What are some great non-stop Amtrak trips besides California Zephr?

Question

I just want a day of where I can travel on a train and write my book.

Answer 1

Indeed, consider the Empire Builder, it is Amtrak's premier long-distance train that travels the Pacific Northwest and Northern Plains to Chicago.  Another would be the Sunset Limited which runs the southwest between Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Answer 2

I don't think Amtrak do ANY non-stop routes. But the 2nd most scenic journey on Amtrak for me, after the CZ, is the Empire Builder to Seattle. The first 24 hours is a little boring but once you get up into the mountains, then it starts getting interesting. The track hugs ledges high up in the mountains and there are some fabulous views.

But a one-day-only trip? I guess you might be able to get to St. Louis and back in a day, but it's not terribly interesting, nor are any other routes in the immediate vicinity of Chicago.