If you are looking for a memorable, scenic, and fun way to explore Northeast Montana, look no further. All aboard the Empire Builder, the Amtrak line whose tracks take you to wide-open skies, welcoming communities, and unforgettable experiences. The Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle, with many stops in Montana including Glacier National Park. With stops in Wolf Point, Malta, and Glasgow—three Northeast Montana small towns packed with character and adventure—the daily Amtrak route provides visitors with the opportunity to explore all our region has to offer. Step off that platform and come explore a part of Montana where there’s truly more room to roam.
Wolf Point
Wild Horse Stampede
Located in the heart of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Wolf Point is your first stop in Northeast Montana while riding the western route of the Empire Builder. Rich in Native American heritage and early Western history, be sure to visit the Wolf Point Area Museum to learn about the region’s Indigenous peoples, pioneer roots, and railroad history. Visiting in July? Be sure to check out the Wild Horse Stampede, Montana’s oldest rodeo, where cowboy traditions are alive and well. Visiting in August? You can't miss the Wadopana Pow-wow Celebration, the oldest traditional pow-wow in Montana held annually on the first weekend in August. Enjoy scenic drives, bird watching, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding prairie. Wolf Point is the perfect place to slow down, meet friendly locals, and connect with Montana’s cultural roots.
Glasgow
Downtown Glasgow
Up next, Glasgow. Known as the “Middle of Nowhere” in the best possible way, Glasgow is a warm and welcoming town that makes a perfect stop or basecamp for your Northeast Montana Adventure. Home to rich cultural heritage, the Valley County Pioneer Museum is the perfect place to dig into local history. Glasgow's downtown is perfect for strolling, shopping, or dining (and be sure to take a picture at the famous "Middle" and "Nowhere" intersection signs). Just a short drive from Glasgow lies Fort Peck Lake, a gem of adventure in Northeast Montana that offers fantastic fishing, boating, and other recreation opportunities. Check out the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, where you can meet Peck's Rex, one of the largest mounted
tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world as well as exhibits on Montana’s prehistoric and ecological history.
Malta
Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, Kloie Marks
Next stop, Malta! When you step off the train in Malta, you’re officially in dinosaur country. Visit the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Phillips County Museum to explore fossils and learn about the paleontological history of Northeast Montana. Visitors of all ages will love seeing the reconstructed skeletons and learning about digs still happening nearby to this day. Looking for outdoor recreation? Look no further. Take a quick day trip and cast a line at Nelson Reservoir, a prime spot for fishing, birdwatching, and dark night-sky viewing, or make a stop at Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge for panoramic views of the rolling prairies and badlands and look for wildlife sightings. Malta is a hub for hunting, camping, and wide-open adventures and is a must-see on your Montana Amtrak adventure.
Make the Most of the Empire Builder
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to forget that the journey is the true destination, and traveling through Northeast Montana by train gives you time to unwind, take in the views, and remember what matters most. With daily service, you can hop off and explore a town, then hop back on when you're ready to move on to the next adventure. And if you’re planning a bigger trip, the Empire Builder’s route to Glacier National Park makes Missouri River Country a natural stop on your Western adventure.
Whether you're chasing dinosaur fossils, casting a line in our waters, or soaking up the stories of Montana’s cultural past, the train is your ticket to authentic Montana experiences and friendly communities where there is more room to roam and more time to explore.
