UPDATE 4-1 - If you had four hours in Chicago, what would you try to see that was train related? We went to Museum of Science & Industry

Basically, if you are interested in train shopping you have options at either end of the city. Berwyn’s in the south is one option as already noted - they have a small layout and fairly good stock but are not solely a train shop, Neither is Chicagoland Toy and Hobby on Northwest Highway and they don’t have a layout but a test track.

Personally I find the Zephyr and the large layout (HO) in the Museum of Science and Industry on the south shore more interesting than window-shopping, but with 4 hours to get there, see it and get back it’s likely to be tight timing.

which suburb?

Chicago History Museum - 1601 N. Clark Street

EL car #1 and the first steam engine to serve Chicago are on display, as well as many more exhibits.

There's not much time, but if you can find one of John Szwajkart's out of print Train Watcher's Guide to Chicago, especially with the map that went with the book, you can find a train watching spot.  The book is outdated as to certain crossings, but you can certainly see what tracks run near your location.

If you google him, you may be able to contact him personally.

union station - you could see the stairs where they shot that seen from the untouchables, if that's your thing.  I only saw it because i changed trains there once.

Chicago museum of Science and Industry has the Burlington Zephyr inside.  Its been years but last I was there you could get inside it.

@Number 90 posted:

There's not much time, but if you can find one of John Swajkart's out of print Train Watcher's Guide to Chicago, especially with the map that went with the book, you can find a train watching spot.  The book is outdated as to certain crossings, but you can certainly see what tracks run near your location.

If you google him, you may be able to contact him personally.

It is available via Amazon, although getting it in time might be an issue.

To aid in searching, the author's last name is spelled "Szwajkart".

Another option is the Illinois Railway Museum about an hour Northwest of downtown Chicago, but that might be too big for such a small window of time as their collection is massive.

Andy

@Andy Hummell posted:

Another option is the Illinois Railway Museum about an hour Northwest of downtown Chicago, but that might be too big for such a small window of time as their collection is massive.

Andy

Add the fact that it’s still closed for the winter. Things in Union don’t start to hop until after Memorial Day.

If it was me I would say the museum of Science and Industry, haven't been there in a long time (was 18 last time, visiting U of Chicago), and I went specifically for the train layout and train stuff they had, but got to see the U boat too.

I would opt for the U-boat that is on display, an interesting piece of history that someone thoughtfully decided to preserve for future generations to see what caused all the havoc during the World War.

Note that I have only been to Chicago twice (not counting a drive-through on the way to IRM); once on graduation weekend from Great Lakes Navy boot camp and once while changing trains from the Empire Builder to the Capitol Limited.

As others have said, the Museum of Science and Industry would be my first choice for models and "The Real (Old) Things."  However, a lot depends on where you are traveling from and the time of day.  While you will miss the St. Pat's day parades (the weekend prior), I believe the Italians also have a St. Joseph's day parade somewhere in the downtown area, and this year, that day is right on your weekend visit.  From about 20 miles out, allow about 45 minutes each way for travel, allowing you about 2.5 hours to view museum sites.  Choose what you want to see from online info and plan your walking routes for maximum enjoyment.  Bring your camera.

One comment about the Chicago History Museum - parking in that area can be a b**** on weekends.

Chuck

Ride the el.   Start with the brown line at Kimble and you will see many downtown sights on your round trip back to Kimble. Hobby shops within 20 minutes of Kimble include Chicago land hobbies and let’s not forget desplaines  hobby shop near the airport.   Bruce

Don,

I recommend the Museum of Science and Industry as well.  A couple of pix:

1.) The layout, and the rear of NYC 999, and the United 727 (from above)

2.) U-505 in its new indoor submarine "pen"

Mike

Ride the L

See Union Station

not train related ;

Drive Lakeshore Drive

I agree with Andre, If you only have 4 hours to spend after travel time and waiting in line to get in a museum especially the Museum of Science and Industry. For what you will pay you wont have much time to see the train exhibit let alone anything else. Plus to me Chicago has always been a dump and much worse now. You may go and have a good time but there is also a chance you will see a slice of life you may not want to experience. Someone also mentioned riding the El, you will findout real quick the real reason they have a drainhole in the center of the seats. I would look for things train related in the area you are staying or further west. Someone mentioned the museum in Union and there is also one in South Elgin but neither open until May. There are some large rail yards in the suburbs if you are into that. Sorry to be a downer but I worked in Chicago for a lot of years don't want to go there now that I'm retired. (I debated sending this because of the negitivity but from experiences I've had this is my opinion)

Dan

"Ride the L"???  Are you guys kidding? LOL

Don seems like a nice guy, I wouldn't recommend he ride the L unless he has a concealed carry permit.

