The Amtrak Empire Builder 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 Montana, taking you from Browning to Wolf Point before barreling on to North Dakota. This means you’ll pass Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and many other areas that aren’t easy to drive to in the dead of winter. But you won’t have to worry about that, because the Empire Builder operates all year.

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 And while it gets dark so early that this isn’t always possible, 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.

Loco Steve / Flickr Whether you have an actual destination in mind or you’re just riding along for the scenery, this is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of the Treasure State.

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.

Ready to see a true winter wonderland? See the full Empire Builder schedule here.

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.

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.

Cian Fenton / Flickr

And while it gets dark so early that this isn’t always possible, it’s amazing to see all the snow-capped mountains and the trees dusted with white powder.

Loco Steve / Flickr

Whether you have an actual destination in mind or you’re just riding along for the scenery, this is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of the Treasure State.

Cedar / Flickr

Fortunately, it does not always hit record-breaking low winter temps.

Ron Kroetz / Flickr

If you have a case of cabin fever, find the nearest Amtrak station on the route and book yourself a ride.

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Address: Whitefish Depot, 500 Depot St, Whitefish, MT 59937, USAAddress: West Glacier, Montana, 12544 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, USAAddress: Havre, 235 Main St, Havre, MT 59501, USAAddress: Cut Bank, MT 59427, USA