Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 8 50 ALL ABOARD Built in 1928, and restored in 1990, the White- fish depot building is impressive with its sharp Alpine-style dormers and dark timbers—particu- larly in winter, when the train rolls into Whitefish and the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort are lit up like a movie set. Skiers and snowboarders abound on the train in the winter. Many come from the Seattle and Portland areas, which are terminal West coast stations. e 2,200+ mile route originates in Illinois, and depending on what time of year, the trip includes long stretches of grasslands and mountain vistas bathed in light. FLEX TIME No matter your trip duration, most riders say this type of travel affords one the opportunity to slow down and go with the flow, or, more accurately, with the rolling rhythm of steel wheels. e trick to a joyful journey, say veterans, is flexibility—in all areas. Take the landscape. After miles of the same old, it's going to change, maybe deliver something unexpected. And, your timetable may change. e train may arrive on time, or not. Keep your expectations open. e Dining and Café cars offer food and beverages, but a stash from home is handy, should there be a lengthy delay. Also, there's no WiFi. Cell phones work for most of the journey and you'll find convenient plug-ins for mobile devices. So, down- load content for yourself and the kids before you board. Station stops are brief and you don't want to miss the call out for the train. Each passenger is allowed two carry-on items and personal items. You can also check up to four bags (two are free). One reviewer says he brought a stack of magazines and books, and didn't touch a one. He was absorbed by the scenery outside— didn't matter day or night. e grasslands and national parks of Montana were favorites. by GLENDA S WALLACE L ISA ROGERS, 37, IS ABOUT TO BOARD AMERICA'S HISTORIC, NORTHERNMOST, TRANSCONTINENTAL PASSENGER TRAIN AT WHITEFISH FOR A TRIP TO CHICAGO. Keeping track of her two daughters, 12 and 6, she's traveling with her 70-year-old aunt, a train veteran, who wishes to ride the Empire Builder using the Vacation Package. Lisa's never traveled by train, and is happy to share this adventure with her daughters, who ride for half-fare (kids up to 13 ride 50% off; it's free for infants under two). Told to expect delays (freight trains have right-of-way on America's railways), Lisa and her aunt anticipate spectacular views unseen by car or plane, a point even the most critical rider of Amtrak concedes. Wibaux train station Train arriving in Whitefish Riding the Memory

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