Amtrak Empire Builder

32 hours and 1627 miles from Chicago to Whitefish Montana. Most of that was crossing prairie with corn giving way to wheat and cattle. I checked my big bag in again, just like at the airport, ready to collect at the other end. In fact Union station has luggage carousels and the bags take just as long to arrive.

Arrivals and departures at Union Station

There is quite a bit of luggage space in the carriages too but the best thing is the leg room. I could stretch my legs right out and only just touch the seat in front. There is a foot rest bar that pops out in front and a cushioned leg support that swings out from under the seat. The seat itself can tip back a long way so I got a decent sleep. There are sleeper cars too but they are pretty expensive. I bought a 30 day Amtrak pass for $500 dollars which gives 10 journeys, very good value.

Leg room

Station break

The trains do often have delays but on a long journey will usually make up the time. At some stations there is a chance to get out and walk around, particularly when there is a crew change or refuelling. The carriages on the Empire Builder were all double deckers.

Observation car

One great thing is the observation car. This end is outward facing seats and at the other end there are tables. The cafe car is down below so you can bring your food beverages up here and enjoy with the view.

Old steam locomotive

Williston, North Dakota

A lot of grain towers along the way. And a fair amount of decay in some places, especially all the old heavy industry outside Chicago. And in the country the usual abandoned vehicles. One house had quite a collection but they had carefully cut the grass around them! 

Typical view, North Dakota

Into Montana

Big skies

The mountains eventually started to appear on the horizon. Very quickly the landscape changed and we were amongst tree clad hills, gorges and mountain ranges.

Mountain reflection

The sun catches the hill tops as the day ends. Within a couple of hours we had reached Whitefish where I was met by my distant relation Mark Wilson. His Mainland grandmother was related to my Manson great-grandmother. It was 10.30pm and I was ready for a shower and a good night's sleep.