An Old Montana Train Route Could Be New Again

This Montana Girl Loves Trains

Don't get me wrong, I'm no Sheldon Cooper, however, in May, I'm taking an overnight train ride on Amtrak's Empire Builder from Chicago to Havre.  It's not because it's the quickest way to travel. I could have flown out of Boston if I just wanted to get home quick.  I'm doing it for a couple of reasons:

• I've never been to Chicago and I want to go to the Field Museum
• I am dying for a train ride that's long enough for sleeping over

I got a roomette because I like being alone and I like that it's considered first class.  All of my food and drinks (not alcohol) are included plus I have my own room.  I'm looking forward to this part of my trip more than I can describe to you. You will hear all about the whole trip later this year.  Preview of the trip:

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
• 2 days in Worcester, MA
• Overnight in Boston
• Overnight in Chicago
• Chicago to Havre on the Empire Builder overnight

Why All This Talk Of Trains in Montana?

Soon, an old Montana route may be new again.  I keep reading how the old North Hiawatha Route may be brought back to life.  This route was the south route from North Dakota with stops in Glendive, Miles City, Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Missoula and a few more smaller towns.

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From KTVQ: The Hiawatha Route was shut down around 50 years ago. The BSPRA or Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, is conducting a study to see about bringing back the route with support from Montana's Senator, John Tester. Tester secured $500,000 for the study from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Once they determine how much the southern route would be used, and the Montana towns that want in, we'll know if the route will re-open. Keep your fingers crossed.  Maybe someday soon, we can take trains all over Montana.