I’m heading to Chicago today and I’ll be there until Sunday. Since Chicago is the rail capital of the universe, I’m hoping to see a lot of good activity. But, seeing as I’m not from around the area, I don’t want to get myself into a bad situation hunting down trains.
Does anyone have any recommendations on some safe and convenient spots to see a good amount of rail activity in Chicago.
I’m particularly hoping to see some BNSF, UP and CN activity since I’m from Ohio and we only have CSX and NS here.
For UP, Elmhurst Station on the UP West Line would be very good. Metra provides regular suburban service to that point.
For BNSF, anything on the racetrack would be good but I would recommend Berwyn since most freights are slowing to enter Clyde Yard or haven’t reached running speed after departing. Again, Metra provides regular service.
CN gets a bit tricky but I would recommend Blue Island Junction. It’s quite accessible since Broadway Avenue goes right through it as a multi-track grade crossing. DO NOT park in the gravel area just east of the CSX tracks or the special agents will come to talk to you.
If you want to drive a bit you should treat yourself to Rochelle which is about fifty miles west of Chicago basically at the intersection of I-88 and I-39 (you can get specifics from this web site). You will not be disappointed at the UP and BNSF action there.
Dolton Junction and it is right on your way. Lots of action and right next to the police station plus you get IHB traffic also. I have shot a roll of film there in as short as fifteen minutes. Another place is Blue Island on the west side of downtown. IHB, CN(GTW) CSX and Metra. Both places have adequate parking and do not hassle railfans as long as you do not wander onto tracks.
CP LaGrange, in LaGrange, IL. It’s along the IHB tracks, and the BNSF crosses over above grade, so you can get IHB, CSX, CN, NS, and BNSF action all in one place. You can park on the west side of the tracks next to the cell tower. THere is also a parking lot on the east side of the tracks. that can be used as well.
Anywhere along the BNSF racetrack between Aurora and Chicago, and the same could be said of Elmhurst along the UP.
Come out to Elmhurst tomorrow afternoon after 2:30 or so and introduce yourself to the young railfans that will be there watching UP and Metra action. I don’t qualify as “young” anymore, but expect to be there on my bicycle sometime around 3:00.
If you can’t, or don’t care to, join us, please be advised that all of the other locations mentioned in this thread are great for train-watching in general, and for the railroads you want to see in particular.
I also would recommend Joliet Union Station, BNSF and the UP mainline to Springfield cross the Metra Rock Island district. You can see a lot of trains on the BNSF, some with foreign power, plus Amtrak, Metra and the occasional Iowa Interstate and CSX, plus the EJ&E Yard is not too far away from the station. Joliet station still has a manned interlocking tower. The EJ&E yard isn’t the greatest area but if you go during the day it should be fine. Blue Island and Dolton are always great locations. I like LaVergne station and West Eola Yard on the racetrack and Elmhurst and West Chicago on the UP. At West Chicago the UP crosses the EJ&E at another still manned interlocking tower. Also you can visit Rochelle. It is a bit of a drive from the city but it is very busy, plus if you have time to burn you can stop at the Illinois Railway Museum or the coaling tower in De Kalb.