We took the Empire Builder to Chicago, and it was fun. We departed from the recently refurbished Union Depot, which was honestly kind of a disappointment. Somehow they have taken one of those impressive old vaulted train stations and made it totally, boringly bland. Except for the mustard colored ceiling, which is the only color ever invented that can clash with beige. *meh*

The coach seats are about the size of 1st-class seats on a plane but with much bigger windows. And best of all, there is an electrical outlet at each seat for keeping your devices charged. Important, since there is no wifi. If buses can have wifi, why not trains?  Huh.



The best place to spend time is the Observation Lounge, especially when the train is largely empty (as it was on Thursday). Half the car is little seats aimed at the humungous windows. There are tables in the back half of the car where you could eat lunch or play games. But time goes fast if you just zone out and stare at the scenery zipping by in front of your eyes.


Lots of sad trees with their feet in the water, and drowned bushes. It was a hard winter, but sometimes spring can be even crueler. And finally - the money shot. Hi there,  Wisconsin Dells! Zow. It went by so fast on the way down that I missed the shot. But on the way home I was ready for it.

That's Milwaukee on the left. Click through to the larger picture and you'll see the unmistakable Miller sign in the background. And finally we coast in to the REAL Union Station right next to the Chicago River.