American Rail Excursions, Inc.

Presents

The American Association of Private Rail Car Owner's

NEW UPDATED INFORMATI0N AS OF 9-7-04

2 WESTBOUND ONLY ROOMS REMAIN!! ROUNDTRIP AND EASTBOUND SOLD OUT.

AAPRCO's Special Train - Northern Parks Limited
Chicago-Omaha-Denver-Cheyenne-Casper-Livingston-Missoula
Missoula-Spokane-West Glacier-Billings-Minneapolis-Chicago
September 16-October 2, 2004

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Trip # AR-04-I-1

Welcome Aboard!

Please come and join us on a spectacular rail journey along our scenic route that covers 4300 Special Train miles many of which are rare track miles through truly unique territory.

American Rail Excursions, Inc. has comprised a set of beautifully restored, stainless steel, streamlined Pullman,  Budd, and a Canadian built business car for your rail traveling enjoyment.

Our three cars, Royal Street, a Pullman built stainless steel (5-double bedroom sleeper, lounge, observation round end)  and Pacific Union Budd built (10-roomette, 6-double bedroom sleeper) and the Metis, a Canadian built (4-double bedroom business car) will be your transportation, restaurant, night club, hotel and home for this fabulous tour.

Travel by rail with us in the grand style of the 1950's.

Itinerary: All times are tentative until The American Association of Private Rail Car Owners (AAPRCO) receives its final approval of operation from the host railroads.

Thursday September 16, 2004 (Day 1):

Late Afternoon

 

Passengers arriving in Chicago may board our rail cars at Amtrak's 14th Street coach yard. Our first-class service attendants will escort you and your luggage right to your room.

Note:  Most cab drivers do not recognize Amtrak's 14th and Lumber Street address.  Instead, tell them "Canal Street and Roosevelt Road", the intersection just east of the yard.  Once you are at that intersection, have them continue east on Roosevelt Road (the bridge over the yard) and turn right (south) at the large Amtrak sign.  Call us at 312/909-5128 for final location of the rail cars.

5:00-7:00pm

Let the party begin with the Bon Voyage celebration complete with beer, wine, champagne, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and sweet trays served in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis. Afterwards, the evening is yours to explore Chicago's finest eateries in Greek town, West Randolph Street, The Loop, etc. It is your choice and on your own this evening, but please be sure you are back aboard the rail cars which can be re-boarded  by approximately 10:00pm, we will depart Chicago Union Station at 11:00pm
11:00pm Depart:   Chicago    AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
Friday September 17, 2004 (Day 2):
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en route in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
8:00am/8:20am

Arrive/Depart:  Omaha, NE  Service stop

Noon-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
Afternoon Premium beverage and snack service resumes in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis or, if you prefer, we'll deliver them right to your room.
5:15pm


Arrive:    Denver, CO
Travelers detrain for dinner and an evening on your own in Denver.  
Evening Premium beverage and snack service resumes.
Occupy rail cars overnight in Denver.
Saturday September 18, 2004 (Day 3):
7:00am Depart:    Denver    AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
Noon-2:00pm Lunch served en-route in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
Afternoon Premium beverage and snack service resumes in Royal Street's "Lookout Lounge" and the lounge of Metis or, if you prefer, we'll deliver them right to your room.
5:00pm
Arrive:    Casper, WY
Travelers detrain for dinner and an evening on your own in Casper, WY
Evening Premium beverage and snack service resumes in Royal Street's "Lookout Lounge" and the lounge of Metis or, if you prefer, we'll deliver them right to your room.
Occupy rail cars overnight in Casper.
Sunday September 19, 2004 (Day 4):
6:00am Depart:    Casper    AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
Noon-2:00pm Lunch served en-route in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
Afternoon

Premium beverage and snack service resumes in Royal Street's "Lookout Lounge" and the lounge of Metis or, if you prefer, we'll deliver them right to your room.
5:40pm
Arrive:    Livingston, MT
Travelers detrain for dinner and an evening on your own in Livingston, MT. 
Evening Premium beverage and snack service resumes.
Occupy rail cars overnight in Livingston, MT.
Monday September 20, 2004 (Day 5):
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served on board while our train is parked in Livingston, MT.
Free Day

This day is yours to enjoy on your own in Livingston, MT. Lunch, dinner and tours are on your own today. May we suggest you prearrange to enjoy one of these exciting side tours on your own.

