Visit the Historic Train Depots Near Glacier
Built by the Great Northern Railway
The establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910 began with the influence of wilderness conservationist George Bird Grinnell, President Taft, and the Great Northern Railway. It was a cumulative effort among many individuals to get the Glacier Park established, but the Great Northern Railway's influence was monumental. The Great Northern Railway constructed the train tracks from Chicago to Seattle; the company built the majority of the historic lodges in Glacier National Park, they developed the network of chalets, and of course, they produced the historic train depots in East Glacier, West Glacier, and Whitefish.
A Brief History of the Great Northern Railway
The Great Northern Railway was created in 1889 by founder James J. Hill. With the expertise from John F. Stevens as Chief Engineer, the company discovered a route through the Rocky Mountains at Marias Pass. Coonsah, a Native American guide, aided Stevens in his exploration of the Rockies. The charting of Marias Pass made way for the completion of the train tracks from Chicago to Seattle.
In 1907, Louis Hill (James’ son) was named the president. Faced with direct competition from the Northern Pacific Railroad (which ran past Yellowstone) and increasing travel to foreign countries, Louis was inspired to build up infrastructure in and around Glacier National Park in hopes of enticing new visitors. The Great Northern Railway built Glacier Park Lodge in 1913, Many Glacier Lodge in 1915, and the Prince of Wales Hotel in 1927. The company then urged Americans to “See American First” and referred to Glacier National park as the "Switzerland of America."
With the addition of the chalets (Two Medicine Chalet, Belton Chalet, Granite Park Chalet, Sperry Chalet, and Sun Point Chalet), a resting place was available for those sightseeing the interior of Glacier Park on horseback. After the development of the Going to the Sun Road and Route 3 to Many Glacier, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Swiftcurrent Inn, and Village Inn was constructed to accommodate those traveling throughout Glacier National Park by automobile.
Eventually, the Great Northern Railway was purchased and merged with other railroads to create the Burlington Northern Railroad. Today, the railroad which runs along Highway 2, is still in operation under Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (owned by Warren Buffet) and used by freight trains and the Amtrak (passenger railroad service). Visit the train stations in East, Glacier, Essex, West Glacier, and Whitefish.
Historic Glacier National Park Train Depots
East Glacier Park Depot
East Glacier Park Depot was built in 1912 by the Great Northern Railway. Before the construction of the train depot, East Glacier had a different name, Midvale. The development of the new train depot on the east side of Glacier National Park inspired the name change. With the addition of Glacier Park Lodge in 1913, lodging was only a short walk or carriage stroll away from the train depot.
Izaak Walton Inn
The Izaak Walton Inn, located in the town of Essex, is near the southern tip of Glacier National Park. Essex is home to a railroad yard where winter rail plows and bank engines are stored. Izaak Walton Inn, built in 1939 by the Great Northern Railway, was as a dorm for railroad workers. There was a proposal to make Essex a third entrance to Glacier National Park off Highway 2, but the idea never panned out. Although there is no Great Northern Train Depot located in Essex, it is a popular stop for National Park visitors, and the Izaak Walton Inn accommodates those looking for historic lodging and nearby trailheads.
Belton Depot in West Glacier
The town of West Glacier was known initially as Belton, named by the Great Northern Railway. Around 1950, locals began calling the small community West Glacier. Both names are still in use and differ on road signs and station signs. The Belton Train Depot was built by the Great Northern Railway between 1906 and 1910 (sources vary), along with the Belton Chalet in 1910. The Belton Chalet is a short walk from the Depot and a short ride from the entrance of Glacier National Park. Today, the Belton Depot is a popular stop for incoming visitors from the west and east coasts.
Columbia Falls Depot
In the late 1800s, the original Columbia Falls Train Depot was built, with renovations and additions to the structure in 1908. In the 1950s, the train depot moved from the track, down Nucleus Ave to its current location on Highway 2. A new train depot was constructed to accommodate President Truman’s arrival to Columbia Falls. Today, the old Columbia Falls Train Depot, owned by Colette Gross who operates The Shops at Station 8, can be visited and toured.
Whitefish Depot
In 1928 by the Great Northern Railway built the Whitefish Depot in an alpine style similar to the lodges and chalets constructed in and around Glacier National Park. The Whitefish Depot was well-used for 60 years by the Great Northern Railway (and eventually the Burlington Northern Railroad). In the 1980s, the Stumptown Historical Society became the proud owners of the building and vowed to restore and preserve the historic train depot.
Continued Presence of the Great Northern Railway in Montana
Although the Great Northern Railway is no longer operating the railroad, hotel, lodges, and chalets in Glacier National Park, the presence of their brand and message are still lingering. Their strong influence on Northwest Montana is apparent in the local place names. For instance, a prominent peak stands in the Flathead National Forest of the Great Bear Wilderness. At 8,705 feet, it is not the tallest mountain near Glacier National Park, but it is undoubtedly majestic and bears the name Great Northern Mountain.
We hope you enjoyed the short online tour of train depots near Glacier National Park. After visiting a few of the above locations when you arrive in Montana, rest your body and mind at Mountain Meadow RV Park in Northwest Montana. We offer RV spots, cabins, and RV rentals for your stay. Contact us today for a summer reservation!