Onward to Chicago

It was pretty amazing to witness the change in topography as we left the mountains to the flatlands of North Dakota. My time was spent pretty much bundled up and on the platform soaking in the scenery. I took hundreds of photos. Such is the beauty of digital photography. I can’t imagine all the rolls of film I would have gone through and the aggravation of getting it all developed in the “olden days”.

Night shot at Minot, North Dakota

I awoke during the night and made a trip to the lounge. John was on the platform with the track lights on. I watched a bit from the lounge door. Did not feel like getting bundled up to join him. It was cloudy out so there were no stars visible.

Our morning stop was St. Paul, MN. John explained how he was working for the Burlington RR in Minneapolis at the time they merged with the Great Northern. His office had an unobstructed view on the Minneapolis RR yards. John explained how on the day the merger became official, the Empire Builder ceased using the Minneapolis station and shifted operations to St Paul. The reason was, Minneapolis was a “Union Station” and when it was incorporated the contract stated the last passenger RR using the station would bear the financial responsibility of the people working there. I relish learning this obscure information.

St. Paul station:

Leaving St. Paul:


Enjoying breakfast, Rick, Lovett, John, and Steve:

Headed to Chicago:


Love this station. Wish I could have gotten a close up view of the bricks!

Love crossing these bridges:

Wisconsin Dells, WI:

This was a fascinating “museum/shop” I wish I could have visited. Talked to a man who came running out and had to take pictures of the car. Have interacted with more fascinating people this trip:

Not sure of the station name… patterned bricks on the platform:

Pulled into Chicago:
View from the yard where we were parked: