Our trip will begin Friday evening, July 11 when we board our private car at the downtown St. Louis Amtrak station.   Meet your fellow passengers at the welcome aboard party before settling into your accommodations on Cimarron River for the night.

Our private car will be attached to the rear of Amtrak train 300, the State House, for our trip to Chicago.   We will depart at 4:35 a.m. while you are still snug in your bed.   As the sun rises you will wake to view the prairies of central Illinois through your own private window to the world.   Complimentary coffee and juice will be ready when you rise.   You may enjoy your own breakfast, visit the Amtrak caf‚ car or delay breakfast until arrival in Chicago and take a short walk to the famous Lou Mitchell's restaurant one block west of Union Station.

We will arrive in Chicago at 9:55 a.m.   The rest of the day and evening is yours to explore the sights and sounds of the Windy City.   Take in one of the city's many museums, visit Millennium Park or Navy Pier or shop the Magnificent Mile.   Take a cruise on a three-masted sailing ship or a ride up the Sears tower.   Chicago is very easy to get around in with plentiful taxis, buses, the "L" and commuter trains to the suburbs.   For a real Chicago experience try the water taxis, which board across the river from Union Station.   Enjoy dinner that evening in one of Chicago's many restaurants or pubs.   At the end of the day return to your accommodation on Cimarron River for the night.

Sunday afternoon we will depart Chicago at 5:15 p.m. on the rear on Amtrak train 305, arriving in St. Louis at 10:50 p.m.

Available accommodations on Cimarron River include 12 single roomettes and two double bedrooms.   Two additional adjoining bedrooms will be ensuited to serve as a lounge.   Each accommodation has its own sink with hot and cold running water.   Cimarron River has a full-size shower and is fully climate controlled.

This is a Picnic Class trip, meaning that passengers are responsible for their own food and beverage.   Coffee and orange juice will be provided each morning and passengers should have access to the Amtrak caf‚ car both diretions between St. Louis and Chicago.   Drinking water and ice will be available on the car.   A microwave, toaster and coffee maker are available.   Pillows, towels and linens are provided on Cimarron River.

Fare is $249 for a roomette (one person occupancy) or $489 for a bedroom (accommodates one or two people) and includes all rail transportation and two nights accommodations on Cimarron River.   Reservations are on a first-come, first served basis.   Full payment is required with your reservation.   Make check or money order payable to St. Louis Chapter NRHS.   Please include your address, phone number, e-mail address and the names of all people traveling with you on your reservation.