Great American Railroad Journeys

Michael Portillo journeys west from St Louis to Jefferson City, Missouri, following the tracks of European settlers in the 19th century.

Michael Portillo discovers the hidden pleasures of 19th-century railroad workers in Sedalia, before reaching St Joseph, Missouri.

In Lawrence, Kansas, Michael Portillo joins the Jayhawks basketball team, and later comes face to face with a herd of wild buffalo.

Michael Portillo reaches Colorado, where he follows in the footsteps of 19th-century east coast men who came to experience the cowboy life.

Michael Portillo travels through New Mexico and Arizona, watching rehearsals at the Santa Fe Opera House and visiting the Grand Canyon.

Michael Portillo travels through Minneapolis and St Paul, where he explores how the power of the Mississippi helped Minneapolis become a great industrial centre.

Michael Portillo journeys along the Upper Mississippi to Red Wing, Minnesota, and the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of Little House on the Prairie.

Michael Portillo travels through Milwaukee on a journey towards Chicago, where he learns about the history of the iconic American Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Michael Portillo travels from Chicago to Champaign, Illinois, visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright house that changed US architecture.

Michael Portillo gets a taste of the early life of President Lincoln, learns about Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain, and joins Elvis fans at Graceland.