Trip Itinerary
Day One - En Route / St Louis
St. Cloud participants will board the Empire Builder at 5:14 a.m. Minneapolis/St. Paul area members will board the famous Empire Builder prior to its 7:50 departure for the 417-mile journey to Chicago.
The Empire Builder features double-decker Superliner equipment. Relax in your comfortable reclining coach seat with leg rest. Go to the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for spectacular viewing of the passing scenery. A delicious full-course lunch in the dining car is included.
Sandwiches, snacks and beverages are available in the Lounge car.
Your train will roll along the western shore of the broad Mississippi River beneath towering bluffs. Additional tour members will board in Red Wing (8:54 a.m.), Winona (10:11 a.m.), La Crosse (10:47 a.m.), Tomah (11:28 a.m.), Wisconsin Dells (12:09 p.m.), Portage (12:27 p.m.), and Columbus (12:57 p.m.)
The Empire Builder will arrive in Chicago’s Union Station at 3:55 p.m. There are several quick “on-your-own” dinner options within the station.
An America by Rail representative will assist you in transferring to a Lincoln Service train for its 5:15 p.m. departure. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages are available in the Cafe car. Sit back and relax in your reclining coach seat as you roll southwest to St. Louis.
Your arrival into St. Louis is scheduled for 10:45 p.m. Your America by Rail Tour Director will greet and transfer you to the Holiday Inn Southwest.
Meal(s): L
Day Two - Branson
Breakfast is included in our hotel this morning before departing on our deluxe motorcoach.
At noon we’ll arrive at Missouri’s major attraction, the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield, Missouri. It’s the world’s largest sporting goods store. There are options for an “on-your-own” lunch.
At mid afternoon we’ll arrive at the attractive, full service Radisson Hotel, our comfortable accommodations for the next three nights in Branson. The Radisson is convenient to many shows and attractions.
Dinner is included this evening in our hotel’s dining room.
Following dinner our Branson travelers will enjoy a performance by one of America’s most popular groups, the Oak Ridge Boys. The Oak Ridge Boys, one of the longest-running groups in country music, are back on America by Rail’s Branson schedule, bringing a lot of country and a little bit of rock, blues and gospel.
The talented quartet’s four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have resonated with fans across the country, pop, and gospel genres, selling more than 30 million records.
The Boys have ten Gold Albums, two Platinum, and one Double Platinum Album as well as 25 No. 1 hits including: “Elvira”, “American Made”, “Bobbie Sue”, “Thank God for Kids”, and “Y’all Come Back Saloon”.
Meal(s): B & D
Day Three - Branson
A full plated or buffet breakfast in our hotel is included each morning in Branson.
At 9:00 a.m. we’ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Branson and the scenic Ozark countryside. Be sure to visit Dick’s old-fashioned 5 and 10 cent store in Downtown Branson.
You’ll have time for an “on-your-own” lunch.
The New Shanghai Circus/The Acrobats of China celebrate the exotic wonders of China and the dramatic interpretation of classic Chinese dance and physical performance art. Featuring spectacular backdrops, beautiful costuming, and state-of-the-art lighting this show is a thrill a minute! The show combines extraordinary and inventive feats of strength and skill, control and balance.
For dinner we’re off to McFarlain’s Family Restaurant and Pie Shop. “Homestyle cookin’ like it’s supposed to be!” The pie is served first.
After dinner we’ll travel to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater where, at 7:30 p.m., you’ll enjoy the renowned Shoji Tabuchi. For a number of years, the Japanese violinist has headlined Branson’s most popular show.
Meal(s): B & D
Day Four - Branson
This morning you’ll have the option of shopping, relaxing in your hotel, attending a show, or visiting the Landmark Titanic Museum/Attraction.
After an “on-your-own” lunch we’ll depart for Yakov’s American Pavilion for the afternoon performance of the renowned comedian, Yakov Smirnoff. He left Johnny Carson in stitches, was called “amazing” by Jerry Seinfeld, and deemed “a national treasure” by President Ronald Reagan.
For dinner we’re off to the famous Grand Country Buffet.
After dinner we will enjoy an evening with Tim Conway and Friends. He is a “comedian’s comedian”. His hilarious antics on the Carol Burnett Show are legendary, winning numerous Emmys. His talents are vast, and his comedy is memorable. Tim will deliver loads of laughs in a show of sketches, stand-up and audience interaction, not to mention memories.
Meal(s): B & D
Day Five - En Route
Following breakfast, we’ll board our deluxe motor coach and depart Branson for Springfield, Illinois. An “on-your-own” luncheon stop is scheduled for the St. Louis Union Station food court.
At 1:45 p.m. we’ll arrive at the world famous 630-foot high Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Museum is included. Options include a trip to the top of the Arch and a 45-minute film chronicling the history of the Old West.
We’ll continue northeast 100 miles to Springfield, Illinois, where we’ll spend the night at the Ramada Limited.
Meal(s): B
Day Six - En Route
Following a Continental breakfast we’ll transfer to the Springfield Amtrak station where at 6:32 a.m. we’ll board the State House train for Chicago. Snacks and beverages are available in the café car. Our arrival into Chicago’s Union Station is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
Tour members will board the westbound Empire Builder and depart Chicago at 2:15 p.m. for home cities. You’ll travel again in the same comfort you enjoyed on the southbound Empire Builder.
The train will arrive in Columbus (5:05 p.m.), Portage (5:34 p.m.), Wisconsin Dells (5:52 p.m.), Tomah (6:30 p.m.), La Crosse (7:14 p.m.), Winona (7:50 p.m.), Red Wing (8:52 p.m.), Minneapolis/St Paul (10:31 p.m.) and St. Cloud (12:40 a.m.).
A delicious dining car dinner is an option for those on board at meal time.
Meal(s): CB