Ride The Amtrak Through The Wisconsin River Valley For Just 13

The Empire Builder is one of America’s great train adventures – it’s a long-haul train route that travels all the way from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. But you can get a little taste of what this trip is like without needing a sleeping car, a fat wallet, or much time. Just head to Portage and book a ticket to the Wisconsin Dells – it’s a quick journey that offers some nice views and you’ll be able to say you rode the Empire Builder!

You’ll start your journey at this little train station. It’s not Grand Central – there’s not much here. There are no restrooms, no wifi, and no staff, just a little brick building.

Google / Corey Coyle

Here’s where you can climb aboard the Empire Builder. It’s a famous long-distance passenger train that runs from Chicago to either Seattle or Portland. It’s a popular train – about 500,000 people take the train every year. It’s an incredibly scenic journey that takes about 45 hours to complete.

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But we don’t have that kind of time, at least not today. This trip will take just 18 minutes to complete – enough time to get a taste of travel on the Empire Builder.

Google / Martiza Rodriguez Semidey

The ride takes a short trip through the Wisconsin River valley, never straying far from the banks of the river.

Google Satellite

When you arrive in the Wisconsin Dells, you’ll step off the train at an old brick station – it’s actually not as old as it looks. It was built in 1989, a replica of an older station here. Like the Portage station, it’s a no-frills stop.

Google / Stephan Grutering

Wisconsin Dells is a hugely popular tourist destination so you may want to bring an overnight bag and explore the city’s shops and attractions. You can also just stroll around, grab a bite to eat, and catch the next train back to Portage.

Google / JustinTrains

Schedules, tickets, and full information about the Empire Builder can be found on Amtrak’s website. If you can’t make the Empire Builder, here’s a scenic train ride that will also serve you a fancy dinner.