Directory of Campgrounds and Motels/Hotels near Railroads
Midwestern United States
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Please note: Effective June 2009 this directory is no longer being updated. Please do not submit
new entries for inclusion in this list.
Illinois
Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
350 North Orleans St.
Chicago,
IL
USA
Phone: (312) 836-5000
Comments: "Located above the Merchandise Mart
at 350 North Orleans St. Good view of Northwestern Terminal throat and
Union Station north throat from West or North facing room (not sure now
which. Ask at checkin.) Binoculars advised if you want to see details such
as loco numbers. All Metra commuter trains using Northwestern Terminal and
all Amtrak north side trains visible. Good for Amtrak stopover connections.
Cab to/from Union Station about $5. Hotel code is CHIPL. Phone for
reservations (800) HOLIDAY. Hotel phone (312) 836-5000. Hotel fax (312)
222-9508. Above standard accommodation and reasonable prices (for central
Chicago). Weekend special rates but greatly reduced Metra action visible."
Source: email
(Last revision date: 25 Feb 1996)
Baymont Inn & Suites
1314 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb,
IL 60115
USA
Phone: (815) 748-4800
Train Frequency: "If you like mainline volume, expect 55-80 trains every day (sorry, no passenger trains)."
Comments: "Located 60 miles west of Chicago on IL Highway 38, this is one of 3 motels with a 200' view of the UP mainline (formerly the C&NW mainline
between Chicago and Omaha) ….. This is the newest of the 3 motels listed in
DeKalb. The room numbers to book are even numbers from 302-308 and 202-208."
Source: email
(Last revision date: 18 Jul 2002)
Best Western Inn & Suites
1212 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb,
IL 60115
USA
Phone: (815) 758-8661
Train Frequency: "If you like mainline volume, expect 55-80 trains every day (sorry, no passenger trains)."
Comments: "Located 60 miles west of Chicago on IL Highway 38, this is one of 3 motels with a 200' view of the UP mainline (formerly the C&NW mainline
between Chicago and Omaha) ... Formerly a Holiday Inn, this motel has
been completely refurbished. The room numbers to book are 250-260 (even numbers only), 217-231 (odd numbers only), or 117-131 (odd numbers only)."
Source: email
(Last revision date: 18 Jul 2002)
Travelodge
1116 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb,
IL 60115
USA
Phone: (815) 756-3398
Train Frequency: "If you like mainline volume, expect 55-80 trains every day (sorry, no passenger trains)."
Comments: "Located 60 miles west of Chicago on IL Highway 38, this is one of 3 motels with a 200' view of the UP mainline (formerly the C&NW mainline
between Chicago and Omaha) ... Of the 3 motels listed in DeKalb, this will
probably be the least expensive (it was formerly a Motel 6). Unfortunately, there's some uncut brush along the right of way, so the best rooms are #213-217 and
221.'
Source: email
(Last revision date: 18 Jul 2002)
Hawthorn Hotel & Suites
10233 W Higgins Rd.
Des Plaines,
IL 60018
USA
Phone: (847) 954-8600
Comments: "The Hawthorn Hotel and Suites is located close to O'Hare Airport and has a
view of the Wisconsin Central main line. METRA operates along this route as
does Canadian National Duluth - Chicago trains hauled by WC."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000)
L & L Motel
20170 US Highway 20 W
East Dubuque,
IL
USA
Phone: (815) 747-3931
Comments: "The L&L is down the road from the Sunset Motel and across the road from the
tracks."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000)
Swiss Inn Motel and Lounge
East Dubuque,
IL
USA
Phone: 1-815-747-3136
Train Frequency: "The last time we
stayed there were 10 trains between 8pm and 10pm."
Comments: "This is a small locally owned establishment on highway 20 on the south
edge of town. The motel is about 100 yards from the BNSF (former CB&Q
or BN) Chicago-Twin cities mainline. This line is also used by the
Illinois Central (formerly Illinois Central after being operated by
Chicago Central Pacific for 10 years or so). I would estimate at least
40 trains per day. Best rooms or 9 or 10 on second floor. These rooms
face the tracks, the others face north but still not bad. You can sit
outside on a small park bench and watch the trains."
"About a mile north, in downtown East Dubuque, the IC diverges to the
east and immediately enters a curved tunnel, exiting on the north end
the trains are facing west and cross the BNSF line right at the tunnel
portal and then cross the Mississippi River bridge. A very interesting
operation, looks like a model railroader built it."
