EXPERIENCE
THE HISTORY
Our grounds hold memories from more than a century ago when railmen laid the groundwork for the historic Milwaukee line.
THE ORIGIN
The Iron Horse Inn is nestled in the Cascade Mountain foothills of South Cle Elum, adjacent to the Palouse to Cascade State Park trail and the historic South Cle Elum Rail Yard. Built by the Chicago Railroad in 1909 to house the train crews on the Milwaukee line, the Iron Horse was originally known as the Old Milwaukee Bunkhouse.
THE FIRE
On November 4, 2018, the original building suffered a catastrophic fire. We are so thankful that no one was hurt after so many firefighters risked their lives trying to save the historic building. Due to overwhelming damage, the 109-year-old railroad bunkhouse was razed.
THE REBUILD
The newly rebuilt Iron Horse Inn now sits on the same historic footprint and incorporates the 1920s railroad bunkhouse style with a few modern updates for comfort. Guests will see furnishings and media that illustrate local railroad history and pay homage to the men that worked and stayed here.​​
THE UPGRADES
The new bunkhouse features four large ADA-friendly suites on the ground floor, each with private bathrooms and original 1920 furnishings that maintain the inn's texture.
The new Iron Horse also features a spacious open foyer where breakfasts are served, complete with couches, dining tables, and french doors that lead outside to deck seating, a hot tub, and the outer grounds.
