Got an early start out of Muskegon, snowing most of the way to Holland, then a break in the clouds. Heard this might be leading, and sure enough, lucked out with strong sunlight and the dark snowstorm behind. 11/23/08
Amtrak has three routes that connect Michigan with Chicago, but none to the East or South. The routes are: Wolverine - Pontiac - Chicago; Blue Water - Port Huron - Chicago, and Pere Marquette - Grand Rapids - Chicago.