Access to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

Yellowstone Information Line: 1-307-344-7381

Yellowstone Sampler - $129.00 per person 1-Day Tour

  • Tour of West Yellowstone Rail Museum
  • Entrance to the Grizzly Discovery Center
  • Yellowstone Highlights
  • Lunch at Old Faithful
  • A knowledgeable tour escort

Yellowstone Explorer-  $359 / person (double). $479 / person (single) 2-Day Tour .Monday Sept. 20- Tuesday Sept. 21. This overnight trip includes:

  • Tour of West Yellowstone Rail Museum
  • Entrance to the Grizzly Discovery Center
  • Yellowstone Highlights, including Old Faithful and much more
  • Lodging and dinner at Yellowstone Lake Lodge
  • Tour over the Beartooth Hwy "America's most beautiful highway" lunch included
  • A knowledgeable tour escort
Evening Premium beverage and snack service resumes.
Occupy rail cars overnight in Livingston, MT.
Tuesday September 21, 2004 (Day 6):
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served on board while our train is parked in Livingston, MT.
Free Day

This day is yours to enjoy on your own in Livingston, MT. Lunch, dinner and tours are on your own today. May we suggest you prearrange to enjoy one of these exciting side tours on your own.

Access to Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Information Line: 1-307-344-7381

Yellowstone Sampler - $129.00 per person 1-Day Tour

  • Tour of West Yellowstone Rail Museum
  • Entrance to the Grizzly Discovery Center
  • Yellowstone Highlights
  • Lunch at Old Faithful
  • A knowledgeable tour escort

Yellowstone Explorer-  $359 / person (double). $479 / person (single) 2-Day Tour .Monday Sept. 20- Tuesday Sept. 21. This overnight trip includes:

  • Tour of West Yellowstone Rail Museum
  • Entrance to the Grizzly Discovery Center
  • Yellowstone Highlights, including Old Faithful and much more
  • Lodging and dinner at Yellowstone Lake Lodge
  • Tour over the Beartooth Hwy "America's most beautiful highway" lunch included
  • A knowledgeable tour escort

 

Evening Premium beverage and snack service resumes.
Occupy rail cars overnight in Livingston, MT.
Wednesday September 22, 2004 (Day 7):
7:00am Depart:    Livingston, MT.  AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis en route.
Noon-2:00pm Lunch served at your table in Royal Street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis en route.
Afternoon
Premium beverage and snack service in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge, Metis' lounge or, if you prefer, we'll deliver them right to your room. (Lounge service provided in the dining car during non-meal times.)
3:00 PM

Arrive:    Missoula, MT

One way passengers or passengers staying in the Convention Hotel detrain to waiting shuttle buses for transfer to the hotel. Dinner will be on your own this evening.

Evening

Premium beverage and snack service resumes.
Occupy rail cars overnight in Missoula, MT.
Thursday September  23, 2004 (Day 8):
7:00 - 9:00am
Continental breakfast served. Today is the first day of the convention. The following schedule is for passengers who have registered and paid for the various convention activities on their own account. Lunch and dinner will be on your own today.
AAPRCO Convention Schedule
8:00am Registration, vendor displays, and company store open at hotel. Shuttle service commences between railcars and convention hotel.
8:00-10:00am Coffee and tea service at the hotel.
9:00am Associate Members meeting at hotel
9:00-10:30am Smoke Jumpers Excursion (AAPRCO Event $15.00 fee)
10:30am Car Owners meeting at hotel
Noon-1:00pm Break for Lunch. On your own.
1:00-2:30pm "Ask Amtrak" Panel meeting at the hotel.
1:00-3:00pm Motorcoach City Tour with guide. Missoula Children's Theater one hour tour. (AAPRCO Event $15.00 fee)
2:30-4:30pm Mechanical Issues Seminar and discussion at the hotel
4:00pm Registration, vendor displays, and company store close at hotel
4:30pm Premium beverage and snack service in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge of Metis.
5:30-8:00pm

First car party (for registered convention attendees only) includes live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and complimentary premium beverage service.
Evening Dinner on your own. Note: AAPRCO Car party will probably satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Freshly prepared local cuisine will headline these parties.
10:00pm Shuttle service ends between railcars and convention hotel..
Late Evening Occupy railcars overnight in Missoula, MT.
 
Friday September 24, 2004 (Day 9):
7:00 - 9:00am
Continental breakfast served. Those passengers not attending convention events may wish to sightsee Missoula on your own.

 

AAPRCO Convention Schedule
8:00am Registration, vendor displays, and company store open at hotel. Shuttle service commences between railcars and convention hotel.
8:30-11:00am Special train to Hamilton, Bitteroot Valley. (AAPRCO Event $75.00)
11:00am- 2:30pm Lunch- Montana Barbecue and tours of the Daly Mansion.
4:00pm Registration, vendor displays, and company store close at the hotel.
4:30pm Premium beverage and snack service in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge of Metis.
5:00pm Hamilton Special train returns to Missoula, MT.
5:30- 8:00pm

Second car party (for registered AAPRCO convention attendees only.)
10:00pm Shuttle service ends between railcars and convention hotel.
Late evening: Occupy railcars overnight in Missoula, MT.
 
Saturday September 25, 2004 (Day 10):
7:00 - 9:00am Continental breakfast served in the dining car, Henry Hudson.
AAPRCO Convention Schedule
8:00am Registration, vendor displays, and company store open at hotel. Shuttle service commences between railcars and convention hotel.
8:00-10:00am Coffee and tea service at the hotel.
9:00-10:00am :Charter Referral and Website meeting at the hotel.
9:00am- Noon Nine Mile ReMount Depot and Ranger Station tour (AAPRCO Event $15.00 fee)
10:30-11:30am Public Relations Seminar with Patrick Henry at the hotel.
11:30am-1:00pm Break for Lunch. On your own.
1:00-3:00pm Annual Members Meeting at the hotel.
3:00-6:00pm Board of Directors meeting follows Annual Members Meeting.
3:00pm All American Rail Excursions, Inc. passengers traveling eastbound may board at this time. Welcome!
4:00pm Company store and vendor displays close at the hotel. 
4:30pm

Premium beverage and snack service in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge of Metis.
5:30pm Buses depart hotel and railcars to banquet.
6:00-7:00pm Cocktail reception at Boone and Crockette Club in Milwaukee Road Station. (For registered AAPRCO convention attendees only.)
10:00pm Chartered  buses depart for hotel and railcars.
Late Evening Occupy railcars overnight in Missoula, MT.
Sunday September 26, 2004 (Day 11):
6:00am Last shuttle bus from hotel to depart.
6:30am Depart:    Missoula, MT.   AAPRCO's  Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
12:00-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
Afternoon

Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis.
5:30PM Arrive: Whitefish, MT.

Dinner on your own in Whitefish this evening.

Evening: Occupy rail cars overnight in Whitefish, MT.
Monday September 27, 2004 (Day 12):
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served while parked in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
Daytime

Whitefish, MT: Access to Glacier Park. (Optional Glacier Park Tours on your own.)  

AAPRCO Tour of Glacier National Park with special pick up from our train

Time: 9:00am-6:00pm
Price: $80.00
Reservations: 406-892-2525 -please say you would like to book the AAPRCO Tour.

Depart from Whitefish, Montana railroad station and travel along the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. Visit the Historic Izaak Walton Inn, Goat Lick and Marias Pass as you follow the Great Northern Railway (Burlington / Santa Fe) before arriving at Glacier Park Lodge for lunch. After lunch travel north viewing the Two Medicine Valley, Hudson Bay Divide and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. After a short visit to St. Mary's Montana you will spend the afternoon traversing one fop the most beautiful roads in the world "The Going to the Sun Road" and Logan Pass. High mountain alpine lakes fill the valleys and glaciated peaks tower over you in every direction. As you descend from the Continental Divide into the Lake McDonald Valley the natural old growth forest abound with wildlife. Your return ride to Whitefish follows the Flathead River as you complete your ride through paradise.

12:00-2:00pm Lunch on your own. (Included in tour)
6:00-8:00pm Dinner on your own this evening.
Evening Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis. Occupy railcars overnight in Whitefish.  
Tuesday September 28, 2004 (Day 13):
7:00am

Depart:      Whitefish, MT AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
12:00-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
1:30pm Arrive:     Great Falls, MT.
Afternoon Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis.
Evening Yours to enjoy sightseeing and dinner on your own.
Late Evening Premium beverage and snack service resumes. Occupy railcars overnight in Great Falls.
Wednesday September 29, 2004 (Day 14)
6:30am Depart:      Great Falls, MT. AAPRCO's  Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
12:00-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
1:20pm Arrive: Billings, MT.
Afternoon

Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis.
4:00-4:30pm Depart: Billings, MT.
4:30-8:00pm Dinner is served on board en-route.
7:30pm Arrive:      Miles City, MT.
Evening Occupy railcars overnight in Miles City.
Thursday September 30, 2004 (Day 15)
7:00am Depart:    Miles City, MT AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
12:00-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
Afternoon

Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis.
4:30-8:00pm Dinner is served on board en-route.
7:45pm Arrive:    Aberdeen, SD.
Evening Occupy railcars overnight in Aberdeen.
Friday October 1, 2004 (Day 16)
7:00am Depart:   Aberdeen, SD AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
12:00-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
Afternoon

Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis.
4:45pm Arrive:     Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN Amtrak Station at Midway.
6:00-8:00pm Dinner on your own this evening.
Evening Occupy railcars overnight in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
Saturday October 2, 2004 (Day 17)
6:30am Depart:     Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN AAPRCO's Northern Parks Limited.
7:00-9:00am Breakfast served en-route in Royal street's dining area or the dining room of the Metis.
12:00-2:00pm Lunch served en-route.
Afternoon

Premium snack and beverage service begins in Royal Street's Lookout Lounge or the Lounge in Metis.
5:30pm Arrive:       Chicago Union Station, IL.

Sample Menus:

Sample Breakfast Buffet:
Assorted Fresh Fruits
Freshly-Made, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
With Fruit Topping
Crisp Bacon or Savory Pork Sausage Links
Hot Oat Meal
Select Breakfast Cereals
Assorted Breakfast Pastries
English Muffins
Bagels and Cream Cheese
Golden Brown Toast with Butter-Jelly-Peanut Butter
Assorted Chilled Juices
Milk, Hot Chocolate, Assorted Hot Teas
Freshly Brewed Coffee (Regular or Decaf)
Sample Luncheon Menu:
Tangy Lemon Rice Soup
Tossed Garden Salad Served with Fresh Tomatoes
and topped with Croutons and a Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Chicken or Tuna Salad Croissant Garnished with Lettuce
Or
Hot Ham and Cheese or Grilled Cheese on 9-Grain Bread
Potato Chips and a Pickle Spear
Chocolate Brownie Topped with Whipped Cream
Freshly Brewed Coffee (Regular or Decaf)
Assorted Teas
Soft Drinks, Domestic and Imported Beers, or Wine
Sample Dinner Selection:
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Tenderly Mixed Green Salad Topped with Croutons, Grated Cheddar Cheese
with Choice of Dressing
Succulent Tenderloin of Beef Medallions with a Touch of Béarnaise and Hunter Sauce
Served with Baked Idaho Potato Covered with Sour Cream and Butter
Or
Tender Boneless Chicken Kiev
Served with Chicken Rice Pilaf
Broccoli Au Gratin
Dinner Rolls and Butter
Chicago Style Cheesecake Ribboned with Chocolate or Strawberry Topping
Garnished with Sliced Almonds and a Praline Stick
Freshly Brewed Coffee (Regular or Decaf)
Assorted Teas
Soft Drinks, Domestic and Imported Beers, and Wine
What's Included:
• Attentive first-class service provided by our American Rail Excursions, Inc. Staff
• Rail charges aboard our private rail cars for this trip as per your itinerary.
• Up to 16 nights of accommodations aboard our private rail cars based on your itinerary.  
• First-class meal service based on your itinerary:
• Bon Voyage Party prior to departing Chicago
• 10- Breakfasts
• 6- Continental Breakfasts
• 10- Lunches
• Dinner aboard our railcars during our return trip to Chicago
• Premium snack and beverage service during our entire trip- includes beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea and milk.
• Deluxe Suite, Double Bedroom or Roomette (Single Bedroom) accommodations aboard or private rail cars (as per your reservation).
What's NOT Included with our rail tour package:
• AAPRCO Membership; Class A, B or Associate (You MUST be a member to travel with us). If you are not an AAPRCO member, you may join by clicking here.
• AAPRCO Convention Fees and activities in Missoula.
• Note: You must be a registered AAPRCO convention attendee to occupy rail cars in Missoula and to partake in convention activities.  A separate convention order form will be needed from AAPRCO.
• AAPRCO Optional Tours 
About Your Accommodations:
Exclusively for the AAPRCO 2004 National Parks/North Coast Ltd. , American Rail Excursions, Inc. has put together a truly unique train within a train concept utilizing up to three of our railcars operating as a self-contained unit. We plan to operate all three cars as listed, however, our sales will determine the number of cars we will operate. All of our private rail cars operating on our special are historic types of operating railway equipment. All of our bedroom cars have showers.
Costs:
 
