Route

Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan via Detroit. Parallels Interstate 94 for most of its run, hitting all the major cities in southern Michigan: Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson and Ann Arbor. Unusually, much of the route is not owned by private freight companies. Amtrak owns the stretch between Porter, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan; from Kalamazoo to Dearborn, Michigan is owned by the state of Michigan and operated by Amtrak.

A Wolverine in Porter, Indiana.

Food service

On-board cafe car with packaged meals, snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Scenery

There’s little of interest along the route. This train’s purpose is to move people between Chicago and the southern band of Michigan.

Wireless reception

Strong throughout as the train passes through populated areas. Amtrak recently added complimentary WiFi service.

Equipment

Normally the Wolverine uses single-level Horizon coaches and an Amfleet cafe/lounge, half of which is given over to Business Class seating. On occasion double-decker Superliner coaches will substitute.

Why take it?

Amtrak owns the tracks between Michigan City, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan. After an extensive rehabilitation and upgrade trains may now reach speeds of 110 MPH along this stretch. This is very uncommon for diesel operations in the United States.