Museums 101: The Whitefish Railroad Museum (Photo Diary)

Whitefish, Montana served as a division point for the Great Northern Railway from 1904 until 1955. The Tudor style depot building continues to function as an Amtrak station and houses a small museum. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed in the museum.

Whitefish today is known for its skiing—the ski runs can be seen from the depot.

The Bruck

The Bruck is a custom-designed bus-truck which transported train passengers from Kalispell to the train depot in Whitefish, 15 miles to the north. The vehicle could transport 21 passengers, their luggage, and freight. The Bruck made about 6 round trips daily from 1951 until 1972.

The Depot

The Tudor style train depot was designed by railroad architect Thomas McMahon. Tudor style depots are relatively rare and this one features a high pointed roof, stucco and decorative half timbering above clapboard, and multiple groups of tall, narrow windows. The decoratively carved brackets and rafter tails and second-floor balconies is similar to the nearby Glacier National Park chalets.

Locomotive

Outside Art

The Mountain Goat is the symbol of the Great Northern Railway.

Shown above is “Whitefish Rising” by Cody Houston.

The Lobby