I have a lot of places bookmarked on my personal travel “to-do” list.
It’s all part of my mission to make sure I never regret missing out on a travel experience later, and the substantial list has stretched past the wonders of the ancient and modern world to include places that are wonderful, strange, and little-known.
Though I definitely want to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China, there’s nothing better than discovering a beautiful and unique hideaway that’s out of the public eye. When it comes to travel, it’s hard to beat the experiences you have when you stray from the beaten path.
The latest nostalgic and quirky destination to add to the bucket list? The Izaak Walton Inn, located in a remote, glacier-bound corner of Montana near the Glacier National Park.
It might seem like it would be a trek to get here, but it’s surprisingly accessible, thanks to the unusual history of the old-fashioned inn.
Would you ever sleep in this unique little inn? Let us know in the comments below!
The inn was first built more than 80 years ago, when the Great Northern Railway, true to their name, was in the process of building a massive cross-country railroad crossing through Montana.
They needed a place to put up the workers constructing the line, so they built a lodge in the tiny community of Essex, MT.
After the railway was completed, the lodge was converted into an inn where travelers making the cross-country journey could stop and rest for the night.
Initially, it was envisioned as a massive tourist destination as well for visitors hoping to tour the Glacier National Park.
Ultimately, however, the inn ended up going in a slightly different direction.
Since few people these days choose to take the train cross-country, the inn instead became a boutique destination for those interested in exploring the fascinating wilderness of Montana.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, train buffs also flocked to the inn.
In part, that's because the inn is still the sole flag stop for the Amtrak's Empire Builder line, so the Izaak Walton is something of a storied pit stop.
In part, it's because, over the years, the lodgings offered have expanded to include the cabooses of several decommissioned trains.
Now, they are parked outside the building proper, and guests can reserve a spot to spend the night.
The interior spaces of the cabooses are quiet and cozy, much like the other rooms in the lodge.
Since this is a destination for train aficionados and wilderness lovers, the rooms are comfortable, but not lavish.
They're unfussy and simple, with just enough room, and a notable absence of TVs and phones, adding to the relaxation of the isolate inn.
Of course, that doesn't mean that the rooms don't have their own quiet luxury.
Take for example, the expansive space available in the X-215 Caboose.
This quiet red railcar is one of their latest additions, and is one of the most comfortable spots to stay in the inn.
The two-tiered rail car boasts a comfortable king-size bed, which fits snugly into the back of the car.
It's tucked into the wood-paneled space, under the gentle curve of the caboose roof.
Meanwhile, the car also brags a well-equipped kitchen, complete with a gas-burning stove and new appliances.
In addition to modern comforts, guests can also enjoy the gas fireplace built into the wall of the caboose.
Best of all, the X-215 makes for a perfect spot for a family vacation.
Thanks to the addition of a lofted double bed nestled under the eaves, this beautifully-appointed train can sleep four guests!
The other available "sleeper cars" continue with the theme of quaint and comfortable rustic charm.
The GN 441, for example, a former diesel car, is fitted with an antique hardwood floor, and can also sleep four guests.
Best of all, it represents a real piece of the inn's history, since this car represents the real diesel train that used to pass by the lodge every single day.
Inside, it's decorated with a few touches that bring in the local flavor of the Montana wilderness.
Guests can snuggle up in the king-size bed, enjoy the native-stone fireplace, and relax with some of the inn's many available books.
Best of all, this old-fashioned caboose features an added touch that will delight train buffs and families traveling with small children!
This old train still features the conductors seat and steering mechanism, perfect for envisioning what it would have been like to steer the train back in its traveling days.
Other cabooses on the premises feature their own quirks and special touches as well.
Some cabooses are stocked with the brightly colored Hudson Bay blankets visible in this picture, while others feature skylights, antique furnishings, and elaborate showers.
Each caboose has its own personality for guests to discover!
Of course, while the cabooses are laid out a bit differently, the theme of quiet comfort extends throughout the hotel.
It makes sense, since the inn caters to many cross-country skiers and hikers, who want a no-frills travel experience.
The inn is, after all, named for Izaak Walton, a noted and enthusiastic English fisherman from the 17th century.
If this sounds like the kind of travel experience you could get behind, maybe it's time to book your train ticket and check out the 33 available rooms (not including the cabooses!) nestled away in this quiet corner of Montana.
And if you know someone who would love to stay here, make sure to SHARE on Facebook!
