Seeing Montana by car is wonderful… but for an unforgettable experience, take the train. With your eyes free to wander far from the road, you’ll be able to see some of Montana’s most beautiful countryside like you’ve never seen it before. If you’re wondering about “epic train rides near me in Montana,” look no further than Amtrak’s Empire Builder, a train ride in Montana that travels daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, following major portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

The Empire Builder takes passengers on their very own American adventure; this 2,206-mile route ventures through the country’s most majestic wilderness and stunning landscapes, following the footsteps of early pioneers. Underrepresented places like North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho get star treatment along this route, giving passengers newfound appreciation for these often-overlooked states. This 46-hour Montana train ride really is one of the most epic American adventures you’ll ever have! Let’s take a look:

You’ll start your journey in Cut Bank, where you can say hello to their famous penguin. You'll find the Amtrak station located at 101 BNSF Industrial Site, Cut Bank, MT, 59427.
sporst / Flickr
If you have some time to spend in the area before your train departs, check out the Glacier County Historical Museum. And definitely have breakfast or lunch at the Big Sky Cafe on Main Street.
Your first stop is Browning, a tiny town that's also the headquarters of the Blackfeet Nation.
Sean Kimmel / Flickr
Located just east of Glacier National Park on scenic rolling foothills, Browning is in an underrated area of Montana. Enjoy the views!
Next, you’ll stop in East Glacier, and the train stop happens to be across from the Glacier Park Lodge.
Loco Steve / Flickr
The lodge was actually built by the Great Northern Railway to promote travel in the area.

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Don’t nap through the Empire Builder’s trek through Marias Pass.
Loco Steve / Flickr
You’ll go over the Continental Divide and take in some truly breathtaking views. You might even see the monument to President Theodore Roosevelt.
After a stop in Essex, you’ll eventually come to West Glacier and the western entrance of Glacier National Park.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
The Belton Chalet, a historic lodge and chalet, is located across from the railroad depot.
Next, you’ll get a few beautiful glimpses of downtown Whitefish.
Ryan Keene / Flickr
The train stops at an alpine-style station that fits in perfectly with the ski resort-oriented town. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is the main tourist attraction here, especially since it’s a year-round destination.
The last Montana stop is in Libby.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
If you haven’t been to the northwest corner of Montana yet, make this your final stop and spend some time here before turning around and heading home. Libby is a unique place with a lot of charm and it’s close to some of the state’s most beautiful natural wonders, like Kootenai Falls.

Did we answer your question about “train rides near me in Montana?” We sure hope so! Train travel can be so much fun, and this scenic train ride seems like a perfect Montana weekend adventure.

If you’re looking for more of a single-day trip, check out these unique day trips in Montana. Locals also offer lots of exciting opportunities for one-of-a-kind adventures over at Airbnb Experiences. 

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More to Explore

Train rides near me in Montana

Sarah | September 05, 2021

Where can I learn about other train rides near me in Montana?

Right here -- at Only In Montana, of course! Simply type in a search for the particular train ride you're in the mood for on our homepage. For instance, if you're looking for an amazing wintertime excursion here in the Treasure State, you'll want to check out:

 

What are some fun train rides to take in Montana?

Exploring Montana via railroad is simply wonderful. Whether it’s a quick scenic tour or the beginning of a vacation, traveling by train is extremely fun. And we just happen to have train rides in Montana that show off our beautiful state:

  • One of our favorites on the list is the Virginia City Shoreline, a charming little train that takes tourists from Virginia City to Nevada City, for a fun and memorable day trip to one of the state's most historic places!

 

What are the best day trips I can take in Montana?

We simply love day trips. When you don’t have the time or the funds for a weekend getaway, a day trip in Montana can provide the perfect change of scenery. But what is there to do in Montana?, you might ask? Plenty! No matter what part of our massive state you call home, you can always drive for a few hours in any direction and spend your day somewhere wonderful, including amazing places such as:

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Featured Addresses
Cut Bank Amtrak Station, Cut Bank, MT 59427, USA