THE GREGARIOUS RAILFAN

Railfanning fact sheet for Aurora

Aurora, IL  60505   (population, 162,184)

GPS: N 41.76184, W 88.30918 Metra Station

Scanner: BNSF, 161.100, 161.160

Description:     Aurora, IL is at the end of the Metra BNSF line on the west end of the busy BNSF triple track “Racetrack”. The BNSF Metra Coach yard is located here.  It is a great location if you want something close to centralized railfanning in north central Illinois. 

Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 135+ This includes 74 Metra, and 6 Amtrak (including The Southwest Chief) and approximately 55 full length BNSF freight trains.

Nearby RR stuff:  The Rochelle Railfan Park is approximately a one hour drive to the west on I-88 (toll).  It is a one hour Metra ride into Union Station with stops at many other good railfan locations along the ‘racetrack’.  Just across the Fox River to the west, The BNSF Mendota sub splits off and goes to the West, While the Aurora sub continues through Rochelle and on to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Other interesting or fun stuff:  If you or your spouse enjoys shopping or other diversions, they are close by. Chicago Premium Outlets is just north of town.  The towns of St Charles and Geneva also offer quaint or historic sightseeing and shopping. 

Gregariousness quotient: Low (Not many railfans congregate, and commuters always have their own agenda.)

Local breakfast:  Aurora Pancake House, 321 N. Lake (west of the Fox River

Local Fast Food: 1 mile north on Lake St. west of the Fox River

Ice Cream: Banana Split, Inc., 820 Church Road (N 41.774979, W 88.29767)

Local Pub and grub: Just south of the Metra station is Two Brothers’ Roundhouse Restaurant (Pizza) and Brew pub.  $$

Best choice for lodging: Comfort Suite hotel (N 41.75992, W 88.31003) $$ (a little pricey but it is trackside)

Personal observations:   This is mostly a “lay of the Land” location. All of the same trains may be seen anywhere along the ‘racetrack’.   

“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”

                               -George Carlin

Denver Todd is The Gregarious Railfan

Todd Sestero publishes the RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.

November 2014

WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT, PLEASE SEND US YOUR ADDITIONS, CRITICISMS, AND SPECIALLY CORRECTIONS., But please be gentle, this is just a hobby and we are amateurs.

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