Essex, MT

Tucked along the southern edge of Glacier National Park in Flathead County, Essex is a quiet mountain outpost with deep railroad roots. Trains shape daily life here, with BNSF freight lines rolling through the valley and Amtrak’s Empire Builder stopping right in town. The historic Izaak Walton Inn, built in the 1930s for rail workers and snowplow crews, serves as the community anchor and draws visitors year-round. Sitting along Highway 2 between East and West Glacier, it offers an exceptionally peaceful setting for anyone drawn to rugged isolation and big wilderness.

ATTRAdam Moss from Tonawanda, New York, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0

Outdoor recreation drives the rhythm of the seasons, from miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter to hiking and train watching in the summer. Longtime traditions keep the small community connected, including the historic Glacier-Waterton Hamfest that gathers amateur radio operators every July. Life in Essex revolves around the surrounding peaks, the quiet stretch of highway, and the steady hum of the rails, offering a rare blend of working history and backcountry calm.