Railfanning fact sheet for Western Springs
Western Springs, IL 60558 (population, 12,989)
GPS: N 41.80905, W 87.90045
Scanner: BNSF 161.100, 161.160
Description: Western Springs, IL is located on the Metra BNSF line, the busy BNSF triple track “Racetrack”. It is a great location if you want to be close to the action and still view trains from your car. It is about a half hour Metra ride to Union Station with stops at a few other good railfan locations. As with all of the locations on ‘the Racetrack”, there is a heavy mix of BNSF through freights and Metra Commuter trains. The Station is open most of the day and provides restrooms and shelter during inclement weather.
Approximate # trains per 24 hours: 135+ includes 74 Metra, and 6 Amtrak (including The Southwest Chief) and approximately 55 full length BNSF freight trains.
Nearby RR stuff: Other nearby Metra stops
Other interesting or fun stuff: The World Famous Brookfield Zoo is located in nearby Brookfield, Within walking distance of the Hollywood Metra stop.
Gregariousness quotient: Low (Not many railfans congregate, and commuters always have their own agenda.)
Local breakfast: Kirschbaum’s Bakery, ½ block east of the Metra station, on Burlington Ave. has some of the world’s finest pastries and goodies. They sell out early and close early in the day. (closed Sunday & Monday)
Ice Cream: Oberweis Dairy at 929 Burlington, just west of the station is an old Fashioned Dairy bar.
Local Pub and grub: Many fine places in nearby LaGrange.
Personal observations: One of my favorite places to railfan.
“Money is like manure, of very little use except it be spread.” - Francis Bacon
Denver Todd is The Gregarious Railfan
Todd Sestero publishes the RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.
December 2014
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