Double Bedroom (accommodates 1-2 adults): Every double bedroom has a large window and is furnished with adjustable climate controls, individual reading lights, fold-down table, garment rack, door mirror and either a large couch or a small couch and a lounge chair for day travel. Best of all, your on-board service attendant transforms your room into two beds (1 upper and 1 lower), turns down your bed, arranges for a wake-up call and brings your morning coffee or juice right to your room. Your linens, towels and soap are also provided. All sleeping cars are equipped with a hot shower.

 
 
Double Bedroom:
One-way Only: (Chicago-Missoula and optional rail car occupancy in Missoula as per itinerary)
One person in one double bedroom $7,399.99 
Two people in one double bedroom $3,899.99 per person
Roundtrip: (Chicago-Missoula -Chicago and optional rail car occupancy in Missoula as per itinerary)
One person in one double bedroom $8,999.99
Two people in one double bedroom $5,999.99 per person

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Roomette: Roomettes have space for one traveler. Roomettes feature a small couch, in-wall fold-down sink, garment closet, large overhead luggage rack and a huge lighted wall mirror with an electrical outlet. By night, each room has one lower bed. For your added travel comfort, each room has an adjustable climate control, fan and reading/night lights. A private toilet is located in Roomettes 1-6. Roomettes 7-10 utilize a toilet down the hall in Pacific Union. Your linens, towels, bath towels, soap and shampoo are also provided. A shower and changing room is located in each car.

  

 
 
Roomette:
One-way Only: (Chicago-Missoula and optional rail car occupancy
in Missoula as per itinerary)
One person $4,599.99
Roundtrip: (Chicago-Missoula -Chicago and optional rail car occupancy
in Missoula as per itinerary)
One person $6,999.99
 
 
Payment Terms
Payment in full is due upon registration.
Please call for current accommodation availability.
No refunds unless trip is cancelled.
Tickets are transferable to another AAPRCO member with prior approval.
Please reserve your space as soon as possible for best selection.
Open access will be provided to all American Rail Excursions passengers to all American Rail Excursions cars operated on this trip.
 
 

Northern Parks Limited
Trip # AR-04-I-1
September 16, 2004 - October 2, 2004

(Click here for a printable version of our reservation form.)

 
 
Important Information - Please Read
American Rail Excursions, Inc. and AAPRCO, Inc. welcomes everyone who wishes to travel with us on our public trips. However, because this is vintage railway equipment produced in the 1940's and 1950's, there are no special handicapped facilities available. We welcome those passengers that are disabled or handicapped, but please consider the suitability of these trips carefully. We encourage you to call us at 708-758-6680 or e-mail us at roger@americanrail.com for additional information for your specific situation.

Responsibility
In the responsibility of their own negligence, neither American Rail Excursions, Inc., AAPRCO Inc., The Silver Sleeping Car Company, Crown Rail, Historic Rails, Inc., Pacific Union Sleeping Car Co. L.L.C., Sunview Passenger Car Company nor their agents shall be responsible for cancellations, delays, diversions, or substitution of equipment or any act of omission whatever by Amtrak, transportation companies, of any other persons providing any of these services necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness, or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from the loss or the negligence of any person not their direct employee or under their exclusive control.

Transportation companies, Amtrak, etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board train or conveyances. The passenger contracts in use by Amtrak or transportation companies and passengers or purchasers of this tour, American Rail Excursions, Inc., AAPRCO, Inc., The Silver Sleeping Car Company, Crown Rail, Pacific Union Sleeping Car Co. L.L.C., Historic Rails, Inc., or Sunview Passenger Car Company assumes no responsibility in this connection. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Payments are not refundable unless the trip is cancelled. We reserve the right to cancel a trip prior to departure, in which case your entire payment to us will be refunded without further obligation on our part. Smoking is not permitted on these cars (except in vestibules between cars and on the ground at the longer station stops). As is the case of all travel regardless of destination, we cannot guarantee clear weather all the time and clouds, rain or other weather conditions beyond our control may obscure scenic highlights. We have no control over the various transportation companies providing services for the excursions, and thus it must be understood that changes in the equipment, dates, routes, or other accommodations, though unlikely, can occur at any time.