Local Railroad Attractions
Our region's railroad history is acknowledged by many communities...many of these towns owe their existence to the railroad. There are numerous pieces of equipment on public display throughout the region -- too many to list here, but each with their own story to tell. Some of these display are endangered -- threatened by encroaching development, the cost of upkeep and maintenance, or simply no longer appreciated as a symbol of community pride.
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.
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. MANY OF THESE PLACES MAY BE CLOSED OR HAVE RESTRICTIONS ON VISITING.
IT IS STONGLY SUGGESTED YOU CONTACT THEM BEFORE VISITING.
Have a link you would like to share? Have you found a broken link? Please send us an E-mail.
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.
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. MANY OF THESE PLACES MAY BE CLOSED OR HAVE RESTRICTIONS ON VISITING.
IT IS STONGLY SUGGESTED YOU CONTACT THEM BEFORE VISITING.
Have a link you would like to share? Have you found a broken link? Please send us an E-mail.
Railroad Viewing Parks
Homewood Railroad Park
Homewood, IL 
Tower B-12
Franklin Park, IL 
Park Forest/CN Rail-Fan Park
Park Forest (Matteson), IL 
Rochelle Railroad Park
Rochelle, IL 
Railroad-themed Food and LodgingThe Choo Choo Diner
Des Plaines, IL Flossmoor Station - Restaurant, Brewery and Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe Flossmoor, IL The Junction Diner Forest Park, IL 2Toots Train Whistle Grill Glen Ellyn, IL Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station Joliet, IL Riley's Railhouse Bed & Breakfast Chesterton, IN Tyler's Tender Railroad Restaurant Schererville, IN Buffalo Phil's Pizza & Grille Wisconsin Dells, WI Garden RailroadsChicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, IL Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL Illiana Garden Railway Society Valporaiso, IN Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest Valparaiso, IN Restored Depots and EquipmentThere are countless restored (or being restored) depots and individual pieces of railway equipment (usually retired cabooses and locomotives) throughout our region, far more than we could ever hope to list. Contact the local government or historical society in the town where you find the display.
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Local Interest
The railroads have played an indisputable role in the development and growth of Chicago and the railroads continue to play, a vital role in the economic life and social fabric of the city. Recognizing the importance of the railroads to the history and growth of the city of Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has signed an official proclamation declaring October as Chicago Railroad History Month.
Chicago Junction Radio Show A monthly 1-hour radio program produced at the studios of the Windy City Hometown Entertainment Network featuring a round table discussion of all aspects of railroading and modeling. Programs can be heard on Jack FM 89.7 WRHS FM Norridge and podcasts of all shows can be found at the Windy City Hometown Entertainment Network website. Industrial Strength Photography Blackhawk member Dave Daruszka's photography is on the built environment, transportation and the vanishing industrial landscape. Old Plank Road Trail A guide to the hiking and biking trail running from Chicago Heights to Joliet on the former Michigan Central "Joliet Cutoff" right-of-way. Matteson Connection CN's reconfigured junction between the former Illinois Central mainline and the former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Chicago Rail Junctions A railfan website looking at the busiest crossings in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana. Raifan Calendar of Events A listing of all known rail and transit enthusiast events happening in and around the Chicago-Kenosha-Milwaukee-Rockford area. Chicago Southland Rail Guide A guide for railfanning and "rail-centric" attractions, restaurants and events provided in the south and southwest suburbs provided by the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau Miniature Live Steam Railroads
Hesston Steam Museum
Hesston, IN Lake Forest Live Steamers Railway Museum Lake Forest, IL Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad Glencoe (Wildwood), MO Milwaukee Zoo Railroad Milwaukee, WI Riverside and Great Northern Wisconsin Dells, WI Model Railroad ClubsChicagoland Lionel Railroad Club
New Lenox, IL Elmhurst Model Railroad Club Elmhurst, IL Garfield-Clarendon Model Railroad Club Clarendon Park, Chicago, IL Hi-Rail Modular Train Club Griffith, IN Lake Shore Model Railroad Association Calumet Park, Chicago, IL Oak Park Society of Model Engineers Oak Park, IL Prairie Scale Model Railroad Club Lombard, IL Will County Model Railroad Association Joliet, IL Dinner Trains
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