Hello Reader, it's Kev!

This week I’ve got a new guide to Amtrak in Kansas, but first, a bit of sad news for some travelers.

I learned last week that the Izaak Walton Inn closed this year. I’d never been, but I saw it from the platform on an Empire Builder trip. It was one of those places I’d quietly planned to visit “someday” for years. The kind of trip that feels less like a plan than a promise to yourself.

Sometimes we put a dream aside for too long, and then it can turn into a regret or an “I wish I had.”

Heads Up: The Izaak Walton Inn Is Closed

If an Empire Builder trip to Glacier National Park is on your list, here’s what you should know.

The historic and popular Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, Montana, closed in March 2026 after its parent company, LOGE Camps, ran into serious financial trouble. Built in 1939 by the Great Northern Railway, the inn is now listed for sale at $18 million, with no reopening date announced.

The Empire Builder still makes a flag stop at Essex, but there is no station building or shelter. With the inn closed, there’s nothing waiting for you: no food, no lodging, and no shuttle.

Kev’s Tip: For Glacier by train, plan around West Glacier (west entrance), East Glacier Park (east side, seasonal), or Whitefish (year-round, with the most lodging and services). I’ve updated my Amtrak-to-Glacier National Park guide and my Amtrak in Montana guide with the details.

If someone buys the inn and brings it back, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, keep an eye out of the window as you pass through Essex. It’s one of those stretches that makes the whole ride feel special.

Taking the Train from Kansas? Learn Before You GO

Boarding a train at 2:00 a.m. might not sound ideal, but a little planning can make it manageable. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief serves six Kansas communities, with direct rides to Chicago, the Southwest, and Los Angeles.

My new guide to Amtrak in Kansas covers station stops, schedules, Wichita’s connecting bus service, and tips for overnight boarding, including making sure your ticket has the right departure date.

​Read my new guide to Amtrak in Kansas.

What Is Kev Up To?

This week was a busy one! My town held its citywide “Spooky City” event, complete with coffin races (don’t worry, not real coffins). The brewery I frequent took second place for design.

Later that day, the theatre organ club I do PR for screened The Phantom of the Opera with live accompaniment on the world’s largest theatre organ. We had a great turnout, with about 850 people! The warehouse housing the organ was bathed in red LED lighting that set the mood while still leaving enough light for people to find their way around.

Other than that, things are fairly quiet as I get ready for the upcoming season.

Thank You!

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Until Next Week!

Safe Travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith