Great Train Itineraries - Empire Builder end in Portland (OR)

As soon as you catch sight of Chicago – the most important city of the Midwest, standing on the shore of Lake Michigan –, its skyline will leave you awestruck. After the devastating 1871 fire, Chicago was rebuilt by the most famous architects of the day – namely Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies Van de Rohe. The city is now one of the finest examples of contemporary architecture in the world. Chicago also boasts plenty of modern artworks, on display at the Millennium Park and in virtually every square, museums as outstanding as the Art Institute and an extremely thriving music scene, with several top-notch jazz, blues and rock clubs and festivals.

Known as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul are facing each other on opposite banks of the Mississippi River. St. Paul, the state capital, is home to the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra. Must-see attractions include the Italian Renaissance-style Capitol designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect of the United States Supreme Court in Washington, the cathedral modeled after St. Peter's in Rome, and the Victorian houses along Summit Avenue. The city is also famous for its Carnival celebrations, especially for the enormous ice sculptures. Minneapolis has gained international recognition for its dedication to the arts. A visit to the Guthrie Theater, one of the best repertory theaters in the United States, is a must.

Fargo, made famous by the renowned film starring Frances McDormand and later by the eponymous television series, is a bustling town with excellent local breweries. Just a short distance away is Fort Ramson State Park, which is home to a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Minot celebrates its rich Scandinavian heritage every autumn during North America's largest festival, the Norsk Høstfest, where you can sample Scandinavian delicacies and enjoy folk music and entertainment. During the rest of the year, you can visit the Scandinavian Heritage Park, which features replicas of historic Scandinavian buildings and an impressive Swedish windmill.

The largest city in Oregon, famous for rose cultivation, is surrounded by spectacular landscapes: the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, waterfalls, forests, ski slopes, and streams. It is also a vibrant city, rich in culture and art, with excellent bars, microbreweries, restaurants, and many green areas.