| The Gregarious Railfan |
Lafayette, IN 47901 (population, 67,140)
GPS: N 40.41943, W 86.89555 Google map
Scanner: CSX 161.370 [84], 160.320 [14]; NS 160.440 [22], 161.250 [76]; KB&S 160.215 [7], 161.490 [92]
Railroads: CSX Chicago Division, Monon Sub; Norfolk Southern Illinois Div, Frankfort Branch: NS Western Division,
Decatur Sub; NS Illinois Division, NW Sub; Kankakee, Beaverville, & Southern short line
Description: Lafayette, IN is located in northwest Indiana. The Amtrak Station at Riehle Plaza is located between
downtown Lafayette and the Wabash River, and is the site of the relocated and refurbished “Big Four” station. Next
to the station is a pedestrian overpass that straddles the NS double main and CSX main. This is a comfortable, great
railfanning location.
Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 45
Nearby RR stuff: There is another pedestrian overpass about ¾ mile south of the Amtrak Station on Smith St. (N
40.41120, W 86.89740)
Other interesting stuff: Purdue University is located across the Wabash River in West Lafayette
Local breakfast: Country Café East on South St near I-65 N 40.41841, W 86.82495
Local Hamburger Joint: Triple XXX Family Restaurant (Burgers), N 40.42263, W 86.90553, 2 N Salisbury St,
West Lafayette
Fast Food: McDonalds, 124 E State St, West Lafayette, N 40.42238, W 86.90483
Local great BBQ: South St Smoke House (soft drinks only) N 40.41841, W 86.82495
Ice Cream: Dairy Queen, 135 S Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, N 40.42268, W 86.90740
Local Pub and grub: Harry's Chocolate Shop, (Bar and Grill) 329 W State St, N 40.42396, W 86.90912, West
Lafayette.
Choices for lodging: Most hotels are located on South St at I-65. When there are college events at Purdue U.
Rates will skyrocket, so check ahead. Also in 4 stays (2002 to 2014) I've only had one positive experience. The Best
Western was expensive even w/o a Purdue event, and the Super 8 was run down and less than clean. I had best luck
with Comfort Suites, 31 Frontage Rd off South St east of I-65, N 40.41849, W 86.81699. Lots more to try.
Visitor Info: Home of Purdue.com
TRAINS Article: December 2009
GPS: N 40.41943, W 86.89555 Google map
Scanner: CSX 161.370 [84], 160.320 [14]; NS 160.440 [22], 161.250 [76]; KB&S 160.215 [7], 161.490 [92]
Railroads: CSX Chicago Division, Monon Sub; Norfolk Southern Illinois Div, Frankfort Branch: NS Western Division,
Decatur Sub; NS Illinois Division, NW Sub; Kankakee, Beaverville, & Southern short line
Description: Lafayette, IN is located in northwest Indiana. The Amtrak Station at Riehle Plaza is located between
downtown Lafayette and the Wabash River, and is the site of the relocated and refurbished “Big Four” station. Next
to the station is a pedestrian overpass that straddles the NS double main and CSX main. This is a comfortable, great
railfanning location.
Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 45
Nearby RR stuff: There is another pedestrian overpass about ¾ mile south of the Amtrak Station on Smith St. (N
40.41120, W 86.89740)
Other interesting stuff: Purdue University is located across the Wabash River in West Lafayette
Local breakfast: Country Café East on South St near I-65 N 40.41841, W 86.82495
Local Hamburger Joint: Triple XXX Family Restaurant (Burgers), N 40.42263, W 86.90553, 2 N Salisbury St,
West Lafayette
Fast Food: McDonalds, 124 E State St, West Lafayette, N 40.42238, W 86.90483
Local great BBQ: South St Smoke House (soft drinks only) N 40.41841, W 86.82495
Ice Cream: Dairy Queen, 135 S Chauncey Ave, West Lafayette, N 40.42268, W 86.90740
Local Pub and grub: Harry's Chocolate Shop, (Bar and Grill) 329 W State St, N 40.42396, W 86.90912, West
Lafayette.
Choices for lodging: Most hotels are located on South St at I-65. When there are college events at Purdue U.
Rates will skyrocket, so check ahead. Also in 4 stays (2002 to 2014) I've only had one positive experience. The Best
Western was expensive even w/o a Purdue event, and the Super 8 was run down and less than clean. I had best luck
with Comfort Suites, 31 Frontage Rd off South St east of I-65, N 40.41849, W 86.81699. Lots more to try.
Visitor Info: Home of Purdue.com
TRAINS Article: December 2009
Overviews from Google maps
Signal Bridge south of downtown GPS: 40.411618, -86.896545
Pedestrian Bridge south of downtown at Smith St. GPS: 40.41120. -86.89741
Links
Pictures
The 'Big Four' Station at Riehle Plaza
Amtrak's Cardinal arrives 7/13/2013
The pedestrian overpass behind Riehle Plaza
