Pullman Cars Back on the Rails Between Chicago and Wisconsin

Are you a train buff? Would you like to relive the golden age of rail travel for a day? Restored Pullman rail cars will be running from Chicago to Madison, WI, in October.

The Varsity service is offered by Pullman Rail Journeys:

For the first time in over 40 years, rail service is available between Chicago and Madison! And not just any rail service – exceptional, comfortable and stylish accommodations originally set forth by Pullman and now invoked by The Premier Rail Collection. Ride in comfort aboard streamlined, mid-century dome cars with sweeping views of the passing landscape or in vintage coach cars that harken back to when rail travel was the way to travel from city to city.

The Pullman Palace Car company redefined rail travel in the late 19th century, and the growth of the company and demand for its services prompted George Pullman to build his own company town south of Chicago.

The company experienced its best years in the 1920s, manufacturing sleeper cars and lounge cars. After the heyday of the domed lounge cars in the 1950s, the company began to decline. Pullman produced the last of its sleeper cars in 1981 for Amtrak.

While the Chicago to Madison dome-car trains offer Wi-Fi, showers and power outlets, the rest of the journey in the restored Pullman cars is meant to be historically accurate, from the conductor uniforms to the table settings.

Tickets start at $99. Trips from Chicago are offered on Oct. 3, Oct. 4 (to coincide with the Wisconsin vs. Northwestern football game), and Oct. 11 (coinciding with the Wisconsin vs. Illinois football game).

» Learn more and buy tickets at TravelPullman.com

» Listen to DNAinfo Chicago Radio on the Pullman experience