My mom had not been on a train in over 50 years, so I took her on a traincation to the historic Izaak Walton Inn.
It was a dream to stand here and shoot the Empire Builder!
Our accommodations on the Empire Builder were amazingly comfortable! The superliner bedroom has plenty of room an ensuite bathroom, a large window, and very comfy beds. Mom loved every minute. We also had amazing service from all the attentive crew. They sure help make the trip memorable!
The salmon at dinner was DELICIOUS, and it was an unexpected pleasant surprise to have dinner after we boarded. Thank you Empire Builder crew!
A champagne toast after dinner. One can bring adult beverages to be consumed in your private accommodation.
We met amazing people that we were fortunate enough to dine with in the dining car. These fine folks have traveled and ridden trains extensively throughout the world. They just reached their millionth rail mail over the summer.
Just look at this amazing breakfast! So good! There is nothing like enjoying a meal and making new friends while zipping along the countryside.
The superliner bedroom is very roomy!
The sightseer lounge car. Mom was cold in here, so we didn't spend too much time. There is a cafe on the lower level of this car where one can purchase food and drinks.
I love having an Amtrak Bloody Mary!
After a delicious Bloody Mary in the sightseer lounge car, it was time to head to the dining car for lunch. The Angus burger is usually my go to choice as it's so yummy! This is usually served with chips, however, I chose to just have a salad instead. All meals are complimentary when one books a sleeper accommodation.
The hallway outside our room is great for viewing the world going by.
The dining car is set for dinner.
The food on the Empire Builder is fantastic! My mother and I enjoyed every bite. She had the chicken for every single dinner as she loved it so much. I opted for the land and see option, a cooked to order steak and a crab cake with hollandaise sauce.
We met another nice young couple and enjoyed sharing our meal with them.
A few lights hung in our window added to the ambiance.
Parting gift from Ronda, our sleeper car attendant, who was AMAZING! She went above and beyond our entire ride, even helping at meals in the dining car. We appreciated her attentive service, and tipped her accordingly.
We arrived at the Izaak Walton Inn after dinner and were picked up from the platform by Inn staff.
The pedestrian bridge is the perfect spot for train watching!
What an amazing magical place!
I loved rail fanning from the bridge!
We opted to stay in the Inn opposed to one of the other accommodations
We adored room 3 on the main level. Very spacious and comfortable, we could hear the crackle of the fireplace and the WIFI worked in our room. Being a corner room, it's also nice to have windows on two sides.
Very clean and comfortable!!
Elk for dinner!
Mom doing some railfanning from her comfy bed in room 3
Gorgeous trails!!
The dining room at the inn had great food. The staff was friendly and accommodating.
Nighttime view of the Izaak Walton Inn.
Being a triancation, we brought train books and movies!
Thanksgiving buffet
Getting picked up for the ride home.
Check out the view for breakfast!!!!
Back in a superliner bedroom. So cozy and comfy!
North Dakota sunset from the Sightseer lounge car
After a nightcap, we chose a movie. She opted for "North by Northwest" instead of "Throw Mama From the Train."
She slept like a baby!
home
It was tough to go home. Mom can't wait until our next trip!
