Here in Idaho, the train industry is mostly a thing of the past…with one exception. There’s one Idaho town that is still home to a single Amtrak train station and seeing it is a must for any train enthusiast. This historic train station first opened its doors to the public over a century ago, so visiting it feels almost like traveling back in time to the days when travel by train wasn’t just common but necessary. There’s a lot of history resonating within these walls and you’ll definitely want to check it out.
If you'd like to experience a train ride, you'll have to head on up to Sandpoint in North Idaho. This is the only community in the state with an Amtrak station. In fact, this century-old station is full of history and you'll definitely want to see it.
Constructed in 1916, the Gothic-style station is the oldest remaining active passenger depot of the former Northern Pacific railway. Passengers can still use the original white-tiled waiting room before boarding their train and heading in one of two directions: east to Chicago, or west to Seattle and Portland.
The station is officially known as the "Sandpoint Burlington Northern Railroad Station" and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Don't be fooled by the small, humble building. This station represents a crucial part in American history. The Northern Pacific Railway was created by Congress in 1864 and was considered the very first of the northern transcontinental railways. Tourism was at the heart of train travel, and many travelers passing through this station were on their way to iconic destinations like Yellowstone National Park.
The train that passes through this station is called The Empire Builder. The westbound train leaves Sandpoint just before midnight, arriving in Seattle or Portland late the next morning. The eastbound train departs in the very early hours of the morning, arriving in Glacier National Park the next morning.
The quaint lakeside community of Sandpoint has changed a lot over the years. Today, you'll observe rows of condominiums and a bustling highway surrounding the historic train station. However, the station itself still stands—serving as a testament to the train industry's history.
Have you visited this historic train station before? There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about this unique destination! If you consider yourself a train enthusiast, you’ll definitely be interested in this Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Idaho.
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