What's Rochelle like?

[dknelson]

I suggest bringing your scanner even though there is a scanner at "the deer stand." First because some of the better camera angles are away from the park structure. Second, because there is also interesting railfanning around the city -- the two depots still exist, there is a large food industry to the south east that has railroad service, as well as a BNSF yard that is often being switched, and south of town there is an interesting old depot at Steward Jct that is worth seeing (it is on the BNSF). North of the park there is Flagg Jct where Ill RailNet engiens are parked, and even further north is Davis Jct. These are all short drives away from the park itself.

Bring money. There are interesting collectibles in the park shop. And while the shop has some food it is probably better to go into town for food. There are more than a few good motels on the NE edge of Rochelle.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Another option is to spend a half day at Rochelle and then head north to IRM at Union, then home via I90. Illinois 23 north from Dekalb takes you right there.

[CShaveRR]

Yes, Andrew, there are bathrooms there, and the observation pavilion is elevated so that you're roughly at cab-window level.

If you explore the town, you'll find nearly every familiar fast-food chain represented, and you'll see that it's a pleasant little city. Be sure to go along 38 instead of taking the tollway when you head out or back.

[Anonymous]

Oh, and I almost forgot. If you drive south from Rochelle, can't remember how far unfortunately, you will see windmills galore. It's very impressive.

[Anonymous]

Rochelle is like being an old-fashioned park, except instead of flying kites and eating ice cream cones, families bringing their children to watch the trains. My last trip there, I purchased a vase that one gentleman was carving flowers onto. That's how he occupied his time between trains. Another time, I watched as an older gentleman methodically recorded every locomotive that went by. The peope who visit are just as interesting as the trains.

And of course, there are the trains. They pass by so close that you can wave at the crews and actually see them smile back.

Unsure of what you are seeing? Just ask of the men or women already there with their notepads. They'll be happy to share what they know.

It's a great place. I hope to return someday.

[UPTRAIN]

I almost went to Rochelle but stayed in Galesburg an extra day in 2003 for the railroad days, couldn't let that place go.

[adrianspeeder]

Wow, he is actually going to see it for real.

Adrianspeeder

[Glen Ellyn]

A friend of mine tole me you are higher than the trains and can see the cab signals. Is that true, and are their bathrooms their?

[Soo2610]

Fantastic! They have picnic tables, a covered pavilion, ample parking a souvenier shop, vending machines, on line scanning, a barbecue pit and lots of trains.

[Glen Ellyn]

With living near Chicago, I have no clue what it is like in a raurl area. I am taking a trip up to Rochelle this weekend and was wondering what is their, what is it like? So far, I heard you don't have to bring a scanner, their is alreday one their. [:)][;)] Atleast I can save battery power.[;)]