Great American Railroad Journeys

Original version

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Factual: Travel

Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America.

Michael Portillo crosses the Atlantic to ride the railroads of America, armed with Appleton's General Guide to the United States, published in 1879.

Series 2 (Extended Versions)

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Michael Portillo

John Comerford

Alison Kreps

Great American Railroad Journeys: Series 2 (Extended Versions): Episode 7: Minnesota - Wisconsin

Red Wing, Minnesota, to La Crosse, Wisconsin

Episode 7

Episode 7: Minnesota - Wisconsin

Minnesota - Wisconsin

BBC Two - Great American Railroad Journeys, Series 2 (Extended Versions), Minnesota - Wisconsin

Michael Portillo embarks on a rail journey that begins in Minnesota and ends in Wisconsin.

Michael Portillo embarks on a rail journey that begins in Minnesota and ends in Wisconsin, finding out how the Mississippi was made navigable.

Steered by his Appleton's guidebook, Michael Portillo continues his rail journey along the Upper Mississippi to Red Wing, Minnesota, and the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of Little House on the Prairie. Picking up the Empire Builder rail service, he travels to Winona, where he takes to the water to find out how in the 19th century, the US Army Corps of Engineers made the Mississippi navigable and how the river is maintained today - not just for freight but for bald eagles and pelicans. Michael joins in the dancing at a tribal gathering of the Dakota Sioux and hears about efforts towards reconciliation. In La Crosse, Michael learns about the Native American origins of the fast-moving, combative sport. A new take on pizza toppings including dirt and worms has Michael squirming before he moves on to Tomah, Wisconsin, where he wades in to harvest the nation's most important berry from the marshes at a century-old farm. He travels to Wisconsin Dells, where an innovative photographer first captured motion, then takes the plunge in the waterpark capital of the world. In Baraboo, he discovers the circus is in town and it travels by train. Guided by a former clown and ringmaster, Michael explores the spectacular wagons.

Great American Railroad Journeys: Series 2 (Extended Versions)

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Great American Railroad Journeys

Series 2 (Extended Versions)

Episode 7: Minnesota - Wisconsin

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