. At the Great River Rail Commission, we advocate for safer, more frequent passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and Chicago. Passengers are voting with their feet when they buy a ticket and walk on board Borealis. We expect them to keep riding the train, and we expect they'll ride more trains when they are added. Congratulations, Borealis, on this milestone!"-

Winona County Commissioner Chris Meyer, Vice-Chair, Great River Rail Commission

About the Commission

The Great River Rail Commission is one of the leading voices on passenger rail in Minnesota. The Commission’s long-range vision is that Borealis trains demonstrate additional demand that leads to further investment in faster, more frequent passenger train service. More information is available at greatriverrail.org.

Business Roundtable Spotlight: Red Wing

The GRR Commission has been collaborating with business leaders along the Borealis corridor. Each station city has been putting its own flair on getting the word out about Borealis and we wanted to share more about these dedicated leaders and the cities they represent. First up, Red Wing!

The People

Susan Betcher is Goodhue County Commissioner for District 5 and Mike Wilson is Mayor of Red Wing – both serve as representatives on the Great River Rail Commission. They work closely with Michelle Larson, President and CEO of the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Olson, Executive Director of Visit Red Wing. 

The Projects

Members of the Red Wing Business Roundtable are planning on meeting with service clubs, businesses and other local community groups this fall and winter to share information about the Borealis train service. Please contact Michelle Larson if you are interested in a presentation at michelle@redwingchamber.com. 

The group is also looking at ways to incorporate into existing communications the message that visitors can take the Borealis train to Red Wing to access great shopping, outdoor activities, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and more.

Events & Reasons to Visit Red Wing

Hike with a Naturalist – Saturday Mornings - This family-friendly free event meets at 10 a.m. Saturdays for a half hour guided tour with a volunteer naturalist. Explore trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather.

Bird walk – Frontenac State Park - These monthly hikes take you on a walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for resident and migrating birds that frequent these areas. The trail is mowed grass and is well maintained.

Red Wing Arts Fall Festival – 58th annual event - Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Celebrating its 58th year, the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival welcomes you to enjoy a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant colors of the season.

2024 River Route Summer Activities

The Great River Rail Commission urges everyone to visit the great destinations along the Mississippi River Route. Not only are the cities and towns beautiful, they host incredible events from small town carnivals to Shakespeare Festivals! We've put together a list of activities to enjoy along the River Route. Please download the document to start putting together your own itinerary.

Have fun!

2024 Summer Activities Along the River Route