2026 Convention
Monday, September 14 through Thursday, September 17
Join us at this historic site on the doorstep of Glacier National Park.
Located along the southern border of Glacier National Park in Montana, the former Izaak Walton Inn at Essex has long been a favorite location among fans of the Great Northern Railway. It was the site of the very first independent convention for our organization back in 1979. That was back in the final year of the Fraternal Order of Empire Builders, the GNRHS’s predecessor. Since then, eight GNRHS conventions have been held in Montana, but none at Essex. It is with great enthusiasm that we return to the original site of the first convention for this organization.
Highlights include:
- Welcome reception for all attendees
- Opportunity to tour beautiful Glacier National Park
- Annual membership meeting and board meeting
- Various historical and modeling presentations
- Railfanning the BNSF mainline right outside the front door!
- Banquet
- AND BEST OF ALL – the opportunity to greet old friends and meet new friends!
This is a preliminary announcement, with more details to come in the March Goat. However, due to limited space and high popularity, NOW is the time to reserve your hotel!
Convention Hotel - Book Now!
The convention headquarters will be LOGE Glacier Park, formerly known as the Izaak Walton Inn. Rooms may be reserved from Sunday, September 13 through a departure of Friday, September 18. Space is limited and the rooms will only be available until they are sold out or until March 1, 2026. In the March Goat we'll provide some additional area lodging suggestions for lodging, but understand that they will require more effort than staying on site. For that reason, we encourage you to reserve your spot now! Room rates vary depending on accommodation - everything from standard rooms to cabins to cabooses! You might even consider sharing a room with another GNRHS enthusiast you may know is attending. To book your stay, contact LOGE Glacier Park at (406) 807-8540 or CLICK HERE.
We hope to see you next September!