Chicago Metra

[Anonymous]

I've been thinking of trying a different railfan experience. I have heard on Chicago am radio that metra offers a 'weekend pass' that is incredibly cheap. Something like 5 bucks, no limit, and kids are free? I would be coming down from MI- where would be a good place to board with safe parking and what routes would be best? Any info greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Park and ride from the Elgin Metra center (convienetly on I-90). that way you miss all the traffic of Chicago, but still get to ride the metra all over the place.

Jay

[CShaveRR]

If you start at Elgin, and want to see lots of trains, make sure you hit the BN line out of the other side of Chicago Union Station. I'd also suggest the UP West and the RI to Joliet (you'll see more at Joliet than you will along the old RI). I think it would take you both days to hit all of the available routes.
Years ago, I took my family on a day-long ride and covered BN, CNW West, RI, IC (getting on at Blue Island, then going south at the junction before heading back downtown). So, what we missed were both MILW lines and two of the three CNW lines...other Metra services don't run on weekends, and the South Shore isn't included in the Weekend Pass. Too bad... The trip was a real eye-opener for our girls, from the standpoint of the types of neighborhoods we went through (particularly on RI), and just the way one can get around Chicagoland without a car.

A family might get bored with just the ride, but if you plan too many stopovers at interesting places, you won't get the route miles. A good trip will require some time with the timetables, and possibly some idea of points of interest for the family. You can probably do a lot with Metra's own website: www.metrarail.com

If you decide to stop for meals in the middle of a route, I'd suggest either LaGrange on BN, or Elmhurst on the UP West Line; those are the spots at which you'll get a good concentration of freight action (and they have good places to eat!).

[Anonymous]

Thanks all-Thanks for metras site CShaveRR- my little one will plan our trip!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by toyomantrains

I've been thinking of trying a different railfan experience. I have heard on Chicago am radio that metra offers a 'weekend pass' that is incredibly cheap. Something like 5 bucks, no limit, and kids are free? I would be coming down from MI- where would be a good place to board with safe parking and what routes would be best? Any info greatly appreciated.

metra will have a web site which will have contact phone numbers,schedules, system maps etc.
the city of chicago web site will have additional visitors information. pairing the two against eachother will help you plan how to integrate your metra experience with what the city has to offer for activities.
google search will direct you to the sites.

[Anonymous]

as an after thought, i notice you are coming down from michigan with childern, the old south shore railroad used to run from south bend, michigan city et al into chicago via the illinois central right of way. i believe a successor of this line currently uses the same right of way. the museum of science and industry (excellent railroad exhibit)is the 55th and 57th street stops. the field museum of natural history(excellent) and the aquarium are the 12th street stops or a short walk through grant park from van buren st station. sears tower and art institute are a short walk from van buren st.
i know that commuter rail still functions regularly from northern indiana into chicago but am uncertain of the new name for the service.

[Anonymous]

i am told that the michigan city to chicago is in fact still the "south shore" and also possibly known as the "michigan and northern indiana transit (?)". it is spoken of as a rough, cramped off schedule ride. a friend has suggested that the amtrack out of new buffalo, mi is a better option. runs the same illinois central right of way into chicago and makes the same museum stops. this is word of mouth but can be used as a starting point. hope it helps.

[CShaveRR]

The Amtrak train from New Buffalo (actually from Grand Rapids) takes the same route west from Porter, Indiana, to Chicago as all other Michigan (and East Coast) Amtrak trains do... this route doesn't have anything to do with the Metra Electric or South Shore lines, nor does it make any station stops in Illinois before reaching Union Station.

The South Shore is a fascinating route to take in. The view out the front is no longer as good as it was from the old orange cars, but still doable for as long as you can stand (it). I'd get on at the shops in Michigan City (Carroll Ave.), where parking is available, and catch the street running through town there. Schedules: www.nictd.com

[Anonymous]

Posts: 670
Joined: 27 Jun 2001
Location: Lombard (west of Chicago), Illinois
The Amtrak train from New Buffalo (actually from Grand Rapids) takes the same route west from Porter, Indiana, to Chicago as all other Michigan (and East Coast) Amtrak trains do... this route doesn't have anything to do with the Metra Electric or South Shore lines, nor does it make any station stops in Illinois before reaching Union Station.

i apologize for the mislead... stay with the south shore.
if this new buffalo train comes into union station it must cross the south branch of the chicago river. do you know where? is it the old penn rr around 21st st?

[Anonymous]

whoops ignore my Elgin choice, thought he said wisconsin not michigan. but i'm sure there's a park and ride stop to the east of Chicago as well.

Jay

[CShaveRR]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cbt141
if this new buffalo train comes into union station it must cross the south branch of the chicago river. do you know where? is it the old penn rr around 21st st?

Yes...everything Amtrak to the south and east uses that lift bridge.

[Anonymous]

i thought so, but wasn't sure.
memory is the second thing to go.

[techguy57]

IF rail traffic is what you are looking for, I second Carl's suggestion of LaGrange as it is a good place to see UP, BNSF, and METRA trains on the triple track through there as well as the nearby IHB line. Especially nice to shoot the freights passing through at higher speeds right from the platforms.

Joliet is also quite excellent. Nothing I like much more than getting to see a passing EJ&E freight.

If you get a chance I would also recommend the MIlwaukke district west line stops at Franklin park and Bensenville. The CP yard is inbetween these two stops and there is a reasonable amount of traffic coming into the yard on the Bensenville side most days. Franklin Park has a nice Railroad park and also has a good junction to see traffic at as well.

Check out this site as well:http: //www.dhke.com/CRJ/

Most importantly enjoy. The Metra is a nice system to utilize. Hope you have fun.

[Wdlgln005]

Check out the Metra web site It's the way to earn to fly. I see that the fares might not be good on South Shore weekend trains, but you may be able to find a Metra Electric station (old IC electric line). A trip to Wrigley for Cubs fans or to Navy Pier would be a good way to start. There are CTA services from downtown that will llink to all the major attractions, including service to MSI. Enjoy your day in Chicago!

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

The South Shore is not part of Metra and is operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD). It provides an every-two-hours service on weekends between South Bend and Chicago and is a pretty good ride.

[moelarrycurly4]

Rode Metra From Napervillie to downown and had a ball.