I grew up 3 blocks from the tracks, and I would hear the train pass on by our place. (Lake City MN)
In 1990, it was my Senior year in High School, and every year the Senior groups would have a "Sneak Trip" for 4 days, and our funds wasn't as high we'd like to have for a trip to fly some where, and our class sponsor said why check into the train. so we did and learned that it was by far cheaper to take the train than flying for our group. (Class of 14, plus two class sponsor)
On the day of our trip, we leave campus really early to get to St. Paul to catch the train, but we could not board on to it.. From what I recall, someone has passed on, and had to wait I think an hour or so, then boarded on. Left St Paul I think it was around 8, and got down to CHI, we had a layover time. and at first we did plan on going out into the City and check out the SEARS tower, but time was cut short due to the delay in St. Paul, so we just hung out at the station till was time to board the next train down to St. Louis. Just as we left the yard, the train broke down, so they had to change the engine, I think it was another 45 min delay, and left at last. We had a lot of fun playing cards, and other board games on the trip, and it was a the first trip for all of us.
After that trip, I wanted to go again, and 4 years later went with my parents out to Whitefish MT. We all loved the view on the train into the Mtns!
I am going again this June to see my long lost cousin in CHI.