"Dubuque is only about three miles away. It is a very interesting old
town also. There is a former CGW line on the north side of town that is
a bike trail. Lots of gambling in the area if you like. Also only
about 15 miles from Galena. This is a very interesting and historic
community, home of U.S. Grant, has a restored 1850's depot used as
visitor center."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997)
Timmerman's Resort & Hotel
7777 Timmerman Dr.
East Dubuque,
IL 61025
USA
Phone: (815) 747-3181
Comments: "Driving down route 20 through, it appears that Timmerman's, which is located
on a bluff above the highway and the IC tracks, may have a view of the
railroad. It bears further investigation."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000)
Budget Host Country Inn
300 N Main Street
East Peoria,
IL 61611
USA
Phone: (309) 694-4261; fax (309) 694-0309
Train Frequency: "2 NS trains daily in each direction, 1 TPW through train in
each direction plus locals, less than daily CR local."
Comments: "Some rooms on the south side of the hotel overlook the track
that connects TPW and the Peoria and Pekin Union. All TPW trains to or from
the west use the connection as the PPU has the only bridge over the Illinois
River in the Peoria area. NS and CR also have trackage rights over this
track."
Source: AAJENNINGS@aol.com
(Last revision date: Mon, 4 Dec 1995)
Campground
Ina,
IL
USA
Comments: "I STAYED AT TWO CAMPGROUNDS WITH PRETTY GOOD TRAIN TRAFFIC. INA, ILLINOIS... FORGOT NAME... MISSIOURI-PACIFIC.
EXT.83 OFF I-57 SO. OF MT.VERNON"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Thu, 24 Dec 1998)
Knox Station Bed & Rails
976 Mine Road
Knoxville,
IL 61448
USA
Comments: "100' from BNSF (ex SF), seven miles east of
Galesburg, IL at MP 171, site of former flagstop station of Knox."
Source: knoxsta@galesburg.net
(Last revision date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997)
White Pines State Forest/White Pines Inn
Mt. Morris,
IL
USA
Comments: "You might want to add White Pines State Forest in Mt. Morris, Illinois.
(About 10 miles north of Dixon). Hiking trail takes you right next
to the BN main (to Minneapolis?). Trains seem to run in bunches. There
is also a set of rustic cabins ($60 per night; reservations required) at
the White Pines Inn. $7 per night for tents; no showers or electric
hookups."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Fri, 12 Aug 94)
Holiday Inn Select Chicago O'Hare (Rosemont)
10233 West Higgins Road
Rosemont,
IL 60018
USA
Phone: (847) 954-8600
Comments: "This Sheraton is located close to O'Hare Airport and has a view of the
Wisconsin Central main line. METRA operates along this route as does
Canadian National Duluth - Chicago trains hauled by WCThe parking lot of the Holiday Inn Select is on the west side of the Canadian National (former Wisconsin Central,
former Soo Line). In addition to the CN Freight traffic, METRA's North Central service operates on the line."
"Fax: (847) 954-8800"
"A photo is available: chicago_ohare.jpg"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Sep 2007)
Sheraton Gateway Suites Chicago O'Hare
6501 N. Mannheim Road
Rosemont,
IL 60018
USA
Phone: (847) 699-6300
Comments: "This Sheraton is located close to O'Hare Airport and has a view of the
Wisconsin Central main line. METRA operates along this route as does
Canadian National Duluth - Chicago trains hauled by WC." "Fax: (847) 699-0391"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000)
Indiana
Super 8
Chesterton,
IN
USA
Comments: "The Super 8 in Chesterton, IN (on IN-49) is right behind the CR main
out of Chicago."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 13 Jul 1994)
Nappanee Inn
Nappanee,
IN
USA
Train Frequency: "One warning. You will seldom see anything but CSX and one old Chessie
that operates out of Bremen (about 10 miles away)"
Comments: "I grew up in Nappanee, IN. There are a few new Motels near the CSX(B&O)
mainline Chicago-Ohio. The Nappanee Inn is west of town, and last I was
there, it had a clear view of the tracks to the south (the Motel is on
the north side of US 6, The tracks are on the south.)"
"In august (I'm sure they'll tell you when, its owned by the same people)
there is an Arts and crafts festival in Amish Acres (a tourist
attraction for people interested in the Amish)"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997)
Holiday Inn - Downtown
213 West Washington Street
South Bend,
IN 46601
USA
Phone: (219) 232-3715
Train Frequency: "On the Saturday afternoon I stayed in the Holiday Inn I counted over 20 main
line freights, in approximately six and a half hours, and I was unable to
devote full attention to train watching. Run through motive power addied
variety to the CR and GTW power. All three western roads plus CN plus leased
units were represented. A full variety of freights including merchandise,
intermodal, and unit coal trains were represented. A number of movements had
delays because of crossing conflicts. On at least one occasion two freights
were moving through the interlocking at speed in the same direction.
