There’s nothing more incredible than taking in the sights of Montana. From wide open spaces to mountain tops covered in snow, the views here are nothing short of magnificent. If you’re an avid hiker you’ve likely seen many of these views on your adventures. Even some scenic road trips will present a whole new side of the state. While both of these are great ways to take in the landscape, one of our new favorites is through an epic train ride. The next time you want to take a grand (but easy to plan!) adventure check out this overnight train trip through Montana.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder offers service from Chicago to either Portland, Oregon or Seattle. This beloved route has been around since 1929 and is a favorite due, in part, to the incredible views.

locosteve / Flickr

The route originally operated under the Great Northern Railway, but was taken over in 1971 by Amtrak.

locosteve / Fickr

The trip from end to end takes about 45 hours, but you can choose to take just a portion, too. Of course, we think the route through Montana is the most beautiful.

thewestend / Flickr Libby, MT 59923, USAWolf Point, MT 59201, USAEast Glacier Park Village, MT 59434, USA

This overnight train trip through Montana makes stops at 11 different stations between Libby in the west and Wolf Point in the east. Of course, you can hop on and off anywhere you’d like. The train pictured here is on Two Medicine Trestle in East Glacier.

locosteve / Flickr Libby, MT 59923, USAWolf Point, MT 59201, USA

The route is one of the most beautiful for many reasons, but the mountains of Montana are truly the main draw here.

locosteve / Flickr

The route even travels through Glacier National Park. This portion of the journey is timed to take place during the day for optimal viewing.

apathy_girl / Flickr Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

And there’s certainly no better way to see the park than from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the train’s lounge car.

thewestend / Flickr

The dining rooms also offer access to all the scenery.

CanyonMike1 / Flickr

One of the best elements of this overnight train trip through Montana is the day-in-the-life views right outside. Mountains are great, but the small towns along the way are also charming.

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Additionally, the food can’t be beat. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all available.

MalibuFireman / TripAdvisor

There are a few room choices, but even the most basic offers everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep. Roomettes even have enough space for getting some work done.

Felicia D / TripAdvisor

Imagine waking up to these views!

MalibuFireman / TripAdvisor

The trip is easily combined with other Amtrak routes, so be sure to check out the website linked below for more information on how to make this the trip of a lifetime.

thewestend / Flickr

The Amtrak Empire Builder runs throughout the year, so you can make plans for your journey today. Check out the official website for availability and rates, plus the ability to book.

locosteve / Flickr

locosteve / Fickr

thewestend / Flickr

Libby, MT 59923, USAWolf Point, MT 59201, USAEast Glacier Park Village, MT 59434, USA

Libby, MT 59923, USAWolf Point, MT 59201, USA

apathy_girl / Flickr

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

CanyonMike1 / Flickr

MalibuFireman / TripAdvisor

Felicia D / TripAdvisor

This is undoubtedly one of the most unique journeys you can take in the state. But, if you’d rather stick close to home consider one (or all!) of these three ridiculously charming train rides in Montana.

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