The Amtrak Empire Builder in Montana is a well-known long-distance passenger train. Considering you can go all the way from Seattle to Chicago and back, there’s no doubt that this train ride offers some amazing scenery. In fact, you’ll see more of the U.S. from your window than you would if you made the trip by car.

The Empire Builder passes through the Big Sky State, taking you from Browning to Wolf Point before barreling on to North Dakota, making it one of the longest Montana train rides you can take. This means you’ll pass Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and many other areas that aren’t always easy to drive to – especially in the dead of winter. But you won’t have to worry about that, because the Amtrak Empire Builder operates all year and is one of the best scenic train rides in Montana.

The Amtrak Empire Builder was introduced in 1929.
The West End / Flickr
It was the flagship passenger train of the Great Northern Railway and its successor, the Burlington Northern Railroad. Amtrak took it over in 1971.
This is, by far, Amtrak's most popular long-distance train.
The West End / Flickr
The end-to-end travel time of the route is 45–46 hours. But of course, you can ride through Montana, alone, in substantially less time.
The route is timed so that you'll pass through Glacier National Park during the daylight hours.
Cian Fenton / Flickr
When it gets dark early in the winter months, that isn't always possible, but it's amazing to see all the snow-capped mountains and the trees dusted with white powder.
Of course, you'll be taking it all in from inside your cozy train car.
CanyonMike1/Flickr
If you ride the entirety of the Montana route, you'll end up in Cut Bank, known as the coldest spot in the nation.
Cedar / Flickr
Fortunately, it does not always hit record-breaking low winter temps.
You'll never forget the unbelievable views you'll get from the Empire Builder, especially in the winter.
Ron Kroetz / Flickr
If you have a case of cabin fever, find the nearest Amtrak station on the route and book yourself a ride.

See what it’s like to ride on the Amtrak Empire Builder:

Ready to see a true winter wonderland? See the full Empire Builder schedule. Have you ever been on the Amtrak Empire Builder in Montana? Let us know about your experience in the comments. In the warmer months, take a road trip to the charming small town of Whitefish, Montana.

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Things To Do In Montana

William Suphan | August 24, 2023

What are the best little-known attractions in Montana?

The best little-known attractions in Montana include:

  • National Bison Range. Located in Mission Valley, this vast refuge is filled with wild bison and beautiful scenery.
  • Ringing Rocks. The rocks in this area give off a ringing sound when hit with a hammer. One might be able to make a natural keyboard.
  • Havre Beneath the Streets. The small town of Havre has an entire city underground and you can tour the remnants.
  • Ninepipes Museum. This museum displays relics from early settlers and Western Plains Indians as well as items from fur traders and cowboys.

Discover more about the best little-known attractions in Montana. 

What are the most historic restaurants in Montana?

These are the most historic restaurants in Montana:

  • Western Cafe. The Western Cafe has been around in Bozeman for many decades, serving hearty breakfast foods.
  • 600 Cafe. Opened in Miles City in 1946, this has been a local favorite for a long time and looks like it will remain so.
  • Double Front Cafe. This restaurant in Missoula has been known locally for its fried chicken for over 100 years.
  • The Old Saloon. Located in Emigrant, this saloon opened in 1902 and is a famous stop for visitors to Montana.

Learn more about these and a few more of the most historic restaurants in Montana. 

What are some unique attractions in Montana?

Unique attractions in Montana include:

  • Our Lady of the Rockies. Resting on top of a butte at the Continental Divide sits a massive statue of Mary.
  • Steer Montana. This was an actual steer that was 6 feet tall, 10 feet long, and weighed 3,980 pounds! You’ll find him in the O’Fallon Museum in Baker.
  • Garden of 1,000 Buddhas. This is a gorgeous collection of Buddha statues surrounded by lovely gardens.
  • Miracle of America Museum. This quirky museum displays all kinds of strange relics from American history.

Learn more about unique attractions in Montana. 

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