Amtrak says it'll use 'dome' car on Chicago routes

CHICAGO — Amtrak says it has begun using its "Great Dome" car on routes to and from Chicago to give holiday travelers panoramic views.

The dome car offers extra seating. It has an upper level with windows on all sides and overhead, running the full length of the car.

It is scheduled to run to and from St. Louis, Carbondale and Detroit through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Seats are available on a first-come basis.

The car was built in 1955. It's the only remaining dome car Amtrak has in service. Previously, it was used on the Chicago-Seattle Empire Builder when that train was operated by the Great Northern Railway as well as the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

More recently, the car made fall color trips on the East Coast.