IZAAK WALTON INN
by Ted and Sylvia Blishak

High on Adventure, November 2015

 

Would you like to be treated like a Railway Baron on your next vacation?  Then visit the rail-fan friendly Izaak Walton Inn, near Glacier National Park, at Essex, Montana.  You'll experience an exclusive  "flag stop" on Amtrak's Empire Builder, which only pauses here at Essex-just down the tracks from the Inn-if passengers are de-training.  Waiting for you on the platform will be a van from the Inn, which will whisk you and your luggage over to the front desk. 

Izaak Walton Inn from the tracks
The Izaak Walton Inn, Essex, Montana, near Glacier National Park

This historic property, near a crew-change spot, was built in 1939, between the East and West Glacier stations, as a hotel for Great Northern Railway engine crews. Many helper diesel locomotives still growl constantly, waiting to assist heavy freights over the Continental Divide. This is a great spot for watching -and listening to-witching operations, with satisfying sounds accompanying the stopping, starting, and accelerating engines.

Empire Builder train 1955
1955 Great Northern Railway "Empire Builder" cruising through the Montana Rockies.    

Inside the main building, you'll find a rustic lobby with a fieldstone fireplace.  Accommodations here are fairly small, some with track views. Various memorabilia, such as old Great Northern Railway posters, signs, calendars, and menus, are on display.

Empire Builder poster from the 1950s
Advertising poster from the 1950s.

Cozy lobby of the Izaak Walton Inn
Cozy lobby of the Izaak Walton Inn.

The gift shop carries reproductions of china once used on the pre-Amtrak Empire Builder trains.  While the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway now owns the tracks past the Inn, you'll soon learn that in the hearts and souls of Montana residents, the vintage Great Northern still lives.

The Inn's restaurant specializes in local huckleberry desserts.

There are private, free-standing accommodations on the property inside updated cabooses, brightly painted in the colors of the railroads they once belonged to. Three of them have been designated as luxury accommodations.

Izaak Walton Inn caboose cabin
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy “Orange” Caboose Cabin.
This restored 1895 ‘Honeymoon’ caboose has wood interior,
gas fireplace and full sized bed with feather top. Kitchenette
includes two-burner cook top, fridge, microwave, toaster,
coffee maker & propane grill on the deck.

With raised cupolas for excellent views of the passing trains, cabooses are well appointed and perfect for ski-in/ski-out winter fun and woodsy summer relaxation.

Izaak Walton Caboose interior
Cozy interior of the Orange Caboose.

As a Railroad Baron, you'll be transported to the top of the line accommodation.  The Inn's website at http://www.izaakwaltoninn.com/luxury-railcars suggests: "The Great Northern 441 Locomotive is unlike any resort you’ll find in Glacier National Park – or anywhere else! Outside, this historic locomotive represents the Great Northern diesels that once rolled past the Izaak Walton Inn...Inside, it’s a warm, rustic refuge...with luxury and amenities unsurpassed anywhere in the Glacier Park area...a Montana Argillite stone fireplace...rubbed oil bronze fixtures...and a 46-inch LCD television and DVD player. GN 441’s interior creatively reflects Montana’s unique blend of flora, fauna and geology. The bedroom invites you with a king size bed...a Hudson Bay blanket and pillowcases...Openings for original radiator fans in the roof have been transformed into skylights to let in the Montana sunshine...on those cold Montana nights, you can crank up the coziness with the fireplace."

Izaak Walton Inn and

The Inn offers cross-country skiing as well as a game room with a billiard table. In the summer, enjoy hiking, scenic drives over the Going-to-the-Sun highway and to nearby lakes. Car rentals are available by advanced reservation.  

Essex, surrounded by mountains and rich with wildlife (such as bears and mountain goats), has a year-round population of less than 50.  

A staff member explained: "I couldn't get out the door because a black bear was camping on my front porch," one of the more unusual reasons for reporting late for work.  

Izaak Walton Inn with Amtrak train
Staff and guests traditionally dash outside to wave at passing Amtrak "Empire Builder".    

Reservations are available through your travel agent, or at 1 406 588 5700.

 

     
 
Ted and Sylvia
 

We are Ted and Sylvia Blishak, who not only write about trains, but also plan customized North America vacations -- with more experience booking rail trips than any other travel agents in the US!

Our travel agency, Train Travel Consulting, has been named as one of the World's Top Travel Specialists by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine since 2002.

Are you a vacationer who wants to travel at your own pace -- to destinations that you choose?

Please visit http://www.traintravelconsulting.com, email sylvia@traintravelconsulting.com, or phone 541-887-6025.

Sylvia logo
 
 

     

  HOA logoHOA destinations