Explore Cowboy Culture via Amtrak!

Want to travel from Oklahoma City (OKC) to Fort Worth, Texas, to experience cowboy culture? Don’t just think about driving! Amtrak’s "Heartland Flyer" (Texas segment) train is definitely a niche and ceremonial choice—with a one-way fare of only $30 per person, you can avoid the tiredness of long-distance driving on Route 66 and immerse yourself in the American style along the railway. What’s more special is that this route can be called a microcosm of "horizontally exploring the American Dream," but unfortunately, it is now facing an existential crisis, making people can’t help but worry about it～ 🚂 About This Railway: Surprises and Regrets I originally thought it was just an ordinary interstate train, but after learning more about it, I realized its special significance: Crisis warning: I was really shocked when I heard that the Texas Department of Transportation (Texas DOT) plans to cut off Amtrak operations with OKC in June! You know, OKC’s railway network is already underdeveloped. Once this line is shut down, it will not only make the network more "fragmented," but also completely derail the "north extension connecting OKC" plan that the Kansas Department of Transportation (Kansas DOT) has been eager to promote—and the reason for all this is simply that Texas is unwilling to provide funding support 🤦‍♀️. 📍 Two Must-Visit Stations Along the Way: A Collision of History and Culture 1. Santa Fe Passenger Depot (Gainesville Station) Located in Gainesville, this station’s red brick structure is highly recognizable. From a distance, it looks like a pile of "stable haystacks," full of retro charm 🏚️. Don’t underestimate it—historically, it was an important large-scale railway hub in Texas and even a "economic engine" of the local area. In the past, it drove the development of surrounding agriculture, animal husbandry and commerce through railway transportation. What’s more special is that during World War II, this place also took on the role of "training new recruits" to supplement troops for the front line. You can see this past through the old photos and information boards in the station, and it feels full of historical weight when you visit. 2. FTW (Fort Worth Transportation Hub) As the terminal Fort Worth Hub, it’s worth stopping just to see the murals! The large murals on the walls "vividly record" the major historical events of the Fort Worth area, from the prosperity of ranches in the cowboy era to the development and changes of modern cities. Every stroke is full of storytelling 🎨. If you are interested in the history of the local Black community, be sure to learn about the "preserving the past: a look at the historical mural" project launched by 「ridetrinitymetro」—it interprets the development history of the Black community in Fort Worth through murals, with a unique and in-depth perspective, allowing you to have a more comprehensive understanding of this "cowboy city." This railway may not have the speed of high-speed rail or the popularity of internet-famous attractions, but it carries not only transportation functions, but also the historical memories and cultural connections of the cities along the line. It is hoped that it can be well preserved, allowing more people to have the opportunity to touch the most authentic style of the American Midwest through the clattering sound of the train～ #MustRecord #LifeNeedsSharing #WeekendGetaway #OffTheBeatenPath #GaokaoSupportTeam #StudyAbroadUS #CityInfluencerPlan #JustGoFirst #Texas #Houston #Tulsa #OklahomaCity #NightTourJoyIKnow