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.
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.
Have a link you would like to share? Have you found a broken link? Please send us an E-mail.
Railroad Parks and Displays
The Museums at Lisle Station Park
Lisle, 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 All Aboard Diner Downers Grove, IL Flossmoor Station - Restaurant, Brewery and Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe Flossmoor, IL The Junction Diner Forest Park, IL All Aboard Family Dining & Amusement Frankfort, 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 Model Railroad Clubs |
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.
Industrial Strength Photography Blackhawk member Dave Daruszka's photography is on the built environment, transportation and the vanishing industrial landscape. The 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train An educational and historical project to recreated the famous railroad car that held the President's body on it's trip from Washington, DC to his final resting place in Springfield, IL. 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 Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad Glencoe (Wildwood), MO Milwaukee Zoo Railroad Milwaukee, WI Riverside and Great Northern Wisconsin Dells, WI Garden RailroadsChicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, IL Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL Illiana Garden Railway Society Valporaiso, IN Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Valparaiso, IN |