Izaak Walton Inn

About Izaak Walton Inn

Description

Let me tell ya about the Izaak Walton Inn - it's one of those places that just sticks with you long after you've checked out. I stayed here last summer, and honestly, this historic railroad hotel turned mountain retreat really surprised me. The inn strikes this perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, without trying too hard to be fancy. Built in 1939, the property has maintained its authentic Montana character while thoughtfully updating amenities for today's travelers. The rooms have this wonderfully simple, clean feel to them. Sure, they're not ultra-luxurious, but that's part of what makes this place special. You'll find comfortable beds, basic furnishings, and everything you actually need without unnecessary frills. Some rooms even offer amazing views of the surrounding wilderness - I literally woke up to deer grazing outside my window one morning!

Key Features

• Two on-site restaurants serving hearty Montana fare and comfort food • Seasonal outdoor pool perfect for summer dips • Well-equipped fitness center for maintaining your workout routine • Historic railroad memorabilia and displays throughout the property • Access to miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails • Unique converted railroad car accommodations available • Cozy lobby with a warming fireplace • Gift shop featuring local artisanal items • Scenic outdoor spaces for relaxation • Regular wildlife sightings on property

Best Time to Visit

Ya know what's interesting about the Izaak Walton Inn? It's actually fantastic year-round, but each season offers something totally different. Summer's probably the most popular time, when temperatures hover between 70-80°F and the outdoor pool becomes the perfect cooling spot. Plus, the hiking trails are all accessible and the wildflowers are just incredible. But here's a little insider tip - I absolutely love this place during fall. September and early October bring these amazing golden colors, smaller crowds, and perfect hiking weather. The temperatures cool down to the 50s and 60s, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Winter's got its own magic too, especially if you're into cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Just pack plenty of warm layers cause it can get pretty chilly! Spring can be a bit unpredictable with weather, but you might snag some great deals during this shoulder season.

How to Get There

Getting to the Izaak Walton Inn is part of the adventure! The easiest way is flying into Glacier Park International Airport and renting a car - it's about a 1-hour drive from there. Trust me, you'll want a car anyway to explore the area. The drive itself is absolutely gorgeous, winding through Montana's stunning landscape. If you're driving from elsewhere, the inn is right off Highway 2. Just keep your eyes peeled for the Essex exit - it's pretty well marked but easy to miss if you're distracted by the incredible mountain views (been there, done that!). For something really special, you can actually arrive by train! The inn sits right along Amtrak's Empire Builder route, making it one of the few hotels in America where you can literally step off the train and walk to your room. How cool is that?

Tips for Visiting

Let me share some real-talk tips based on my stays here. First off, book well in advance, especially if you want one of those awesome railroad car rooms - they fill up super fast! And while the wifi works, it's not exactly lightning-fast, so maybe plan on a bit of a digital detox during your stay. Pack smart - the weather here can change quickly. Even in summer, I'd throw in a warm jacket and some rain gear. If you're visiting in winter, serious cold-weather gear is a must. And don't forget your camera - the photo ops are endless! The restaurants on-site are pretty good, but they can get busy during peak times. I'd recommend making dinner reservations when you check in. Also, grab some snacks for your room since the nearest grocery store isn't exactly around the corner. Oh, and one more thing - take time to chat with the staff! They know all the best local spots and hidden gems in the area. Some of my favorite memories are from following their recommendations for lesser-known hiking trails and wildlife viewing spots. Give yourself at least 2-3 days here to really soak in the experience. This isn't just a place to crash for the night - it's a destination that deserves to be savored. And remember, cell service can be spotty in the area, so download any maps or important info before you arrive.

Description

Let me tell ya about the Izaak Walton Inn – it’s one of those places that just sticks with you long after you’ve checked out. I stayed here last summer, and honestly, this historic railroad hotel turned mountain retreat really surprised me. The inn strikes this perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, without trying too hard to be fancy. Built in 1939, the property has maintained its authentic Montana character while thoughtfully updating amenities for today’s travelers.

The rooms have this wonderfully simple, clean feel to them. Sure, they’re not ultra-luxurious, but that’s part of what makes this place special. You’ll find comfortable beds, basic furnishings, and everything you actually need without unnecessary frills. Some rooms even offer amazing views of the surrounding wilderness – I literally woke up to deer grazing outside my window one morning!

Key Features

• Two on-site restaurants serving hearty Montana fare and comfort food
• Seasonal outdoor pool perfect for summer dips
• Well-equipped fitness center for maintaining your workout routine
• Historic railroad memorabilia and displays throughout the property
• Access to miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails
• Unique converted railroad car accommodations available
• Cozy lobby with a warming fireplace
• Gift shop featuring local artisanal items
• Scenic outdoor spaces for relaxation
• Regular wildlife sightings on property

Best Time to Visit

Ya know what’s interesting about the Izaak Walton Inn? It’s actually fantastic year-round, but each season offers something totally different. Summer’s probably the most popular time, when temperatures hover between 70-80°F and the outdoor pool becomes the perfect cooling spot. Plus, the hiking trails are all accessible and the wildflowers are just incredible.

But here’s a little insider tip – I absolutely love this place during fall. September and early October bring these amazing golden colors, smaller crowds, and perfect hiking weather. The temperatures cool down to the 50s and 60s, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

Winter’s got its own magic too, especially if you’re into cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Just pack plenty of warm layers cause it can get pretty chilly! Spring can be a bit unpredictable with weather, but you might snag some great deals during this shoulder season.

How to Get There

Getting to the Izaak Walton Inn is part of the adventure! The easiest way is flying into Glacier Park International Airport and renting a car – it’s about a 1-hour drive from there. Trust me, you’ll want a car anyway to explore the area. The drive itself is absolutely gorgeous, winding through Montana’s stunning landscape.

If you’re driving from elsewhere, the inn is right off Highway 2. Just keep your eyes peeled for the Essex exit – it’s pretty well marked but easy to miss if you’re distracted by the incredible mountain views (been there, done that!).

For something really special, you can actually arrive by train! The inn sits right along Amtrak’s Empire Builder route, making it one of the few hotels in America where you can literally step off the train and walk to your room. How cool is that?

Tips for Visiting

Let me share some real-talk tips based on my stays here. First off, book well in advance, especially if you want one of those awesome railroad car rooms – they fill up super fast! And while the wifi works, it’s not exactly lightning-fast, so maybe plan on a bit of a digital detox during your stay.

Pack smart – the weather here can change quickly. Even in summer, I’d throw in a warm jacket and some rain gear. If you’re visiting in winter, serious cold-weather gear is a must. And don’t forget your camera – the photo ops are endless!

The restaurants on-site are pretty good, but they can get busy during peak times. I’d recommend making dinner reservations when you check in. Also, grab some snacks for your room since the nearest grocery store isn’t exactly around the corner.

Oh, and one more thing – take time to chat with the staff! They know all the best local spots and hidden gems in the area. Some of my favorite memories are from following their recommendations for lesser-known hiking trails and wildlife viewing spots.

Give yourself at least 2-3 days here to really soak in the experience. This isn’t just a place to crash for the night – it’s a destination that deserves to be savored. And remember, cell service can be spotty in the area, so download any maps or important info before you arrive.

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