When making your travel plans for fall, winter or any season in 2024, don’t overlook the beauty and excitement travel by rail in North America offers. Vacations by Rail offers an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture and natural beauty. Here are some beautiful and culturally rich destinations in North America to consider:

America’s National Parks

Set out on an epic 13-day adventure with the Great American Parks rail tour, a dream journey for avid travelers looking to discover America’s wild beauty. This extraordinary expedition begins with an overnight rail odyssey on the Empire Builder, tracing the footsteps of pioneers through Big Sky Country. The first stop, Glacier National Park, offers awe-inspiring natural wonders and a heart-pounding drive along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard vintage Red Jammer buses. Witness the majesty of the Upper and Lower falls pf the Yellowstone River and the iconic Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. The journey continues to Jackson Hole, nestled along the landscapes of Grand Teton National Park. Lastly, Utah unveils its treasures from the cultural richness of Salt Lake City to the fiery red rocks of Moab to the wonders of Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Along the journey you’ll get to take a Swiftcurrent Lake boat cruise, float down the Snake River and step back in time at the National Oregon/California Trail Center.

Calgary Stampede, Canadian Rockies & Glaciers

Embark on an extraordinary 10-day journey unveiling the storied beauty of the Rocky Mountains, blending natural wonders, national park exploration and the world-famous Calgary Stampede. This rail tour features excursions to three of the four national parks comprising the UNESCO World Heritage site, Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, and a visit to the Glacier National Park in Montana. Start with an overnight ride aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Upon arrival in Whitefish, Montana, you’ll gain your first glimpses of the beautiful Canadian Rockies appear over the horizon. An entire day is devoted to immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring vistas of Glacier National Park. Crossing the border into Canada, the train stops in Cranbrook so you may marvel at one of North America’s largest collections of vintage train cars. The journey continues with a trip to Kootenay National Park, leading to the charming town of Banff. Here, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefield await exploration, while a ride to Sulphur Mountain’s summit aboard the Banff Gondola promises panoramic views. The grand finale of the trip is the electrifying Calgary Stampede.

Mount Rushmore, the Badlands & Yellowstone – Wild West Wonders

Experience the rugged beauty of the Wild West on the Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands & Yellowstone tour. Starting with a ride on Amtrak’s California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah, you’ll explore cowboy towns, iconic national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, and the historic Black Hills of South Dakota. The 11-day journey is perfect for travelers wanting a blend of history, adventure and natural beauty.

Autumn at the Greenbrier & Historic Trains – A Fall Journey

Fall, a magical time in the mountains, brings the Autumn at the Greenbrier & Historic Trains tour. Starting in Washington D.C., you’ll journey on four scenic and heritage trains, explore historic sites and soak in the fall foliage of West Virginia and Virginia. With a stay at the stunning Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia and a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Virginia, this nine-day journey combines history, beauty and luxury.

Great Lakes & Trains Featuring the Grand Hotel – A Lakeside Escape

Explore the beauty of the Great Lakes region on the Great Lakes & Trains fFaturing the Grand Hotel tour. Starting in Chicago, you’ll travel through Wisconsin and Michigan and cross the Canadian border. Travelers explore charming towns, lush farmlands and natural wonders. A highlight of the 11-day tour is a two-night stay at the exquisite Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Adventure

Discover the allure of America’s national parklands amidst winter’s embrace on an unforgettable journey with Vacations by Rail’s Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Adventure. The winter months are a special time to visit, with fewer visitors; wildlife thriving in their natural habitats; and snow blanketing the mountains, evergreen forests and expansive valleys. Setting off in Chicago on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, you’ll take the scenic route to Provo, Utah. Your first immersion into this rugged landscape occurs aboard the historic Heber Valley Railroad. The journey continues by coach to Yellowstone, where you’ll immerse yourself in the splendor of Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower loops. After, venture to Jackson, Wyoming, for a stop in Grand Teton National Park. Lastly, the journey takes you to Salt Lake City, where a guided expedition explores the scenic treasures.