Hello everybody
I’m going to go to Milwaukee in mid august.
Who of you can tell me something about the “hot spots” in the area?
Hi
Davide
Your best bet is to take Amtrak to Chicago. Railroad Capitol of the World.
TIM A
(I live near chicago, future home of the Hiawatha)
I agree, go to sweet home Chicago…don’t miss Joliet
Davide80-
There is a nice spot on hwy 100, just north of Watertown Plank Road (actually the parking lot on the NW corner of that intersection)(enter 1201 n. mayfair rd into a map search such as MAPS.COM for directions). The UP (former CNW) double-track main passes over the CP double-track main, with the UP going through a big truss bridge. The best time for this is before 10am due to lighting (if you are going to photograph). After 2pm walk across the bridge (Watertown Plank Road) over the CP tracks for a nice view of the tracks.
Another popular spot (usually other railfans on site) is Waterford Avenue, just east of 6th street, on the south side (type in 300 e. waterford in the maps site to get directions). This is a CP only site. However, the trains southbound are pulling up a steep hill and are usually at full power, and the northbound trains are coming downhill and are usually really moving.
If you radio scan, use 160.77 for the CP from Chicago to Milwaukee, and 161.52 for CP west of downtown. The UP operates on 160.485 from Chicago to Milwaukee, and 160.89 north of Milwaukee. The CN (WC) operate through Waukesha (home of Trains magazine), and they are on 161.295. The WS operates on 160.575.
Targubright could tell you about the best spot north of Chicago (Deval interlocking in Des Plains) where CP, UP, Metra Northwest Line, and CN cross. It’s about 75 miles south of Milwaukee. Not very scienic for photography, but great for seeing lots of trains.
Rondout tower (just east of interstate 94 on hwy 137 in northern Illinois is another good spot; Metra, CP, and EJ&E cross there.
I agree with the others that railfanning in and around Chicago is far superior to Wisconsin, however if you are up there I suggest the Amtrak depot in Sturtevant which is about three miles off of Interstate Route 94, and then there is my favorite, Slinger where you can go “downtown” and be right where the old Wisconsin Central (nee Soo Line) tracks cross the main street within about fifty feet of the Wisconsin Southern tracks…many trains to see in 24 hours in either spot…you may also want to try Green Bay’s rail museum and UP engine facility and yard, the Wisc. Central Fon du Lac shops and also their old Stevens Point shops and yard as well. Oh, yes I know that the WC is no more, but old habits are hard to break.
Often find railfans hanging out at the Sturtevant, Wi Amtrak Depot. This is on the CP
mainline, about 25 miles south of Milwaukee. Take I94 south to Hy 11 exit, turn east go three miles, cross the RR tracks, next left turn (north) 1/4 mile, cross track & turn
left into station parking lot. Depot is ex Milw Road 100 years old, interesting design.
Bob
Hi Dave,
I agree w/ others that the Sturtavent depot is a good spot. The UP and CP mains run parallel approx 1/2 mi to 1 mile apart here. You get the Empire Builder & Amtk Hiawatha’s on CP (ie at the depot). You get UP Chi-Milw, Chi-Minneapolis, Chi-Sheboygan (coal) trains on UP. If you go South to Pleasant Prairie (Kenosha area), there is a large coal fired power plant there. The UP runs on one side, the CP on the other. You can ping-pong back and forth and get stuff going by. There is usually UP / CNW power laying over waiting to take coal empties back west. See the map link below. (or search Mapquest.com for "Bain Station Road, Kenosha, WI)
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?size=big&mapdata=uSSjFjlWFD%2FOJZPKi%2Fyp4xmf4jjFneeMExelOqFkoAx41aiXbDk7eRyf7w5ykUt%2BMxy6lD6nBMKfNs%2F2GkUk7mdBLkdINa3eBg%2Fu27ChUrh0ojdxrbgjCZnUhSIcpN5yThFLC%2FjS2Ow%2BoZ3T3XHcEDFbh18ihvwpG04fqQm0rhmimfJIkAmdC3j7cE%2FZdPXrz6KoSQMFRwtfMmJNouwYAVAxTjgC5xlLVNp%2BVzYb91d4RNej9WH0RyNEW7tx7vlpPB9CzEsSLHO%2FX15lmDCciRdj00ebWLFsUgUgxzI872F%2BDogJg2Gv8M7AmuV5tS8x
My other favorite Milwaukee area spot is Duplainville. Again, use Mapquest.com and search Duplainville, WI. Its about 20-25 miles West of Downtown. The CN (formerly WC nee Soo Line) runs North-South (pretty busy), the CP (formerly Wilw Rd) runs East-West. Good amt of traffic.
Good luck.
Dan
Wisconsin is pretty big and it is hard to know what end or side you intend to be in.
I would try to check out the Wisconsin & Southern (perhaps their HQ in Horicon), Wisconsin Central/CN (Duplainville west of Milwaukee is a good spot), the Jones Island industrial/port complex in Milwaukee, or the museums in East Troy (trolley), Green Bay, or North Freedom (or Duluth MN if you are near Superior WI) to see things you won’t see in Chicago.
Scenically, the BNSF line along the Mississippi River offers some great photo opportunities.
Dave Nelson
Well, thank you everybody
I’m going to do my best to enjoy my holiday
Davide
The westbound Empire Builder gets to Wisconsin Dells about 6:00. If on time, the eastbound EB gets there about noontime. The North Freedom steam train is nearby, also the Baraboo circus museum (home to the Wisc circus train from Baraboo to Milwaukee & back). If you go there, be sure to check out the old wooden circus wagons!
