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The Great Northern Railroad was instrumental in the creation of Glacier National Park -- in fact they pressured the federal government into buying the land from the Blackfeet Indians. For many years the park was run as a destination resort by the railroad. Visitors to the park arrived by rail, here at East Glacier. They then spent a couple of weeks travelling between several huge hotels and a number of smaller mountain chalets, sometimes by touring car (the famous red busses, still in use) but mostly on horseback. It was a luxurious (and relatively expensive) way to see the mountains.

Passengers still arrive by Amtrak, but most come in their own cars or RV's. Most of the chalets are closed, but the great lodges are still there. East Glacier Lodge is the largest, and the only one not actually amongst the mountains (it was on the railroad). It must be the world's largest log cabin. I especially like the English-style flower garden along the walk that leads from the train station to the hotel entrance.

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