Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Glacier National Park & Chicago

Glacier National Park & Chicago, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

"The Crown of the Continent" awaits you on this 7-day rail adventure to Glacier National Park.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder

    Board the Empire Builder at Chicago's historic Union Station for an overnight journey west in a reclining Coach seat, through the grasslands and prairies of the Midwest. Upgrades to Roomettes and Bedrooms (with complimentary meals) available.

  2. Day 2overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    Ever-changing views en route to East Glacier Park

    Pass North Dakota, the Gassman Coulee Trestle and into Montana; access to the Sightseer Lounge. Arrive East Glacier Station this evening and walk to Glacier Park Lodge, modeled after a Swiss chalet with a nine-hole golf course.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Mary Village

    Alpine views from St. Mary Lake

    Coach transfer to St. Mary Village near the eastern entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Shuttle to Rising Sun Boat Dock for a scenic cruise on St. Mary Lake. Park admission not included, purchased separately.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Mary Village

    Traversing Going-to-the-Sun Road on Red Jammers

    Open-air Red Jammer bus along Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, with an optional lunch stop at Lake McDonald Lodge, before returning to St. Mary Village. Subject to change based on seasonal road closures.

  5. Day 5overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    Returning to Glacier Park Lodge

    Leisurely morning at St. Mary Village, then an included coach transfer back to Glacier Park Lodge for the afternoon and evening at leisure.

  6. Day 6overnight: Train

    Reboarding the Empire Builder

    Morning departure from East Glacier Park station eastbound on the Empire Builder, with the Sightseer Lounge available; lunch and dinner available for purchase.

  7. Day 7

    Traveling home

    Continue toward Chicago through Minnesota and Wisconsin, via Milwaukee, arriving in Chicago in the late afternoon; free to disembark and travel home, or extend the stay in Chicago.

Included

  • 4 nights' hotel accommodation
  • 2 nights in Coach aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers
  • National park entrance fees

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