The local transit agency bus service provides service from the South Shore
Line's terminal in South Bend (also the airport!) to downtown Monday through
Saturday."
Comments: "The Holiday Inn is the tallest building inn South Bend. Ask for a room
facing south on an upper floor. From those rooms one can see over downtown
South Bend to the joint right of way where CR's Elkhart -Chicago main line
crosses CN North America's Chicago - Battle Creek main line. The rail line
is about six blocks south of the hotel so bring your binoculars!"
Source: AAJENNINGS@aol.com
(Last revision date: Sun, 18 Jun 1995)
Michigan
Stouffers
Battle Creek,
MI
USA
Comments: "We took a family trip to Battle Creek (MI) a couple of weeks ago and
found a *great* train watching spot. There is a Stouffers hotel just a
couple of blocks from the station (we took the Amtrak from Pontiac). We
asked for a room on the track side (they gave us an odd look -- the usual
request is opposite), and from the 6th floor we had a perfect view of the
mainline tracks. This is a section shared by the junction of GTW/CN and
Conrail."
"That evening, we sat by the window with our scanner on, playing games and
having our snacks, never missing a train coming through! The late night
action was even heavier, and I remember waking up at about 4AM and
hearing a few come through almost back-to-back (that's why most normal
people ask for the other side of the hotel). For closer daytime watching,
the station is nice and there are block signals visible in both
directions. The whole downtown area is very clean and safe."
"We even found a great place to eat within a few blocks of the hotel --
Clara's Restaurant is in the old Michigan Central railroad depot. The
tracks are long gone, but the memorabilia are interesting. We'll be
back!"
Source: TMCP33A@prodigy.com
(Last revision date: Wed, 13 Sep 1995)
Hampton Inn
20061 Michigan Ave
Dearborn,
MI 48124
USA
Phone: (313) 436-9600
Comments: "I spotted the Hampton Inn while being driven around the Dearborn area by old
friends during a layover at Detroit's airport. The Hampton in is a
relatively new facility, sandwiched between Michigan Avenue and the NS
(former CR). I could not see the back of the hotel, so I do not know whether
any of the rooms actually have a view of the rail action. The line hosts the
Chicago - Detroit Amtrak trains in addition to the NS traffic."
"Fax: 313-436-8345"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000)
Best Western Country Inn
850 US Highway 41 W
Ishpeming,
MI 49849
USA
Phone: (906) 485-6345
Comments: "The Best Western Country Inn is located down the hill and across the street
from a line that both Lake Superior & Ishpeming and Wisconsin Central have
the rights to use. I don't know how much activity is along this line, but
there is a small Wisconsin Central yard opposite the hotel."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Tue, 16 May 2000)
Minnesota
Spirit Mountain Campground
Duluth,
MN
USA
Comments: "I can tell you of one that I know of...the
location is Duluth. And the name is Spirit Mountain Campground; it's located
about 3/4 a mile from the DM&IR line from Proctor and the Iron Range to the
Ore Docks. I-35 is only 1 mile from the enterance to the campground itself."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997)
Spirit Mountain/Duluth Travelodge
9315 Westgate Boulevard
Duluth,
MN 55810
USA
Phone: (218) 628-3691
Comments: "Duluth, Missabe, and Iron Range ore trains can be seen accross
I-35 from rooms on the second floor. Loaded trains are relatively quiet
drifting down Proctor Hill, but the locomotives pulling the empties uphill
can be loud."
"Fax: (218) 628-2076"
Source: email
(Last revision date: 8 Nov 2001)
Country Inn and Suites - Duluth South
9330 Skyline Parkway
Proctor,
MN 55810
USA
Phone: (218) 628-0668
Comments: "Rooms on the rear of this motel are adjacent to the Duluth,
Missabe and Iron Range line on Proctor Hill. Ore trains to the ore docks in
Duluth (and the empties returning) are the major traffic on the line."
"Fax: (218) 628-3095"
Source: email
(Last revision date: 8 Nov 2001)
St. Paul Radisson
St. Paul,
MN
USA
Comments: "If you are staying at the St. Paul Radission ….. ask for a southern view half way up or higher. This best railfan hotel in the Twin Cities. You can see just about every carrier the serves us from this location."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 19 May 1999)
Ohio
Baymont Inns & Suites
4222 W. 150th St.
Cleveland,
OH 44135
USA
Phone: 216-251-8500
Comments: "The Budgetel Cleveland Airport Inn is located adjacent to the Cleveland Rapid
Transit's Red Line Puritas, West 150th Street Station. As the Red Line
shares its right of way with Conrail's (former NYC) Cleveland - Elkhart main
line, there is a lot of freight activity. Amtrak's Lake Shore and Capitol
Limited pass in both directions during the night."
