Essex, MT to Minneapolis - checked bags?

[user 6862]

We're travelling from Seattle through to Minneapolis on the 8 Empire Builder and breaking the journey at Essex, MT to stay at the Izaak Walton Inn. We'll check bags through to ESM but is it possible to check bags again on leaving ESM?

Thank you

 

[Thirdrail7]

I believe ESM is unstaffed...so I'm unsure how you're checking your bag to ESM.

Therefore, in answer to your question, I would say that it would not be possible to check bags leaving ESM.

 

[user 6862]

May be wrong but the Izaak Walton suggested they co-operated with the 8 crew somehow in particular if the train is early or late. Also they send staff with guests to meet the train. Didn't know if co-operation went further than that.

Thanks

 

[CCC1007]

The “station” at ESM is just a platform that is owned by the Izaak Walton Inn. Amtrak provides no services to the station.

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[user 6862]

OK, good to know

Thanks

 

[ehbowen]

They *may* let you check your large bags through to Minneapolis if your "break" in Essex is only a day or two, but anything you need to have in Essex will have to be carry-on luggage.

 

[CCC1007]

While the station and town are both rather limited in services, the whole town is basically an auxiliary yard for the railroad, the Inn, and some private cabins, but it is one of the most unique experiences I have ever had.

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[Skyline]

While the station and town are both rather limited in services, the whole town is basically an auxiliary yard for the railroad, the Inn, and some private cabins, but it is one of the most unique experiences I have ever had.

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I totally concur. But if you want to explore the area using IWI as "basecamp," you'll need a car. They have limited car rental via Budget at the Inn. Very limited. Reserve the car when reserving the lodging.

 

[Palmetto]

We didn't check them, but cross-country skis were put down below in a small compartment, accessible from the platform. The conductor retrieved them for us at Essex. The inn also used to have a direct phone line to the Glacier dispatcher to check on the trains' progress. That may no longer exist with train tracking functioning on the internet.

 

[user 6862]

We're only in Essex for 24 hours so the most exploring we'll do is with snow shoes. Reading some of the comments above we are even more pleased we chose to break the EB journey at Essex, thanks

 

[tomfuller]

The most reliable place to rent a car coming eastbound is at Whitefish, MT. You might even beat the train to the Isaac Walton Lodge if you don't leave Whitefish too long after the train.

I once rented a car in Cut Bank (paid in advance) that was waiting for us whenever we got off the westbound train.