I guess this proves there is alot of great places to railfan in the Milwaukee Area! I found a restauant in Oconomowoc, Wi called “The Depot” It is located in Downtown Oconomowoc. It used to be a Milwaukee Road Depot. Great Food, Alot of Railrodaina, and it is also on the CP mainline!!
It became one of my fav hidden RR spots!
Oh, come on. Ever heard of Grand Crossing, anyone? Then there is the place call the Steamboat ( IIRC) next to the BN main line, in Prescott, WI. OK place to have a beer or two while watching the BNSF. Also, go to Dultuh and superior. Talk about rail action!
Hello everybody
I’m going to go to Milwaukee in mid august.
Who of you can tell me something about the “hot spots” in the area?
Hi
Davide
Your best bet is to take Amtrak to Chicago. Railroad Capitol of the World.
TIM A
(I live near chicago, future home of the Hiawatha)
I agree, go to sweet home Chicago…don’t miss Joliet
Davide80-
There is a nice spot on hwy 100, just north of Watertown Plank Road (actually the parking lot on the NW corner of that intersection)(enter 1201 n. mayfair rd into a map search such as MAPS.COM for directions). The UP (former CNW) double-track main passes over the CP double-track main, with the UP going through a big truss bridge. The best time for this is before 10am due to lighting (if you are going to photograph). After 2pm walk across the bridge (Watertown Plank Road) over the CP tracks for a nice view of the tracks.
Another popular spot (usually other railfans on site) is Waterford Avenue, just east of 6th street, on the south side (type in 300 e. waterford in the maps site to get directions). This is a CP only site. However, the trains southbound are pulling up a steep hill and are usually at full power, and the northbound trains are coming downhill and are usually really moving.
If you radio scan, use 160.77 for the CP from Chicago to Milwaukee, and 161.52 for CP west of downtown. The UP operates on 160.485 from Chicago to Milwaukee, and 160.89 north of Milwaukee. The CN (WC) operate through Waukesha (home of Trains magazine), and they are on 161.295. The WS operates on 160.575.
Targubright could tell you about the best spot north of Chicago (Deval interlocking in Des Plains) where CP, UP, Metra Northwest Line, and CN cross. It’s about 75 miles south of Milwaukee. Not very scienic for photography, but great for seeing lots of trains.
Rondout tower (just east of interstate 94 on hwy 137 in northern Illinois is another good spot; Metra, CP, and EJ&E cross there.
I agree with the others that railfanning in and around Chicago is far superior to Wisconsin, however if you are up there I suggest the Amtrak depot in Sturtevant which is about three miles off of Interstate Route 94, and then there is my favorite, Slinger where you can go “downtown” and be right where the old Wisconsin Central (nee Soo Line) tracks cross the main street within about fifty feet of the Wisconsin Southern tracks…many trains to see in 24 hours in either spot…you may also want to try Green Bay’s rail museum and UP engine facility and yard, the Wisc. Central Fon du Lac shops and also their old Stevens Point shops and yard as well. Oh, yes I know that the WC is no more, but old habits are hard to break.
Often find railfans hanging out at the Sturtevant, Wi Amtrak Depot. This is on the CP
mainline, about 25 miles south of Milwaukee. Take I94 south to Hy 11 exit, turn east go three miles, cross the RR tracks, next left turn (north) 1/4 mile, cross track & turn
left into station parking lot. Depot is ex Milw Road 100 years old, interesting design.
Bob
Hi Dave,
I agree w/ others that the Sturtavent depot is a good spot. The UP and CP mains run parallel approx 1/2 mi to 1 mile apart here. You get the Empire Builder & Amtk Hiawatha’s on CP (ie at the depot). You get UP Chi-Milw, Chi-Minneapolis, Chi-Sheboygan (coal) trains on UP. If you go South to Pleasant Prairie (Kenosha area), there is a large coal fired power plant there. The UP runs on one side, the CP on the other. You can ping-pong back and forth and get stuff going by. There is usually UP / CNW power laying over waiting to take coal empties back west. See the map link below. (or search Mapquest.com for "Bain Station Road, Kenosha, WI)
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?size=big&mapdata=uSSjFjlWFD%2FOJZPKi%2Fyp4xmf4jjFneeMExelOqFkoAx41aiXbDk7eRyf7w5ykUt%2BMxy6lD6nBMKfNs%2F2GkUk7mdBLkdINa3eBg%2Fu27ChUrh0ojdxrbgjCZnUhSIcpN5yThFLC%2FjS2Ow%2BoZ3T3XHcEDFbh18ihvwpG04fqQm0rhmimfJIkAmdC3j7cE%2FZdPXrz6KoSQMFRwtfMmJNouwYAVAxTjgC5xlLVNp%2BVzYb91d4RNej9WH0RyNEW7tx7vlpPB9CzEsSLHO%2FX15lmDCciRdj00ebWLFsUgUgxzI872F%2BDogJg2Gv8M7AmuV5tS8x
My other favorite Milwaukee area spot is Duplainville. Again, use Mapquest.com and search Duplainville, WI. Its about 20-25 miles West of Downtown. The CN (formerly WC nee Soo Line) runs North-South (pretty busy), the CP (formerly Wilw Rd) runs East-West. Good amt of traffic.
Good luck.
Dan
Wisconsin is pretty big and it is hard to know what end or side you intend to be in.
I would try to check out the Wisconsin & Southern (perhaps their HQ in Horicon), Wisconsin Central/CN (Duplainville west of Milwaukee is a good spot), the Jones Island industrial/port complex in Milwaukee, or the museums in East Troy (trolley), Green Bay, or North Freedom (or Duluth MN if you are near Superior WI) to see things you won’t see in Chicago.
Scenically, the BNSF line along the Mississippi River offers some great photo opportunities.
Dave Nelson