If hobby related train stuff is of interest. Chicagoland Hobbies, and Berwyns Toy's and trains are within 30 minutes of the city. Berwyns is also a forum sponsor and is argueably the "nicest" hobbyshop in Chicago, if not all of Illinois.

I do need to add:

I was born and raised in KC KS/MO during the 1950s up to leaving in Jan of '69. To this day, I'm "okay" with a visit to the KC area... HOWEVER... I know where I want to go and how to get there AND I know what areas to avoid.

Unfortunately, even at that, the KC that I knew and loved is long gone. Big cities just aren't what they used to be. (Sadly, for the worse, IMHO.)

The Good Lord knew exactly what he was doing with my (our) life (lives) and that's why we (wife and I) have been very, very happy with where we've lived for the past several decades. (And we intend to live here until our time to depart this life.)

SO... just a caveat to my opinion above.

Andre

I would agree that Museum of Science and Industry is the best bet, but you will likely need more than 4 hours to get to the things you want to see. Also, when driving there, drive down Lake Shore Drive. Try to avoid driving in from the West.

As a Chicago born expatriate (I live in the suburbs) my suggestion is to stay away from anything in the downtown/lakefront area. 20 minutes from downtown is more like 30-45 minutes due to traffic congestion and road work. (I stopped calling it construction.  More like pushing dirt around.) Parking downtown will cost you $40 -$80 for your time. Sites mentioned are not close to each other so you'll be moving your car multiple times, with the attendant Parking fees.

Do not ride the "L". As an out of towner you will be a target for roving gangs of thieves. Unless the family you're visiting is a police officer who will accompany you, I'd suggest a different venue. (Just last week a security guard for one of our prominent television stations was killed in a carjacking attack.)

Depending on where you are staying,  I can offer a few suggestions.

South suburbs,  go to Flossmoor Station,  an excellent brewpub located in an ex-IC passenger station. The beers are great and varied in in flavor profile. They're right on the main line so you can watch trains pass.

Southwest suburbs,  come to the Chicagoland lionel railroad club's layout and open house. We're located in New Lenox Illinois,  along Interstate 80. Check out our website,  CLRCTRAINS. COM. WE'D love to have you.

Western suburbs,  if you like take the Metra BNSF service to Aurora Illinois (the end of the line) and go to 3 Brothers roundhouse.  Another brewpub located inside the CB&Q's 1860's era 360 degree roundhouse. Another great place, once owned by the late great Walter Payton. You can also drive there via Interstate 88, hope you have an easy pass or similar  because we have toll roads here.

North or northwest,  if you're staying near O'Hare Airport then got to either des plaines hobbies or Chicagoland hobbies.  They're both close to each other and worth the visit. There is an HO and N gauge model railroad club  in Elmhurst Illinois but I don't know much about them.

Near west suburbs,  Berwyn hobbies is a good choice.

FYI,  that weekend is St. Patrick's day and many restaurants will be crowded with long wait times. Best to make a reservation for dinner, lunch maybe not.

The weather in Chicago is extremely variable in March, expect anything from 20's and snow to 70 and sunshine.- sometimes in the same day!

I don't mean to burst your bubble but Chicago is not the same place you visited 30 years ago. I used to go downtown several times a year via train, now only once a year to see my financial advisor and then head home right after.

"Third Rail" has offered the best advice. We live within 20 miles of downtown Chicago, in the western suburbs (Western Springs, right on the former CB&Q 3 track main line), and I would NOT go to Chicago unless I was accompanied by fully armed guards or uniformed police. We no longer even accept Jury Duty for any of the Chicago Courthouses!

I would NOT go to Chicago unless I was accompanied by fully armed guards or uniformed police.

That's BS !  B.C. I took the blue line to Chicago 3 days a week no issues at all.

but don't wear that HAT.

Pizza……Beer

A totally non - train related item would be to visit the observation deck on one of the skyscrapers.  I have not been to the one on the sears tower but i have done the one on the John Hancock Building.  Cool experience, not for the light of stomach.

@AlanRail posted:

I would NOT go to Chicago unless I was accompanied by fully armed guards or uniformed police.

That's BS !  B.C. I took the blue line to Chicago 3 days a week no issues at all.

