Amtrak's The City of New Orleans travels more than 900 miles between Chicago and New Orleans following the course of the Mississippi River. Traveling from the Blues of Chicago to the Jazz of New Orleans (not to mention the home of "The King" in between), the City of New Orleans highlights the development of American music during its 19 hour trip south.

Part One covered Chicago to Memphis

Download your free Amtrak Route Guide (PDF) here.

Part Two: Memphis to New Orleans

Memphis:

The largest city in Tennessee, Memphis is famous for the blues and as being one of the birthplaces of rock-and-roll. A stop on Beale Street, located a few blocks from the Amtrak depot, will allow you to experience blues in a variety of clubs. Many of the clubs stay open all night, so don't miss your early morning departure on the City of New Orleans.

Another popular stop in Memphis is Graceland, the home and final resting place of Elvis Presley. It is located outside of downtown and will require either a shuttle ride or cab ride to visit. The mansion and associated exhibits are a must see for any fan of the King. I particularly enjoyed the cars and the aircraft which are located across the highway from the main mansion.

Leaving Memphis

According to the May 10, 2010 Schedule we will be leaving Memphis at 6:50 AM after our time in the Queen City.  Once you settle on-board take a trip up to the Cross Country Café to enjoy some breakfast as the train passes into Mississippi.

The morning will be spent on the Mississippi Delta. You'll pass near Tunica (The Las Vegas of the Mid-South, which is home to several casinos), then along the ex-Illinois Central tracks of the Canadian National Railway until your next stop in Greenwood, Mississippi.  Greenwood is a good place to get a real taste of the Delta, with a revitalized downtown with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

After passing through Yazoo City, the tracks will climb out of the delta towards your stop in the capital city of Mississippi, Jackson.  Jackson, "The City with Soul",  was named in honor of Andrew Jackson. Jackson offers a variety of activities. Visit their official website at http://www.visitjackson.com/ to learn more about the upcoming events.

Lunchtime will find the City of New Orleans in Southern Mississippi, passing through Hazelhurst and Brookhaven. Brookhaven is the birthplace of Robert Pittman, best known as the founder of MTV.

McComb, the last stop in the Magnolia State, is the home of musical artists Bo Diddly and Brandy. McComb is also noted for the lighted azalea festival in the spring.

Crossing into the Pelican State of Louisiana,  the City of New Orleans makes a stop in Hammond, LA. Leaving Hammond, the rest of the trip will be through the bayous and swamps which Louisiana is famous for. Look carefully and you might spot an alligator or two.

Approaching New Orleans, the train glides along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Fishermen will be competing with the ever present pelicans for today's catch. Look for the skyline of downtown New Orleans across the lake as the City of New Orleans heads for its final destination.

The City of New Orleans has carried us from Chicago on the shores of the Great Lakes to New Orleans close to the Gulf Coast. The Illinois Central railroad and it's successor the Canadian National Railway provide the same service to tons of freight daily.

After your time in New Orleans, you can connect on Amtrak to the Sunset Limited for service to Los Angeles or the Crescent for service to Atlanta, Charlotte, and the north.