2015 Windy City 3

The Friends of the 261 is offering a chance to ride vintage Milwaukee Road passenger cars from the Twin Cities to Milwaukee and Chicago this May. Recreating the famous “Twin Cities Hiawatha” streamliners, the trip will feature three cars painted in Milwaukee Road orange and maroon colors. Two of the cars will be returning to the route they once traveled in regular service. These meticulously refurbished, fully restored cars recall the era when traveling was half the fun and offer a memorable journey you’ll cherish for years to come!

This trip will feature premier rolling stock, including:

First Class Baggage car, complete with a full bar and entertainment system*

Super Dome 53, Full-length built in 1952 for the Hiawathas. This car offers full bar service and Premium Class Dining as you enjoy the passing scenery from its huge dome windows.

Cedar Rapids, our Premium Class Skytop Observation Car – a “one-of-a-kind” – the last operating example of Milwaukee Road’s four Skytop observations built for the Twin Cities Hiawathas. The car offers luxury seating in swivel parlor chairs and large couch seating under the glass backed observation lounge.

As with all of our premier excursions, these cars will travel behind Amtrak’s Empire Builder, leaving St. Paul early on the morning on Friday, September 4 and returning on Monday evening, September 7.

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.