Legacy INDUCTEE
CHARLIE RUSSELL CHEW CHOO
(EST 1994)
DISTRICT 6 - YEAR 2026
The West was immortalized by Charles M. Russell, America’s Cowboy Artist, who captured the culture of the early Montana territory on paper and canvas. Much of his revered work featured landscapes in and around Central Montana where Charlie first got his start as a wrangler.
Today one can experience Central Montana on a 56-mile round-trip journey on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo (CRCC), named after the famous cowboy artist. The dinner train where passengers enjoy a full-course meal and Western-themed entertainment, is as deeply connected to the history of Central Montana as its namesake. Russell spent a significant portion of his life in the Judith Basin, working as a cowboy and capturing the essence of the disappearing frontier through his art. Russell's paintings capture the landscapes, lifestyles, and historical events of Central Montana, offering a valuable perspective on the region's past and are displayed throughout the train.
The Charlie Russell train is proud to depict for travelers the experiences of the early west. By delving into the rich history of the American West, travelers can move beyond superficial sightseeing and cultivate a more meaningful and insightful journey, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region's diverse heritage and its profound impact on the nation's character.
The first railroad to reach Lewistown was built and operated by the Montana Railroad Company which arrived in October 1903. In 1908, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad purchased the line, and operated it as “The Milwaukee Road” until the 1980s.
Burlington Northern (BNSF) succeeded the Great Northern (GN) through various mergers and the State of Montana acquired key portions which BNSF relinquished and the non-profit Central Montana Railway (CMR) was organized in 1984 to haul grain between Geraldine and Spring Creek Junction. Today, BNSF serves large grain terminals at Moore and Moccasin and the excursion dinner train, the CRCC, which has for over twenty years been operating over a portion of the former Milwaukee’s Lewistown-Great Falls line between Kingston Junction and Denton. This unique railroading experience is operated by the Lewistown Area Chamber of Commerce and CMR.
The CRCC Dinner Train made its first run with two leased train cars on July 4, 1994. In 1996 the Chamber bought the five cars still in use today. The train cars used by the CRCC are 1950s vintage stainless steel Budd-built Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs). The cars weigh approximately sixty tons each and were originally self-powered, meaning they could run independently of one another. The rail cars are currently powered by the diesel locomotives owned by Central Montana Rail.
There is an aura of romance to riding the rails. From the long-ago days when the railroads first started bringing settlers west, many Americans have had a love affair with trains. Perhaps that is why the CRCC Dinner Train that runs on summer weekends between Lewistown and the small community of Denton in Central Montana has gained so much popularity since it was first inaugurated. The run to Denton crosses the wide-open prairie, mostly unspoiled by highways and power lines that are rarely seen by the average person. Some of the area looks much as it did when it inspired Charlie Russell.
The CRCC offers a three-hour scenic and narrated rail journey spanning fifty-six miles, traversing three substantial train trestles, all built in 1913, and passing through a half-mile tunnel built in 1912-1913.
The first trestle the train goes over is the Judith River Trestle. This 33-span bridge is 138 feet high and 1,953 feet long. The trestle was severely damaged in the spring of 2011 and was approved for a five million dollar grant for repair which took place in 2014.
Indian Creek Trestle, the second trestle on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, is a 22-span bridge that is 150 feet high and 1,303 feet long. It may be seen just off the Danvers gravel road.
The Sage Creek Trestle is the last and longest of the trestles on the way to Denton. It is a 27-span Trestle, 163 feet high and 1,698 feet long. The 1996 movie Broken Arrow filmed dangerous train sequences on the Sage Creek Trestle in 1995 with a 150-person crew over six weeks. The 2,014-foot Sage Creek Tunnel nearby is 300 feet underground.
From the train, guests can observe the expansive landscapes and vivid scenery while being served a full-course prime rib dinner. Opportunities for wildlife observation are frequent and accessible. Additionally, a guitarist provides musical entertainment, performing selections inspired by Montana as they move between the train cars.
The history of the American West holds significant importance for travelers due to its rich tapestry of events, cultures, and iconic figures that shaped the region and the nation as a whole. The westward expansion and the concept of the frontier significantly influenced the development of American identity, individualism, and values like self-reliance and resilience.
By visiting historical sites and learning about the challenges and triumphs of those who moved West, travelers gain deeper insights into the origins of American culture. Travelers on the CRCC enjoy a themed "Wild West" experience featuring cowboys, outlaws, and pioneer life. During the return trip, the train stops for a staged robbery by actors who entertain guests and collect their 7-dollar bills. A true Montana experience, the Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ll remember for years to come.
Photo credit - Roland Taylor
Awarded by Montana Department of Commerce, 2025 Tourism Destination of the Year – Charlie Russell Dinner Train is keeping it Western.