Connections

Over the years, Blackhawk has worked with and supported other groups to help us meet our preservation goals.

Just as a terminal railroad provides numerous connections between other railroads, we present this list of organizations and places of interest in our service area.

Using our historic Joliet/Lockport, Illinois base as a center-point, most of the attractions on this list are easily within a day's travel there and back. A good number are reachable by public transportation, including CTA, Metra and Amtrak.

Being based near Chicago, the “Railroad Capital of the World,” has its advantages. So along with museums, historical societies and other like-minded organizations, we also list locations a railfan can go and watch the parade of trains traveling around the area. When visiting these locations, please respect the property and the rights of the people around you. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Note that the Blackhawk Railway Historical Society is not responsible for issues you may have with these organizations, including problems with their websites, cancellations, delays and equipment substitutions.

Have a link you would like to share? Have you found a broken link? Please send us an E-mail.

DUE TO THE 2020 COVID-19 PANDEMIC. MANY OF THESE PLACES MAY BE CLOSED OR HAVE RESTRICTIONS ON VISITING. IT IS SUGGESTED YOU CONTACT THEM BEFORE VISITING.