"The Crown of the Continent" awaits you on this 7-day rail adventure to Glacier National Park. This well-planned round-trip itinerary from Chicago includes travel aboard Amtrak's famed Empire Builder, accommodations in historic lodges and visits to breathtaking natural attractions within Glacier National Park, often referred to as the "Switzerland of North America."

This vacation can be booked online for departures from the following Amtrak stations: Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee, and St. Paul/Minneapolis. For other departure cities, please select the Chicago location, and a rail specialist will contact you within 48 hours with a package customized with a departure from your most convenient Amtrak station.

View Dates and Prices Images & Route Map Tour Highlights and Inclusions View Itinerary Hotel and Train Accommodations

• Round-trip transportation from Chicago aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder
• Hotel accommodations for 4 nights
• Swiftcurrent Lake boat cruise (available June 19-September 13)
• Round-trip transfers from Glacier Park Lodge to Many Glacier Lodge
• Crown of the Continent tour (available June 21-September 23)
• Meals onboard train when including train sleeping accommodations

Scenic Highlights include:

• Mississippi River
• Gassmann Coulee Trestle
• Bear Paw Mountains
• Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Swiftcurrent Lake
• Many Glacier

Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder
Board Amtrak's Empire Builder, settle into your seat and prepare for the iconic train's 2:15 pm departure. Chat with fellow travelers, read, or listen to music as you travel along the grasslands and prairies of the northern Midwest states. Premium passengers may wish to participate in the complimentary wine and cheese tasting in the Lounge Car, where you will sample some of the local wines and cheeses produced along the route you will be traveling. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 2 - Arrive East Glacier Park, Montana
Admire the passing scenery from the Sightseer Lounge car or learn about the North Dakota and Montana parks from volunteer rangers who will be sharing stories and artifacts from the area as part of the Trails and Rails program. You will arrive in East Glacier Park at 6:45 pm. Spanning more than 1.2 million acres of lakes and waterfalls, dramatic peaks and breathtaking ice-carved glaciers, Glacier National Park is yours to explore for the next four days. Your first overnight will be at Glacier Park Lodge, where you will experience the western charm of this historic lodge. Modeled after a Swiss chalet, the heated outdoor swimming pool and nine-hole golf course make for a spectacular retreat. Overnight Glacier National Park. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 3 -Swiftcurrent Lake Boat Cruise
Today transfer to the Many Glacier Hotel, located on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in the heart of Glacier National Park. This national landmark was built by the Great Northern Railroad in 1915 to create the "American Alps." A highlight of your day will be a scenic 1 ½-hour boat ride on Swiftcurrent Lake. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to drink in the natural beauty and grandeur of the Park. Overnight Glacier National Park.

Day 4 - Going-to-the-Sun Road
Travel through Glacier National Park just as they did in the 1930's: aboard a vintage red open-air bus! Your full-day "Crown of the Continent" tour follows the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, where you will be dazzled by awe-inspiring views. Overnight Glacier National Park.

Day 5 - Transfer to Glacier Park Lodge
Take time today to explore Glacier National Park's lush forests, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. Keep an eye out for amazing wildlife including bighorn sheep, wolves and black bears. Overnight Glacier National Park.

Day 6 - Depart for Chicago
This morning make your way to the train station to board the 9:54 am Empire Builder train bound for Chicago. Enjoy the panoramic vistas passing before you from the train's Sightseer Lounge, admiring the prairies and grasslands of North Dakota and Minnesota. Overnight train. (L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 7 - Arrival in the "Windy City"
The train rolls through Minnesota and Wisconsin and into the bustling city of Chicago for a 3:55 pm arrival at Union Station, where your Glacier Park rail vacation comes to a close. You may wish to extend your vacation with a stay in the cosmopolitan City by the Lake. (B, L Sleeping Car passengers only)

Hotels include the Glacier Park Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel. Amtrak accommodations are in Coach class and include a reclining seat with leg rest and access to the Sightseer Lounge car.

Upgrades to Roomette and Bedroom sleeping accommodations are available for an additional fee and include all meals aboard the train.

Hotel accommodations are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities.