One of the most popular modes of travel through Montana is the train. Train travel has been a convenient and affordable option in Montana since the first rail lines were constructed in the late 1800s.
Being that rail travel has a long history in Montana, it’s not a surprise that Montana train stations are both useful for travel, but also serve as unique windows to the past.
Today, many of Montana’s train stations house museums as well as being hubs for travel within the state.
13 Montana Train Stations To Visit
- Belton Historic Train Station
- Browning Train Station
- Cut Bank Train Station
- East Glacier Park Train Station
- Essex Train Station
- Glasgow Train Station
- Hanover Boarding Station
- Havre Train Station
- Libby Train Station
- Malta Train Station
- Shelby Train Station
- Whitefish Train Station
- Wolf Point Train Station
1. Belton Historic Train Station
The Belton Historic Train Station is located in West Glacier. This sleepy town was once a hub for train travelers coming to Montana to experience the glories of Glacier National Park.
Constructed in 1910 and then expanded to meet larger traveling crowds, the station is historically known as the Belton Depot. In 1991 the depot was donated to the Glacier Natural History Association.
This organization renovated the depot, paying particularly close to the previous use and cultural history of the area.
Today, the Belton Train Station is still a functioning train station, though it doesn’t accommodate travelers in the same way it once did. Considered a “whistle stop” station on the Amtrak Empire Builder line, the Belton historic train station is now more museum than it is a train station.
However, it is a great place to check out when you are in the area.
2. Browning Train Station
The Browning train station was once known as Fort Browning and was part of the Great Northern Railway. There was once a full-service station at Browning, but today it is just a platform with a small, covered area.
The old depot was demolished in 2013 as it was in disrepair and was no longer safe for travelers.
The Browning train station only serves customers between October and April. It is the main rail station for Browning, MT, the Blackfeet Reservation, and the access to the eastern part of Glacier National Park.
The Browning train station is served by the Amtrak Empire Builder line.
3. Cut Bank Train Station
Located in Cut Bank, MT, and served by the Amtrak Empire Builder, this train station is either the first or last place along the line where travelers will view the Rocky Mountains.
The Cut Bank station was built in the Swiss chalet style in 1918. Its architectural style inspired the many buildings constructed in Glacier National Park during this same time.
The Cut Bank station was renovated in 2010 during the Cut Bank Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Make a Difference Day”.
Community volunteers painted the building and made repairs to the structure so that it looked much like it did over 70 years ago.
4. East Glacier Park Train Station
While this train station is still a busy stop along the Empire Builder line, the East Glacier Park train station is also a great tourist attraction within the park.
This rustic train station was constructed by the Great Northern railway in 1912. It is located next to the historic Glacier Park Lodge which was built in the same style and opened for visitors in 1913.
The depot looks much like a rustic log cabin, but on a larger scale. The interior of the train station is warm and inviting and is home to many displays that provide visitors and travelers with information on the park and its history.
The East Glacier Park train station is only open seasonally, from mid-April to mid-October. During the winter season, travelers use the Browning station.
5. Essex Train Station
The Essex Montana train station is a flag stop along Amtrak’s Empire Builder line. The original Essex train station was the Izaak Walton Inn which is located less than a half-mile from the current station.
When the Izaak Walton Inn was built, the residents in the area campaigned to have the Inn serve as an additional entrance to Glacier National Park. They were unsuccessful in their efforts. The Inn is still in operation today, along with the new train station.
The old inn is a massive structure looking oddly out of place in the wilderness. The modern train station, which serves few travelers, is a platform with a few shelters for travelers.
6. Glasgow Train Station
