The service began December 11, 1940 between Chicago's Union Station and Omaha, Nebraska, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, through northern Illinois and Iowa and South Dakota.

[2]: 97  In 1940 the train covered 488 miles (785 km) between Chicago and Omaha in 480 minutes.

[1] Unlike the competition between Chicago and the Missouri River, the Midwest Hiawatha was scheduled during daylight, which helped boost patronage.

The Midwest Hiawatha became two Sioux Falls–Chicago coaches which combined with the Challenger in Manilla.

The Milwaukee Road dropped the name altogether in April 1956,[3]: 91–92  when the eastward was rescheduled to leave Omaha at 2:45 AM CST.