Izaak Walton Inn Is A Railfan Paradise

Izaak Walton Inn Is A Railfan Paradise | Train Fanatics Videos

In the late 30’s and early 40’s the small town of Essex, Montana was going through some huge changes! Just outside of the gorgeous Glacier National Park, Great Northern Railway placed a stop in Essex, intending to make it the third and new main entrance into the park! In anticipation of the future rail workers, as well as tourists that would come to see the park, the Izaak Walton Inn was constructed.

The inn cost $40,000 to construct!

However, when the United States entered World War II, the plans for Essex to become a main entrance and tourist attraction came to a screeching halt. But that did not spell the end for this town and the inn stood strong, becoming a haven for nature enthusiasts, as well as winter sports fanatics, who sought quiet refuge.

Built right on top of a functional (and to this day still running) rail yard, this vacation spot never forgot its humble locomotive roots! Rail fans are able to foam over trains coming through all day long, but what truly sets this inn apart, is its rather creative inclusion of rail history. Scattered around the property are cabooses, as well as locomotives, that have been retrofitted as fully functional luxury living spaces!

These cabins are a rail fans dream!

These cars and engines are all fitted with king sized beds, kitchens, and bathrooms, and look absolutely gorgeous to boot! With the cream of the crop being Great Northerns engine #441 fitted with a reclaimed 400 year old oak floor, wall accents of birch, cedar, and cotton wood, a leather comfort sleeper and a 46 inch LCD tv!

Has anyone here visited or stayed at the Izaak Walton Inn? We would love to hear your experiences!

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