"The Red Line will take you between the 150th Street Station and Cleveland's
Hopkins Airport or Terminal Tower, the site of the former Union Station near
downtown."--Tue, 31 Jan 1995
"Bugetel Hotels are now operating as Baymont Inns & Suites. The Conrail Line
near the hotel is now operated by NS. The phone number is the same despite
the brand change. You might want to add a fax number:216-251-4117, and the
toll free number is 1-877-BAYMONT. (And the line is still quite busy)"--Thu, 21 Feb 2002 (email)
Source: April 1993 Passenger Train Journal
(Last revision date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002)
Sheraton Airport Hotel
5300 Riverside Drive
Cleveland,
OH 44135
USA
Phone: (216) 267-1500
Comments: "Rooms on the east side of the hotel face a Norfolk Southern yard and a main
line. Unfortunately, if you catch a room on the other side, runways and
aircraft are the view."
"The closest hotel to the airport terminal, it is also not far from the rapid
transit line from the airport downtown. The line (Red Line) parallels the NS
line most of the way to the former Union Station at Terminal Center."
"Fax: (216) 265-3177"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000)
Cross Country Inn
4875 Sinclair Road
Columbus,
OH
USA
Comments: "Cross Country Inn, 4875 Sinclair Rd., and Red Roof Inn next door. At the
Cross Country Inn, ask for a room in Building B, rear (west side) second
floor. The Norfolk Southern mainline is about 50 feet away. Another 50 feet
beyond that is a Conrail mainline. The first floor in that building and a
few end rooms in some other buildings are also okay, but from the second
floor balcony you'll think you can shake hands with the engine crews. There
are no trees blocking the view."
"I-71 exit Morse Road-Sinclair Rd."
Source: drichter@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
(Last revision date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995)
Cross Country Inn
1445 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "CSX runs about 20 trains daily. Most are coal trains
or returning empties. Traffic increases near the end
of the week."
Comments: "The back of this motel is adjacent to the CSX mainline. The tracks are
elevated here, so make sure you get a second floor room."
"(Exit Route 315 near Ohio State U ... just off Route 315 freeway)"
Source: drichter@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
(Last revision date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995)
Hyatt Regency at the Convention Center
Columbus,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "11 times in one day."
Comments: "My favorite site for a hotel overlooking a railroad is the Hyatt in Columbus
Ohio--the conrail secondary goes right under the hotel, and the last time I
was there, that was 11 times in one day."--12 Jul 1994.
"There are two Hyatts in Columbus, Ohio. The one where the Railroad can be seen is the Htatt Regency at the Convention Center."--25 Jan 2004.
Source: dww5@email.cac.psu.edu
(Last revision date: 25 Jan 2004)
Red Roof Inn
Sinclair Road
Columbus,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "The Norfolk Southern track sees more than 20 trains daily.
The Conrail has about 10-12 daily. It's not unusual to see
trains on both tracks at the same time. The tracks cross
about a mile north of here, so Conrail trains
often proceed very slowly or stop waiting for NS
to clear the crossing (NScontrols it)."
Comments: "The Red Roof Inn just south offers almost as good of view from its rear,
second floor rooms, but the motel is lower and there are some trees along
the back property line."
"I-71 exit Morse Road-Sinclair Rd."
Source: drichter@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
(Last revision date: Sat, 18 Feb 1995)
Shadylake Campground
11506 Twp Rd 101
Findlay,
OH 45840
USA
Phone: 419-423-3490
Train Frequency: "had several go thru during the night."
Comments: "We camped in [a campground] in Ohio
(unfortunately I can't remember where) but it was on the Norfolk Southern,
and had several go thru during the night. It wasn't bad for sleeping
either, since there were no grade crossings close by, they didn't
blow their horn."
"To update one of the listing in your campgrounds near RR.
The one listed with no info near the N S tracks:"
"I believe this is the one he is talking about. It's right off Intersate 75
on the NS line
from Bellevue to Fort Wayne. Good amount of trains."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997)
Super 8
See below
Portsmouth,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "When I was there, I
experienced at least one train per hour."
Comments: "In 1995 I stayed at the Super 8 on U.S. 23 about 2 miles north of Portsmouth
in Clay/(Rosemount) twnship. NS Portsmouth Columbus mainline is right
across 4 lane highway. There is a good pulloff/railfan spot about 1/4 mile
up the road to get some good trackside pictures. There is a defect dector a
couple of miles too the north and a decent scanner can pull it in to give
you warnings of eastbounds (compass south). NS also used to call signals.
