Let me tell you, as a pro gamer who spends most of my time in front of screens, I needed a real-world quest. And in 2026, my adventure of a lifetime was a car-free journey to Glacier National Park via Amtrak's Empire Builder. Forget the grind of traffic and parking reservations—this was the ultimate, hassle-free way to experience one of America's most majestic parks. With new park management strategies limiting vehicle access, hopping on the train wasn't just a cool alternative; it was, hands down, the smartest move I made all year.

The whole vibe of taking the train was next level. No joke, the moment I boarded the Empire Builder in Chicago, I felt this immense sense of calm. The usual pre-hike exhaustion from a long drive? Gone. Instead, I was treated to a rolling postcard of America's heartland. The route is an absolute banger, taking you right into the action. The train stops at West Glacier, East Glacier, and Whitefish, Montana—talk about convenience! From there, it's a seamless transfer to the park's shuttle system, which whisks you straight to trailheads and campsites. It's like the universe's fast-travel system, but in real life.

Here’s the real tea: sustainability matters now more than ever. Scientists say Glacier National Park could lose most of its namesake glaciers by 2030. Traveling by train felt like a small but meaningful way to reduce my footprint. It’s cost-effective, comfy, and lets you actually enjoy the journey. I managed to crush a few levels on my Switch, read a book, and even grab a solid nap before tackling the trails. Total win-win.

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Planning this trip was easier than optimizing a new game meta. Here’s the 411 on the Empire Builder route in 2026:

• The Route: Chicago to Seattle (via Portland). It passes through seven states – Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Epic scenery the whole way!

• Travel Time & Cost: The full journey is about 46 hours. But you can hop on and off. My one-way ticket from Chicago to West Glacier was around 31 hours and cost me just over $100. For a sleeper car vacation package (7 days), prices start around $830 per person.

• Accommodation Tiers: You can choose anything from a standard coach seat (surprisingly spacious) all the way up to private roomettes and suites. I went with a roomette for the overnight leg – worth every penny for the privacy and views.

• Key Stops: With 46 stations along the route, flexibility is key. Besides the Glacier Park stops, popular detours include:

  • Leavenworth, WA (A Bavarian-style village – so random and cool!)

  • Fargo, ND

  • Milwaukee, WI

Here’s a quick comparison of the main Glacier National Park station options from Chicago:

The best part? Glacier isn't the only national park you can rail-to-trail. Amtrak and other scenic railways service a ton of them. After my Glacier success, I'm already planning my next trips. Check out this list of parks accessible by train:

🏞️ Major National Parks Served by Amtrak (2026):

1. Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)

2. Rocky Mountain National Park (via California Zephyr)

3. Denali National Park (Alaska Railroad)

4. Arches & Canyonlands National Parks (area service)

5. Crater Lake National Park

🚂 Scenic/Heritage Railway Access Points:

• Kenai Fjords National Park, AK: Take the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic train. Unbelievable coastal views!

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH: Ride a vintage railcar on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Pure nostalgia.

A quick pro tip: Not all stations are right at the park entrance. Some might require a 30-minute shuttle or bus transfer, so always double-check the final-mile logistics. But for Glacier? Having stations inside the park is a game-changer.

So, if you're even thinking about visiting Glacier National Park, do yourself a favor and consider the train. In 2026, with park access changing, it's the most relaxing, sustainable, and honestly, the most fun way to go. You get to sit back, enjoy the ever-changing scenery, and arrive ready for adventure—not stressed from the drive. For this gamer, trading the controller for a train ticket to Glacier was the highest-score life decision I've made. 10/10, would definitely recommend. Now, who's up for a co-op adventure on the California Zephyr next? 😎