This 500-mile Railroad Goes to National Parks, Glaciers, and Some of the Best Northern Lights Destinations in the U.S.

"If anyone tells you the only efficient, memorable train rides are in Europe, then they've never boarded the Alaska Railroad. With its main line stretching nearly 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, this scenic, historic method of transportation is one of the best ways to both get around Alaska and see the beauty of its backcountry; you may even spot a moose or bear along the way."

"Although the railroad, which dates back to the early 1900s, operates year-round, its main season starts in mid-May and wraps up in mid-September. This time of year, travelers from around the world make their way to the Anchorage hub to experience two of the railroad's most famous routes: the Denali Star and the Coastal Classic. The former is considered Alaska Railroad's flagship route and brings passengers all the way north to Denali National Park and Preserve, covering a total of 356 miles."

Alaska's railroad runs nearly 500 miles between Seward and Fairbanks and provides scenic, historic year-round transportation with peak service from mid-May to mid-September. Two flagship routes depart from Anchorage: the Denali Star, a 356-mile northbound route to Denali National Park and Preserve, and the shorter Coastal Classic, just over 100 miles long. GoldStar Service on the Coastal Classic offers a glass-domed railcar and an outdoor viewing platform for glare-free photography. Travelers can see Kenai Lake, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife such as moose and bears. Flexible itineraries and overnight stays in small Railbelt towns enhance the experience.

Read at Travel + Leisure