Hi,
I am planning a train watching trip to Joliet and Hinsdale, ILL for this summer. I have a few questions. When is the best day to see the greatest number of trains? Does the time of the month effect the amount of trains? Any information would be helpful. Thank you!!
Joe Schneider
Probably a Thursday or Friday would have the greatest number of trains, with freight traffic high towards the end of the week and of course the weekday commuters. I never thought time of the month mattered (if it does please correct me), but rather time of the year with August-November being the busiest. You will see a lot less stack trains this time of year, especially on the Transcon. Hinsdale is a cool area. If you have a chance, go a little further east on the line to Highlands station where you will find an old wooden bridge thats one of a kind.
I hope this helps and above all, Enjoy the Trip!
Tyler
Or go a little further west to West Eola, where you'd see most of the same trains you'll see in Hinsdale plus whatever local switching is going on. It helps to have a Metra schedule so you'll know what metras you are seeing.
Joliet is nearly always great for trainwatching but I feel safest standing on the depot platform. Some parts of Joliet itself are just a bit gritty. At Joliet it helps to have the Metra schedule as well as the Amtrak schedule for both lines.
Dave Nelson
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