Traveling by Amtrack for the first time?

I am going to Minneapolis from Washington DC, I usually fly, but it's gotten way too expensive for me.
So anyway, this is my first time on a train, what should I expect?
Is a train station pretty much the same as an airport?

Union Station is really cool. Not as hectic as an airport.

I don't know what the station is like in Minneapolis, but where I live, they're not very similar.

You'll purchase your ticket, check your bags and then hang out in the waiting area. When the train arrives, you walk out to the train and locate your car if you have an assigned seat. (If you're confused, just ask an agent.)

The seats are much more comfortable than plane seats. Bring your own food, as train food is awful, expensive, and the lines are horrendously long.

trains are nice for short trips like DC to NYC. Thats a nice trip and avoids major traffic headaches. But MN to DC that will be long and painful. Like 3 days one way. Expect alot more comfort than a plane, alot more freedom to move and socialize. But time is the trade off , or in your case money saving may offset time.

I just used Amtrak the first time myself last weekend - - Harrisburg, PA to New York.

Larger train stations are not that different from airports, just ALOT less security to deal with.
Bre sure to pack some snacks/water for yourself in case your train doesn't offer food or isn't stopped long enough for you to get out to the station for something to eat.

I absolutely loved my train trip - - hope you do too!