Looking for the ultimate vacation destination? We’ve got it! Welcome to Whitefish, where you can enjoy postcard views, an adorable historic downtown, phenomenal skiing, hiking, and even a scenic train ride to Glacier National Park!
That’s right! Add a beautiful and relaxing ride on Amtrak’s Empire Builder to your itinerary.
You can ride the Empire Builder to East Glacier Park!
The scenic beauty of Glacier is not lost on the train, thanks to these amazing viewing cars.
How to Take Empire Builder from Whitefish to Glacier National Park
From Whitefish, visitors can board the Empire Builder from the historic Whitefish Train Depot (which doubles as a museum). The depot, completed in 1928, was designed by Architect Thomas D'Arcy McMahon to reflect the Alpine resort style of the hotels at Glacier National Park.
Once aboard, you’ll have a front-row seat to incredible views of the Flathead River through large, panoramic windows. As the train winds across to the southern border of Glacier National Park, you’ll catch views of Mount Stimson, Lone Man Mountain, Blackfoot Mountain, and Penrose Peak.
Travelers disembark at the eastern side of Glacier National Park near the Glacier Park Lodge, with the option to return to Whitefish on the 6:45 PM departure or stay overnight in the park.
As soon as you get there, exploring turns into an easygoing adventure. An East Side shuttle runs from the Glacier Park Lodge to Two Medicine Valley and St. Mary Village, where you can then connect to the Park Service’s shuttle system (which runs the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road) or head to Logan Pass.
See Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
Unfamiliar with Going-to-the-Sun Road? It’s the most popular destination in the park. Enjoy a scenic drive that spans 50 miles and crosses the Continental Divide. Along the way, you’ll see cascading waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, valleys dotted with wildflowers, glaciers, and possibly a grizzly bear or an elk!
Both the Park Service and Sun Tours offer fantastic shuttles with knowledgeable tour guides that enrich the experience.
If you’re in it for the long haul, Amtrak’s Empire Builder line stretches from Chicago to Seattle, spanning more than 2,200 miles and large portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
The historic Whitefish Amtrak station is also a museum!
The station is located in the picturesque downtown! Walk directly from your downtown rental to the train and back.
And, fun fact: The Whitefish depot is the busiest train stop between Seattle and Minneapolis!
Trips to Whitefish from Seattle or Chicago are overnight, but Amtrak offers roomettes or private bedrooms to make the trip comfortable.
What to Expect Once You're Aboard the Empire Builder
Once aboard, you can order snacks, drinks, and even alcoholic beverages. Amtrak offers a full three-course dining menu to guests who have booked private sleeping accommodations.
What beautiful sights will you see along the way? From Seattle, you’ll enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains and Big Sky country. From Chicago, you’ll see the skylines of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and cross the Gassman Coulee Trestle before passing Glacier National Park on the way to Whitefish.
The only thing left to do?
Book a stay in Whitefish with Natural Retreats and prepare for a vacation in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world!