Since you used the past tense, i.e. "I took the blue line...", does that mean you no longer use it? What with all the "issues" happening on the CTA system (muggings, shootings, drug use, urinating, sleeping homeless, and loads of trash) over the last year, the CTA and Chicago Police Department held a news conference, just yesterday, about how they will try and address the ongoing "issues". The CTA and CPD have been receiving ever increasing complaints from customers about the "issues".

but don't wear that HAT.

Well, if you have some time on Sunday morning of March 20th, you could attend the Midwest Division of TCA meet in Addison. Check out our website:  tca-midwest.org for details.

@DGJONES - As a frequent visitor to Chicago (downtown and suburbs), please don't let some folks scare you off.  Chicago is like any big city - lots of pitfalls if you leave common sense and situational awareness at home, but if you play it smart regarding time and location, stay aware of your surroundings, and don't allow yourself to look like an easy mark, you'll be OK.   Most of the serious problems occur in areas where you won't be going unless you're buying or selling drugs.

If I had to pick one thing, depending on where you'll be based, it would be either the Museum of Science and Industry or one of the hobby shops - Berwyn Hobbies is probably my favorite.

That said, if you go Downtown you will spend a LOT of money to park your car.   

@AlanRail posted:

but don't wear that HAT.

And what "HAT" might that be?

Andre

@laming posted:

And what "HAT" might that be?

Andre

The hat the original poster is wearing in his avatar photo.

DG, we were there about 10 years ago.  The museum is the go to spot.

P.S.  are you going to the Mebane show Saturday?

@Hot Water posted:

The had the original poster is wearing in his avatar photo.

Oh, I hadn't noticed it at first. Obviously, I didn't think a thing about the OP's hat. Don't have a clue why such a hat would be a "problem" to Chicago-types.

Whatever.

Andre

Chicago is like any other city, I lived in NYC during the late 80's when the murder rate was like 2500 a year, was living in an outer boro working downtown Manhattan (at night), rode the subway through some pretty bad areas and never experienced anything. As with most things crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and with Chicago most of the crime is in bad areas like the south side that unless you are going to visit the white sox, you won't go there. Museum of Industry and Science is in an upscale area as will most things you might visit.

Chicagoland Hobbies and DesPlaines hobbies are my favorite shops in the area. 

The museum of science and Industry is great for a visit, but my experience you can't do it justice within 4 hours including travel time.

I have not been "downtown" in  years.   The last time, we went to  Joliet to railfan, and rode a commuter train into town on one line, and were able to get one back to Joliet on the other line that crosses in Joliet at 90 degrees.   We did have to walk a few blocks in downtown to get from LaSalle Street (I think) to Union Station.

As for trying to not look like an easy mark - us small town guys ARE easy marks - and we are overwhelmed by these big cities and can't avoid looking like an easy mark.

I would find a train shop and buy something.

Don’t forget to have your wife shop on Michigan Ave.

@bigkid posted:

If it was me I would say the museum of Science and Industry, haven't been there in a long time (was 18 last time, visiting U of Chicago), and I went specifically for the train layout and train stuff they had, but got to see the U boat too.

Union Station

Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago Riverboat Tour

And The Big Bus -hop on-hop off double decker tour!

All photos by me cause I was there!

Just my opinion but, I would NOT plan on taking either the Chicago River Boat Tour, nor the Double-Decker Bus Tour in March (even if they were open yet). They are both fine in the summer, i.e. warm, months.

My last visit to the Museum of Science and Industry was summer 2021.  I bought admission tickets online in advance, which saved a lot of time waiting in line.  Although your time window is tight, you can do the train-related exhibits along with several others.  IIRC, two admissions plus parking was about $65 - not cheap, but definitely something that everyone should do at least once.

Good luck if you go into the city, use ride share. If you drive and do not know where you are going you are one wrong turn away from trouble. As for Museum of Science and Industry it my be in what you call an upscale area but it is surrounded by trouble that was pushed out to make the recently developed upscale area. Same for the United Center you are in a war zone within a few blocks of that arena. We built and rehabed building right near there and did have to have security (yes armed). Down town has its issues of late as well.

Dan

I'm not telling you to totally avoid Chicago.  Go downtown if you want,  just be aware of your surroundings. Don't look obvious watch the people around you. Daytime is best and safest. Keep the cellphone in your pocket as thugs like to go "apple picking ".

Since you're seeing family, go as a group if possible. I've take my family new York,  Philly, San Francisco,  Seattle and others and had wonderful times but we were always wary and on guard.