Uncover the postcard-worthy scenery of the Crown of the Continent on this week-long vacation featuring Amtrak’s renowned line, the Empire Builder

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.

Set near the eastern entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road and close to St. Mary's Lake, St. Mary Village is another iconic lodge near Glacier National Park and your destination today.

After transferring by coach, you can settle in or get a look at St. Mary Village. Hiking trails are easily accessible, and complimentary park shuttles from the St. Mary Visitors Center, located just under a mile from the lodge, make it convenient to explore.

Later in the afternoon, walk to the St. Mary Visitors Center to board the shuttle to Rising Sun Boat Dock. Here, embark on a scenic cruise on St. Mary Lake, relaxing while surrounded by 360-degree views of mountainous grandeur. You may even spot wildlife along the lakeshore before returning to the dock, where you can catch the shuttle back to the St. Mary Visitor Center before continuing your evening at leisure. Overnight St. Mary Village.

Please note: Admission to Glacier National Park is not included with this tour. To enter the park, you will need to purchase park admission separately.

This morning brings a highlight of your vacation as you travel through Glacier National Park just as they did in the 1930s: aboard an open-air Red Jammer bus. Your Crown of the Continent tour traces the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Truly awe-inspiring views surround you at every turn, with sprawling valleys giving way to towering mountain ranges and sparkling lakes adorned by lush evergreens. Spot ancient sheets of ice and look for wildlife as you continue to the west side of the park.

The tour pauses at Lake McDonald Lodge, where you can enjoy an optional lunch before retracing the journey back to St. Mary Village. Your evening is then free to unwind after a thrilling day of sightseeing. Overnight St. Mary Village.

Please note: The Crown of the Continent Tour is subject to change based on seasonal road closures and availability.

With a leisurely start to the day, you could have breakfast at St. Mary Village or grab a cozy cup of coffee to enjoy while seeking out the perfect view. There is time to head out on one of the local trails to revel in your spectacular natural surroundings before an included coach transfer takes you back to the historic Glacier Park Lodge.

The drive further illustrates Montana's rugged beauty, and as you arrive at Glacier Park Lodge, you are free to continue enjoying your time at your own pace. This afternoon is an ideal time to explore more of the local trails or to admire the scenery from the lodge's golf course. You could also take advantage of the horseshoe pit or pick up souvenirs in the gift shop before exploring the onsite dining options this evening. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge.

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 last four 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.

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 begin your travels home. If you would like to extend your explorations or see more of the Windy City, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights.

Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class, Roomette, and Bedroom.

Coach accommodations include a reclining seat with leg rest.

Roomette accommodations include a private cabin featuring two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, converting to an upper and lower berth at night.

Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day, and upper and lower berth by night. Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and shower.
All travelers have access to the Sightseer Lounge. 

Roomette and Bedroom accommodations include all meals aboard the train. Sleeping car passengers aboard the  Southwest Chief enjoy meals in the train's Dining car. New contemporary and fresh dining choices replace traditional dining car service on the  Capitol Limited. Sleeping car passengers may elect to have a chilled prepared meal selection delivered to your Roomette or Bedroom or enjoy meals in a private cafe or lounge car. 

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.

Amtrak's Empire Builder follows a 2,200-mile route connecting Chicago, IL, and Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR. This iconic journey highlights America's cityscapes and natural beauty as it follows a pioneer route through the Northern Prairies. While the scenery is spectacular throughout, one of the most impressive portions comes as the Empire Builder passes by Glacier National Park. 

Situated at the southeast corner of Glacier National Park, this 3-Star hotel was the first built by the Great Northern Railway. Inside this historic hotel, Douglas Fir logs tower over the lobby and a fire crackles in the stone fireplace. Amenities include the Great Northern Dining Room and the Empire Bar. Newly restored rooms feature free Wi-Fi, garden views and a cozy seating area.

At St. Mary, the Great Plains of Montana stretch to the east and the mountains of Glacier National Park scrape the sky to the west-this is one of the most dramatic backdrops of all Glacier National Park hotels. The perfect hub for activities, all types of travelers will enjoy the lodge's prime location on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

With 127 guest rooms spread among seven facilities and a number of dining and shopping outlets, St. Mary offers something for everyone. From rustic and budget-friendly motel rooms to modern tiny homes and upscale hotel accommodations, St. Mary has something to fit every taste level and budget.

• Upgrade your accommodations or class of service on the train
• Upgrade your room category at select hotels
• Add private transfers

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Great Rail Journeys can supply connecting rail from your closest Amtrak Station.