Traveling daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, Amtrak's Empire Builder provides the perfect way to experience the rugged splendor of the American West.

The mighty Empire Builder takes you on an exciting adventure through majestic wilderness, following the footsteps of early pioneers.

From Chicago, you'll have magnificent views of the Mississippi and see the glowing night skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Awake the next morning as you cross the North Dakota plains and travel over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle. Skirting the Missouri, you'll cross into the Big Sky country in Montana. As you pass Glacier National Park the panoramic windows of the Sightseer Lounge make for the best seats in the house. From Spokane, you can continue on to Seattle or head down the Columbia River Gorge toward Portland for spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Beacon Rock.

Trails & Rails

During the spring and summer months, National Park Service guides are onboard the Empire Builder between Seattle and Shelby, MT from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park as part of the Trails & Rails program.

Trails & Rails is an innovative partnership program between Amtrak and the National Park Service. This program provides educational opportunities to Amtrak passengers for the purpose of fostering appreciation of America's natural and cultural heritage. More information is available at the Trails & Rails Partnership web site.