We will be pulled behind Amtrak’s Empire Builder #8 from St. Paul to Milwaukee and Chicago.
The Empire Builder Departs St. Paul Union Station at 8:50 am*
If you purchased tickets for Minneapolis/St. Paul to Chicago or Milwaukee please arrive early enough to walk through St Paul Union Station to the train. Scheduled arrival at Chicago is 4:45 pm* Volunteers will assist in loading baggage unto the train, just bring your bags to the train with you when you arrive to board.
En route you will be provided freshly prepared meals made by our on board chef in the Super Dome. We will be serving breakfast and lunch to Chicago. On the Way to Minneapolis/St. Paul we will have light hor d’oeuvres and snacks, followed by dinner and dessert later in the trip. Refreshments are included the entire trip as well. If you have any food allergies, please contact us ahead of time and inform us and we will be able to plan meals accordingly
We will be pulled behind Amtrak’s Empire Builder #7 from Chicago & Milwaukee to Minneapolis/St. Paul.
If you purchased tickets for Chicago to St. Paul Union Depot please arrive early enough to walk through Chicago Union Station to the train. Check the screens through out the station to find where boarding of the Empire Builder will be.
-If you are boarding in Chicago, we have supplied a basic map of Chicago Union Station. Click here for Map
-Typically we depart from track #19 in the North Concourse.
-Please wait by track #19 for the train
-For exact train status, you may call 1800-USA-RAIL or check the monitors in the station.(If you call to inquire, the call center will not be aware that our private cars will be on the trains but they can furnish you with arrival and departure information)
-We are being pulled behind Amtrak’s Empire Builder train #7
-Arrive 15 min early
-Please follow all safety signs & DO NOT cross or stand on tracks
The Empire Builder Departs Chicago Union Station at 3:05 pm*
If you purchased tickets for Milwaukee to St. Paul Union Depot arrive with plenty of time to get checked in and on the train safely. We will board passengers at the far east end of the platform. If asked by an Amtrak employee, let them know you are riding with the ‘Private Cars.’ and they will point you in the right direction.
The Empire Builder Departs Milwaukee Station at 4:45 pm*
*All times are subject to that days train status and are not controlled by the Friends of the 261, for up to date train status call 1-800-USA-RAIL or check the monitors in the stations.
We look forward to having you join us on a most unforgettable experience.