Great Northern — Havre to Great Falls (Big Sandy)
MT · Havre → Big Sandy
James J. Hill's first road to Great Falls.
In 1887 James J. Hill's St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba (soon to become the Great Northern) raced across northern Montana. From Havre, a line swung southwest past Big Sandy and Fort Benton to reach the brand-new city of Great Falls, and his Montana Central continued on to Helena.
For generations this route tied the Hi-Line to Great Falls. As traffic patterns changed under Burlington Northern, the Havre–Great Falls line was downgraded, and facilities at Big Sandy were abandoned by the late 1980s.
⚠️ Before you go: every railroad on this map is private property. A line that looks abandoned may still be owned by a railroad, used to store rail cars, or put back into service at any time — sometimes with no warning. Before going near any track, make sure it's truly abandoned (no recent use, rails not polished, no signals or cars stored on it) and that you're allowed to be there. Never assume a track is dead.
📷 Photos & stories from riders
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