• Traveling by train is a great way to explore Montana's scenic landscapes.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Montana is home to some of the Northwest's most beautiful landscapes. From its towering mountains to sweeping prairies, a tour of Big Sky country is a great way to spend a vacation. Traveling by rail can make the trip even more memorable. Although the economy has taken its toll on Montana railroads in recent years, with services like the Montana Rockies Rail Tours or the Copper King Express ceasing operations, there are still a number of train tours available.
  
  

Last Chance Tours

• This historic train tour in Helena, Montana offers guided trips in open-air trains passing through the town's mansion district, past the Cathedral of St. Helena, governor's homes, a restored miner's village, Last Chance Gulch, and the Old Fire Tower, among other attractions. Train travel tourists can choose guided day or half-day tours and purchase T-shirts or other souvenirs from the operators. The Helena train tour service also offers a climate-controlled trolley.
  
  

Charlie Russell Chew Choo

• This narrated central Montana dinner train travels from Kingston Junction, northwest of Lewistown, to Denton and back, passing along the route of the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific railroad. Its spur track, built in 1912, sweeps over mountains, along prairies and through the rolling hills of Montana ranch land, while guests dine at sunset. According to its website, guests can often spot antelope, eagles, deer, hawks and coyotes. Special trains and charters are available year around.
  
  

Alder Gulch Shortline

• This Montana rail tour runs on a one-and-a-half-mile track between Virginia City and Nevada City. The 30-inch narrow gauge tourist track, built on dredge tailings along Alder Gulch, was built in 1964 by a local businessman who had hoped to extend it eight miles to the town of Alder. The train tours operate seasonally between May and September. Group rates are available.
  
  

Amtrak Northwest Montana Ski Packages

• Amtrak offers several Northwest Montana ski and rail packages, including trips from Seattle or Minneapolis to Glacier National Park; Seattle or Portland to Whitefish; and Minneapolis to Whitefish. Most of the packages include round trip coach seating, accommodations, a car rental, and entrances to national parks or ski resorts, depending on the tour. The Montana train trips are booked through Flathead Travel Service.