Izaak Walton Inn Reopening

Question

We are staying in one of the train cars by the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex in July. I know the inn has been closed since last year for renovations, and is projected to reopen this spring. I am wondering if they are on track with that schedule. I have called (there is a recorded message) and then emailed them at the address the recording said to direct question to, and not heard back.

I am just wondering if there are any locals on here who have some intel on their current timeline. I am a bit nervous about the prospect of not having any infrastructure nearby should the inn still be closed in July.

Answer

Good question. The — which had been closed for major renovations — has recently reopened under a new owner, so yes — as of now the inn is operating again.

Here’s what I found about the status and what you should know for your stay this July:

New owner and rebrand: In late 2022 the inn was sold to LOGE Camps, which renovated the property and re-opened it under the name “LOGE Glacier.”
Reopening date: According to publicly available sources, the inn reopened — including the main lodge, cabins, and caboose-style lodging — on September 1, 2024.
Renovations and updates: The renovation included upgrades to the water and heating system, electrical systems, the kitchen, guest rooms, and common areas. The exterior was refreshed, and the property has new branding and amenities aimed at outdoor travelers.
What remains / what changed: The historic character is reportedly being preserved — the lodge’s architecture, many original touches, and the general layout remain. But some longtime guests note that the feel has shifted: some old-school railroad-era memorabilia reportedly was removed, and the vibe is more “updated lodge resort.”

What this means for your stay in July:

Yes — the Izaak Walton Inn (now LOGE Glacier) should be open and accepting guests, so you won’t be stuck without infrastructure (as was a concern during the renovation period).
Expect modernized utilities and improved comfort (heating, plumbing, updated rooms), which is a plus compared with pre-renovation years. Registration and check-in procedures have also changed (e.g., key-code access instead of a traditional front desk check-in) under LOGE’s operations.
If you care about the “old inn atmosphere” (railroad-era charm, vintage decor, historic character), be aware that some of that has changed or been refurbished. Some visitors feel it now has more of a contemporary-lodge vibe rather than the rustic, historic atmosphere some remembered.
Given the property has reopened, you should be able to rely on on-site lodging, but — as with any destination near a major national park — it’s wise to double-check your reservation and arrival details, and possibly confirm with LOGE directly before you travel. There have been occasional reports online of “growing pains” as the new management adjusts.

My recommendation:

Given that you’re already booked to stay in a train car at the Izaak Walton / LOGE Glacier in July — yes, that should be fine. But go in with slightly adjusted expectations: you’ll likely find a comfortable, updated lodge and accommodations, though the atmosphere may feel different than in the historic era. If you value hiking access, proximity to the park, and a functioning base (with modern amenities) over historic nostalgia, it should serve your trip well.