2015 Windy City

Friends of the 261 is offering a chance to ride vintage passenger cars from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee and Chicago this May. Our fully restored cars offer a memorable journey you’ll cherish for years to come! Meticulously refurbished, these cars recall the era when traveling was half the fun of a vacation.

Ride the rails in style between Minneapolis and Chicago in an all-matched train painted in the orange and maroon colors of Milwaukee Road passenger trains of the 1950s. This trip will feature our premier rolling stock, including the following:

Baggage Car: First Class Baggage car, complete with a full bar and entertainment system*
Super Dome 53: Premium Class Dining and Dome Car*
Cedar Rapids 186: Premium Class Sky-top Observation Car*

As with all of our premier excursions, these cars will travel behind Amtrak’s Empire Builder, leaving Minneapolis early morning on Thursday, May 21 and returning on Sunday afternoon, May 24.

While riding the rails, enjoy freshly-prepared meals and libations knowing that you are supporting the restoration of the Milwaukee Road Steam Locomotive 261.

These trips will have limited seating, all in premium class. With the recent reduction in air fares between the Twin Cities and Chicago, you may wish to fly one way and take the train the other.

A luxury train requires a luxury hotel! Upon arrival in Chicago passengers will will be able to check into the famous Hilton Palmer House. This luxury hotel is bedecked with garnet-draped chandeliers, Louis Comfort Tiffany masterpieces, and a breathtaking ceiling fresco by French painter Louis Pierre Rigal. In recent years the historic Palmer House has undergone a $170 million renovation to ensure that it includes all of the conveniences and comforts 21st century guests expect while also preserving the hotel’s significant history. The Palmer House puts you in walking distance of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park. With CTA’s ‘L’ blue, orange, and red lines just steps away, you can navigate Chicago with ease. Passengers may make their own hotel reservations in Chicago, Passengers staying in Milwaukee are resposible for their own hotel reservations.