Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago Roundtrip

Your vacation begins today in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago. As you arrive today, make your own way to Chicago's historic Union Station, where your Amtrak train awaits. The Empire Builder is one of Amtrak's most iconic trains, traveling from Chicago to Portland and Seattle, stopping en route in East Glacier, the gateway to Glacier National Park in Montana's Big Sky Country.  

Step aboard the Empire Builder for your overnight journey into the mountains of the West, settling into your reclining Coach* seat beside a large picture window. As the city's skyline fades into the backdrop, the Empire Builder travels through the grasslands and prairies of the Midwest. Light meals, snacks and beverages are available for purchase, and if tables are available, you can enjoy dinner in the Dining Car. Overnight train.   

*Please note: upgrades to Roomettes and Bedrooms are available by speaking with a Rail Specialist. As Sleeping Car guests, travelers in these accommodations enjoy complimentary meals during their time on the Empire Builder. 

Waking on the train this morning, look out your window to see passing scenes of North Dakota before traveling over the Gassman Coulee Trestle and crossing into Montana around midday. All service classes on the Empire Builder have access to the Sightseer Lounge, and its panoramic windows provide an incredible vantage point over this remarkable scenery. 

The Empire Builder pulls into the East Glacier Station this evening, and you can make your own way to Glacier Park Lodge, which is located just across the street from the station. The charm of this historic lodge is immediately apparent on arrival. Modeled after a Swiss chalet, the hotel also boasts a nine-hole golf course, making it a spectacular retreat. Upon checking in for the night, you are free to unwind while using the lodge's amenities. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge. 

The "Crown of the Continent" is on full display today as you set out on a comprehensive sightseeing excursion. The tour begins as you step aboard a Red Jammer Bus to drive over Marias Pass and continue to Goat Lick for a chance to spot Glacier's majestic wildlife. From here, your driver-guide takes you through lush forests to Lake McDonald Lodge, where you can have lunch on your own before the tour proceeds through the Lake McDonald Valley.

A highlight of the tour comes as you travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass, venturing into the park's high alpine region, and then descend into the St. Mary Valley. One final look at the park's beauty awaits as you approach Wild Goose Island and then weave past mountains and grasslands back to the lodge, with the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge.

Please note: the tour route is subject to change based on seasonal road closures and availability.

Make your own way back to the East Glacier Park train station today for the morning departure on Amtrak's Empire Builder. Settle back into your onboard accommodations, and look out over the jaw-dropping mountain peaks and lush landscapes you explored over the past few days.

As the train begins its eastbound journey, you could make your way up to the Sightseer Lounge for a better perspective or watch the changes from your picture window. Sit back and relax as the dramatic landscapes begin to fade into the distance and the plains and prairies prevail once more.

Lunch and dinner options are available for purchase, or you can speak with an onboard attendant about seating availability in the Dining Car. Let the gentle motion of the train lull you into relaxation as you settle in for the night. Overnight train.

• Lunch, Dinner (Sleeping Car passengers only)

The final leg of your journey lies ahead this morning as you continue toward Chicago on Amtrak's Empire Builder. This vacation has been filled with enchanting views, and they continue today - though the mountains and lakes of Glacier National Park are far behind. Your route today takes you through Minnesota and Wisconsin, passing through Milwaukee in the afternoon before crossing into Illinois.

As the train reaches its final destination in the late afternoon, you are free to disembark and continue your onward travels home. If you would like to extend your explorations in the Windy City, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights in Chicago.

• Breakfast, Lunch (Sleeping Car passengers only)