After narrowly missing the train at Columbus, we finally caught it at Portage after it stopped for a crew change and to allow the westbound Empire Builder to pass. This train also had UP 6310, ex-SP 264 as Mid-train DPU, making for a memorable consist.
The Empire Builder crosses the state on its way to St. Paul, Seattle and Portland. The Hiawatha Corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago is one of Amtrak's busiest routes.