Just a few generations ago, the route of the Empire Builder was wilderness, roamed by Native Americans and buffalo. Later, fur traders and gold miners visited it. And still later, it was developed by merchants, timber men, farmers and – most dramatically – by railroaders.

Scheduled for scenery, the Empire Builder's historic 2,206 mile journey takes you from Chicago to Seattle through unforgettable, eye-popping scenery of the majestic North and Pacific Northwest of the United States.

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• Tour Highlights, Inclusions and Route Map
• View Itinerary
• View Images

• Mississippi River
• Lake Pepin
• Bear Paw Mountains
• Glacier National Park
• Icicle Canyon
• Skykomish
• Gateway to Mt. Rainer
• Columbia River Gorge
• Major Portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail

• 1 Night at Hilton Palmer House in Chicago or similar hotel
• Hop On Hop Off Chicago sightseeing tour
• 2 Nights Train Travel on Amtrak's Empire Builder
• All Meals on board the train (Roomette & Bedroom passengers). View Sample Menu
• 1 Night at Warwick Hotel in Seattle or similar hotel
• Destination Information and Map

Day One - Begin the Empire Builder Experience with an independent arrival into Chicago. Check-in to your downtown hotel and spend the day exploring all Chicago has to offer. From Navy Pier and the spectacular lakefront to Magnificent Mile shopping, world-class parks and museums, you will wish you had a few more days.

Day Two - Arrive at Union Station for your mid-day departure on Amtrak's Empire Builder. Check in and venture to Amtrak's first-class Metropolitan Lounge for complementary beverages and snacks, or take a walk through Historic Chicago Union Station. Once onboard the legendary Empire Builder, settle into your private sleeper and prepare yourself for the 2300 mile journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Enjoy a full-course dinner in the dining car this evening. All meals onboard the train included with your sleeping accommodation. Relax as the train makes its way through the Wisconsin Dells and St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota tonight.

Day Three - As you awake this morning, the train makes its way through the grasslands of the "Northern Prairie State" of North Dakota. Wildlife is in abundance in this area, so be sure to have your camera ready! It is not uncommon to spot bison, elk, prairie dogs, foxes, muskrats, white-tailed deer and bald eagles in this region. Delicious meals are available in the Dining Car, or lighter fare is available in the Sightseer Lounge car. As the train continues on through the day, the landscape gives way to rolling hills, canyons, gorges, and rugged mountain terrain. Relax in the Sightseer Lounge this evening. The floor to ceiling glass windows will ensure that you won't miss any of the spectacular scenery as the train rolls through Glacier National Park.

Day Four - The train is scheduled for a mid-morning arrival in Seattle, Washington. Transfer independently from the rail station to your downtown hotel. Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and Pioneer Square are steps from your doorway. Explore the thriving music and theatre scene, vibrant galleries, and one-of-a kind museums or relax with some of the best coffee in the country at one of the hundreds of cafés' and coffee shops!

Day Five - Today ends your Empire Builder Experience. Independent transfer to the airport or rail station.

   

   

   

• Duration: 46 hours*
• Distance: 2,206-miles
• Amenities: Sightseer Lounge Car, Dining Car, Checked Baggage, Non-Smoking
• Frequency: Daily
• Rails & Trails Program: (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Cooperative program between Amtrak and National Parks Service, providing narratives along the portions of the route.

Dates	Amtrak Coach	Amtrak Roomette	Amtrak Bedroom
Nov 1, 2009 - Mar 31	$595	$800	$1,150
Apr 1 - Oct 31	$690	$940	$1,375
Nov 1 - Dec 31	$595	$800	$1,150