Train Watching Question for IL and IN

[Anonymous]

You have all probably answered this question a million times, but here it is again. I am going on a trip to IL and IN in the very near future and I wanted to know if there are any good train watching spots or good train related activies to do? I appreciate the information!
RayRhode

[BearClaw18]

Go to the Chicago Area Rail Junctions web site for the hottest spots in the Chicago and northwest Indiana area. The URL is www.dhke.com/CRJ. I have used this website very often. I strongly recommend LaGrange, Dolton, and Brighton Park.

[Anonymous]

Ray,

I'm from Michigan, but I do like to go to Momence, Ill. on the former Mopac line. Go to Conrad Park its on the Kankakee River. The park is on a island with two RR bridges to shoot from.

Hope this helps...

Tom

[dknelson]

Check a forum topic down below about Chicago Rail Points of Interest.
The railroad museums at Union and Monticello are worth while
The Train Watcher's Guide (and Map) of Chicago by John Szwajkert is a good resource too.
I like the Belt RR and Hereford (spelling?) Jct
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Thanks for everybody's help. It looks like I'll get some good train watching in!
Regards, RayRhode

[DTomajko]

Another excellent train watching spot in Illinois is Rochelle,Il.I went there in 2001 on a friday and was joined at the pavlion by at least a dozen other fans and a very informative local gentleman.I plan to return someday.Another decent area is the crossing of EJ&E and CN/GTW in Griffith,In.,(northwest corner of In.).Also a possibilty is Terre Haute,In. in west-central In. I haven't been there in 8 years but there is two small yards,locals,CSX's crossing of former CR & C&EI lines,a SW1 shifted grain elevator, and a little CP Rail,(ex SOO,nee MILW).Two other possible sites is Sidney,(NS/Wabash & UP/Mopac),and Tolono,(NS & IC),both in eastern Illinois,(which I hope to visit this year).One last place I have been is Edelstein & Chillocothe Illinos,(near Peoria),on BNSF's Transcon(?)main.I hope I was helpful;be safe,be careful, and enjoy yourself along the rails,maybe I'll see you there! DT Pa.

[eolafan]

Ray, anywhere along the BNSF triple track main to the west is good, but suggest Naperville station, very quaint, you can sit in a lawn chair on station platform all day and enjoy dozens (if not close to a hundred) commuter, Amtrack and freight trains a day. No problem getting something to eat close by (a few blocks at most). Very hot action most of the time, btu don't get discouraged if a little time goes by between trains and then WHAM there will be lots in bunches...have a good trip. Jim

[BearClaw18]

I prefer LaGrange Crossing. You can see the heavy traffic on the Indiana Harbor Belt mainline AS WELL as the all the action on the BNSF racetrack.