| The Gregarious Railfan |
Homewood, IL 60430 (population, 19,323)
GPS: N 41.5609, W 87.6683 Google map
Scanner: CN: 160.920 [54], 161.190 [72], 161.460 [90]; Metra: 161.025 [61]
Railroad: Canadian National (IC) Chicago Division, Chicago Sub
Description: Homewood, Illinois is a southern suburb of Chicago, located just South of I-80. The City of
Homewood, inspired by the success of the Rochelle Railroad Park, has built a railfan viewing platform to the East of
the CN (former IC) right of way (which is 8 tracks wide through downtown Homewood). The Platform is elevated
and features benches and a scanner over a loudspeaker. The action includes plenty of CN/IC, Amtrak, and Metra
Electric District trains. Train volumes frequently top 100 trains per day according to local officials. Metra parking lots
are not free and you must pay or be towed. There is plenty of free parking available. There is an Illinois Central
equipment display across the tracks from the viewing platform by the Amtrak Station. There is a pedestrian tunnel
under the tracks at the Metra Station to connect the two sides of the tracks.
Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 90+ The majority of trains are Metra.
Nearby RR stuff: CN’s busy Markham Yard is located to the north of Homewood Station and yard movements in
and out of the yard are common. There is little opportunity to view the yards except from public roads which
surround them or pass through them.
Local Food: Plenty of good restaurants and shops are in town, just 2 blocks from the viewing platform. There is a
Starbuck’s Coffee right across the street from the viewing platform.
Ice Cream: Mitchell’s Candies and Ice Cream N 41.5615, W 87.6640, 18211 Dixie Hwy in downtown.
Local Pub and grub: Two miles south of Homewood is Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery
N 41.5433, W 87.6787 located on the West side of the CN tracks in a former IC train station; The Tin Ceiling Bar,
2012 Ridge Rd in town, N 41.56159, W 87.66590
Lodging: Best Western Chicago Southland 4375 Frontage Rd, Oak Forrest, IL 4 miles northwest of Homewood, N
41.59010, W 87.72331; or Super 8, Hazel Crest, 17220 S Halsted St N 41.57662, W 87.63766
GPS: N 41.5609, W 87.6683 Google map
Scanner: CN: 160.920 [54], 161.190 [72], 161.460 [90]; Metra: 161.025 [61]
Railroad: Canadian National (IC) Chicago Division, Chicago Sub
Description: Homewood, Illinois is a southern suburb of Chicago, located just South of I-80. The City of
Homewood, inspired by the success of the Rochelle Railroad Park, has built a railfan viewing platform to the East of
the CN (former IC) right of way (which is 8 tracks wide through downtown Homewood). The Platform is elevated
and features benches and a scanner over a loudspeaker. The action includes plenty of CN/IC, Amtrak, and Metra
Electric District trains. Train volumes frequently top 100 trains per day according to local officials. Metra parking lots
are not free and you must pay or be towed. There is plenty of free parking available. There is an Illinois Central
equipment display across the tracks from the viewing platform by the Amtrak Station. There is a pedestrian tunnel
under the tracks at the Metra Station to connect the two sides of the tracks.
Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 90+ The majority of trains are Metra.
Nearby RR stuff: CN’s busy Markham Yard is located to the north of Homewood Station and yard movements in
and out of the yard are common. There is little opportunity to view the yards except from public roads which
surround them or pass through them.
Local Food: Plenty of good restaurants and shops are in town, just 2 blocks from the viewing platform. There is a
Starbuck’s Coffee right across the street from the viewing platform.
Ice Cream: Mitchell’s Candies and Ice Cream N 41.5615, W 87.6640, 18211 Dixie Hwy in downtown.
Local Pub and grub: Two miles south of Homewood is Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery
N 41.5433, W 87.6787 located on the West side of the CN tracks in a former IC train station; The Tin Ceiling Bar,
2012 Ridge Rd in town, N 41.56159, W 87.66590
Lodging: Best Western Chicago Southland 4375 Frontage Rd, Oak Forrest, IL 4 miles northwest of Homewood, N
41.59010, W 87.72331; or Super 8, Hazel Crest, 17220 S Halsted St N 41.57662, W 87.63766
RailfanLocations.com - Homewood, IL
Links
