Ride Amtrak’s Empire Builder Through Minnesota’s Bluff Country For Just $26

For less than the cost of tacos for two, you can hop on an Amtrak in St. Paul and explore the splendor of the state's Bluff Country on this stunningly scenic Minnesota train trip. All aboard the Empire Builder!

The Empire Builder is a classic rail route that now runs from Chicago to Seattle (or Portland) - or vice versa.

The route was established by St. Paul magnate James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway, so it's only fitting to start your morning trip from St. Paul's historic Union Depot.

For around $26 (one way), you can board the eastbound Empire Builder in the morning in St. Paul and arrive in Winona just a few hours later.

As the train pulls out of St. Paul, it traces the course of the mighty Mississippi River.

By the time the train crosses the river at Hastings, the bluffs rise on both sides of the valley, towering over the Empire Builder's cars.

The train stops briefly in the enchanting river town of Red Wing.

Red Wing is, itself, a fantastic day trip destination.

As you leave Red Wing, the tracks snake along the river, its backwaters and bluffs.

At Lake Pepin, the Mississippi spreads out to one of its widest points, the valley stretching for miles toward Wisconsin, and the bluffs marching along above its banks.

The stretch of tracks between Red Wing and Winona passes along many of the highest bluffs on the river's entire course, and they are spectacular to behold any time of year.

The Empire Builder will pull into Winona mere hours after leaving St. Paul.

You will definitely want to take some time to explore the charming town of Winona. Maybe even stay the night and make a weekend of the trip.

The return train leaves Winona in the evening, so it's a better ride for enjoying the stars and moonlight dancing on the Mississippi than the dramatic Bluff Country scenery. Visit Amtrak's website for current pricing and schedule information. The station identifiers are "MSP" for St. Paul's Union Depot and "WIN" for Winona.

Have you ridden Amtrak in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? What's your favorite stretch for a Minnesota train trip?