The Empire Builder

Chicago, Illinois to Seattle, Washington

A Journey Across America’s Northern Tier

Chicago, Illinois 12:00 pm (T -2:00)

Chicago’s Millennium Park

In 2016, I embarked on a picturesque journey across the United States aboard Amtrak’s famed Empire Builder train. Departing from Chicago in the evening, I settled into my roomette, the smallest of the private bedrooms offered. It was the perfect little space, equipped with a bed, a great view, and included meals, providing both privacy and comfort as I traveled west.

St. Paul Union Depot 10:19pm (T +8:19)

Historic Stops and Scenic Views

One of our early stops was at the St. Paul Union Depot. It felt special to be one of the first passengers to disembark here after its reopening to rail service. The station’s historic charm added a touch of grandeur to the start of our journey. From there, the train whisked us through the vast flatlands of North Dakota and Montana. This stretch was characterized by expansive views and the immense beauty of seemingly endless plains.

Minot, North Dakota 8:12 am (T +18:12)

Dining on the Rails

One of the unique aspects of traveling on the Empire Builder was the communal dining experiences. Amtrak seats you with other guests at meals, providing an opportunity to meet fellow travelers. These interactions ranged from polite exchanges to deeper conversations about travels and life, making each meal an enjoyable and social event.

Essex, Montana 7:30pm (T +29:30)

Ascending into the Rockies

As we journeyed across Montana the landscape gradually changed from open plains, to rolling hills, and eventually the snow capped peaks of the Rockies appeared in the distance.

Whitefish, Montana 9:00pm (T +31:00)

A Change at Washington D.C.

Limited smoke stops in towns like Havre and Whitefish offered brief moments to stretch our legs and breathe in the fresh, crisp air. The journey continued through the night as we passed through the majestic mountains of Idaho. During this time, the train split into multiple sections, an intriguing operational maneuver that added a sense of adventure to our nocturnal travels.

Seattle, Washington 10:00am (T +45:00)

Arrival in Seattle

Upon arriving in Seattle, I had a day to explore the vibrant city before my return flight home. I visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, which was nothing short of spectacular, and the iconic Space Needle, where I took in panoramic views of the cityscape and beyond. These attractions were the perfect way to cap off my railway adventure.

Overall, the journey on the Empire Builder was a wonderful highlight of my year. While it lacked the flexibility of a road trip, there was a unique ease and beauty to watching the world pass by from the comfort of the lounge car. The train provided a peaceful and scenic way to see parts of the country that are often missed when flying or driving. For anyone looking for a relaxed and picturesque way to travel, I highly recommend considering a long-distance train journey like this one. It’s a wonderful way to see the country and experience the changing landscapes that make the United States so diverse and beautiful.