Essex, MT (ESM)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2012

$485,742

Station Ridership

FY 2012

3,354

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

Essex is the only flag stop on the route of the Empire Builder. If there is a reservation for a passenger boarding or detraining at Essex, the train will stop. If not, it simply continues through Essex.

A platform was recently completed at the Essex stop at a cost of $416,150, using FY10 capital funds. The project included concrete platform, 12' wide by 190' long; railing, passenger/vehicle loading ramp; platform lighting; hydronic snow melting system; space provision for a wheel-chair lift enclosure and signage.

Originally, Essex was home to a rail yard for the Great Northern Railway. The historic Izaak Walton Inn was built next to this yard in 1939 to house railroad personnel and snow removal crews for the railway. Despite a campaign for the Inn to serve as an entrance to Glacier Park between East and West Glacier, the plan was not adopted.

As a result, the Inn appears to be a huge structure in the middle of the wilderness. Today, it is a popular year-round stop for visitors, especially railroad buffs and cross country skiers.

The Essex stop is served by two daily trains.