| The Gregarious Railfan |
Union Station, Chicago, IL 60607 (population, 2,695,598)
GPS: N 41.8787, W87.6394 Google map
Description: While it is not really a railfan viewing location, if you get the chance to visit Downtown Chicago, you
should take the time to experience both Union Station at 225 S. Canal St. and the Ogilvie Transportation Center (N
41.8819, W 87.6393) at Madison & Canal St., two blocks to the North. There is much to absorb at both
locations. Metra trains originate at both locations and riding Metra trains is a great way to see the railroad action in
urban Chicago. One caution, - photography through the windows of Metra trains is limited by the deep green tint of
the windows.
The Metra UP West line leaves Ogilvie Transportation Center and travels out through many UP & Metra trackage areas
& shops out to Proviso Yard near Elmhurst and beyond. If you get off at Elmhurst, you are at a great Illinois railfan
location.
The Metra BNSF line leaves Union Station and again sees many freight trackage areas, including Cicero Yard, LaGrange,
Western Springs, and all the way out to Aurora, IL on the Burlington “Racetrack”. The other Metra Lines offer
Other interesting or fun stuff: Downtown Chicago
Photo opportunities: Union Station architecture, the Great Rooms, and trains at the underground boarding platforms
Local Food: Restaurants are abundant in downtown Chicago, but parking is both expensive and difficult to find.
Lodging: $$$ - Head for the suburbs.
GPS: N 41.8787, W87.6394 Google map
Description: While it is not really a railfan viewing location, if you get the chance to visit Downtown Chicago, you
should take the time to experience both Union Station at 225 S. Canal St. and the Ogilvie Transportation Center (N
41.8819, W 87.6393) at Madison & Canal St., two blocks to the North. There is much to absorb at both
locations. Metra trains originate at both locations and riding Metra trains is a great way to see the railroad action in
urban Chicago. One caution, - photography through the windows of Metra trains is limited by the deep green tint of
the windows.
The Metra UP West line leaves Ogilvie Transportation Center and travels out through many UP & Metra trackage areas
& shops out to Proviso Yard near Elmhurst and beyond. If you get off at Elmhurst, you are at a great Illinois railfan
location.
The Metra BNSF line leaves Union Station and again sees many freight trackage areas, including Cicero Yard, LaGrange,
Western Springs, and all the way out to Aurora, IL on the Burlington “Racetrack”. The other Metra Lines offer
Other interesting or fun stuff: Downtown Chicago
Photo opportunities: Union Station architecture, the Great Rooms, and trains at the underground boarding platforms
Local Food: Restaurants are abundant in downtown Chicago, but parking is both expensive and difficult to find.
Lodging: $$$ - Head for the suburbs.
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