Over the years, Blackhawk has worked with and supported other groups to help us meet our railroad 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, we have selected attractions fall within a 300 mile radius of our home, easily within a day's travel there and back.  A few can be reached by public transportation.

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.

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Railroad History Partners

Links to the numerous organizations and groups chronicling our area's fascinating railroad history.

Railroad History

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Local Attractions

Links to local parks, restaurants, lodging, model and garden railroads and other attractions with a railroad theme.

Local RailROAD
​Attractions

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Museums and Heritage RRs/Operating Steam Locomotives

Links to information about the fascinating Railroad Museums, and operating steam locomotives located in the Midwest.

Regional Musueums & Heritage Railroads/Operating Steam Locomotives

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Today's Railroads

Links to information about the wide variety of freight and passenger railroads serving Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.​

Today's Railroads

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Santa Trains

Our annual listing of holiday trains in and around the Midwest, usually updated in late Summer and early Fall.  Some of these events sell out really early, including before we update our listing.

Santa Trains