Also tune into Portsmouth yard channel to get a decent warning of westbounds
(compass north). Train activity is mostly coal drags ...… When making reservations ask for
the highway side and an upper room, you may get a weird response, because
their better rooms are in the back away from highway and out of sight of
train action. I believe the windows opened, but can't be sure of that. "
"Portsmouth is a great area to railfan with two NS and two CSX mainlines of
heavy traffic within a 5-10 mile radius."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000)
Maples Hotel
4409 Cleveland Road
Sandusky,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "Average 60-70 trains a
day. They will keep you up all night! (is that a bad thing? :)"
Comments: "Take exit for Route 250 off Interstate 80/90, follow for several miles to Sandusky proper. Make a right at the light by "The Pharm" Drug Store, follow until you
go over RR crossing - motel is right in front of you, driveway is on the left."
"Motel is literally right across the street from the NS (ex-CR, nee-NYC) Chicago mainline. Double-track, VERY high speed through here ... A convenient grade crossing here is a good alert system for approaching trains (their blaring horns don't hurt,
either!)"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Thu, 5 Sep 2002)
OHIO Sandusky/Milan
I-80/90 at US 250 Exit
Sandusky,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "According tp the
pool man, they run 'sometimes every 10-15 minutes.'"
Comments: "Turn right at end of exit ramp. Go under turnpike and Norfolk
Southern bridges. Motel is on the right. Nonsmoking rooms all
overlook NS tracks across motel parking lot. Trains are also able to
be seen from the indoor pool and the exercise room. The tracks are
the NS line from Bellvue to Cleveland and Buffalo... Cedar Point
amusement park is 9 miles away."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996)
Cross County Inn
Toledo,
OH
USA
Train Frequency: "Train frequency 25-45 in 24 hours."
Comments: "Take Airport Hwy Exit off
US23. Head West. Turn right @ traffic light into shopping mall.
Turn right @ STOP sign and follow circular drive to motel. Get a
second floor room, facing North. CONRAIL Chicago line is 100 yds.
away over empty field. Trains can
also be seen from motel's outdoor pool. Trains seen include several
Amtraks and much foreign power on Conrail freights."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996)
Cross Country Inn
Toledo (Holland),
OH
USA
Comments: "US23 Airport Highway Exit. Head west off the exit ramp. Turn right
at the next traffic light, which will take you into a shopping center.
Turn right at the next STOP sign and follow the service road until it
ends. Motel is on right. Ask for a second room that faces north.
Conrail Chicago line is about 100yds. across an open field. Trains
can also be seen from the pool area. Toledo Zoo is also worth seeing."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996)
West Virginia
Breaks Interstate Park
VA-WV border
WV
USA
Comments: "Also not to be missed in SW VA is Natural Tunnel, about 30 miles from
Kingsport TN. This very busy NS line runs thru a state park here with
spectacular scenery backdrops. Most of the traffic is CSX coal (NS and
CSX share this route and the old Clinchfield). A little farther west is
Breaks Interstate Park on the VA-WV border. This is the Grand Canyon of
the East, with a spectacular overlook into a deep gorge with the
original Clichfield running along the river."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996)
Charleston House Holiday Inn
600 Kanawha Boulevard
Charleston,
WV
USA
Phone: (304) 344-4092
Train Frequency: "Rail traffic is
mostly coal trains, a couple of daily mixed freight trains, and the thrice
weekly Cardinal."
Comments: "Rooms on the south side of the hotel overlook the Kanawha River, across the
river is the former C&O main line. The Amtrak station is almost directly
across the river from the hotel, there is a bridge nearby."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 9 Jun 1996)
Hilltop House Hotel
Harpers Ferry,
WV
USA
Phone: (304) 535-2132
Comments: "High on a bluff above Harpers Ferry, "view rooms" overlook two rail bridges
over the Potomac River and CSX's Harpers Ferry Tunnel on the Maryland side.
Amtrak's Capitol Limited, two or three MARC commuter trains in each
direction, and a parade of CSX freights pass through Harpers Ferry."
Source: Passenger Train Journal - January 1990
(Last revision date: Sun, 19 Feb 1995)
Sycamore Inn
Williamson,
WV
USA
Comments: "This may be out of your
way, but one of my favorite places is Williamson, WV, where I love to
stay at the Sycamore Inn (ask for the fourth floor, north side)
overlooking one of NS's busiest mainlines (the original N&W with the
world's largest coal marshalling yard on the east side of town)."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Tue, 24 Sep 1996)
Wisconsin
Laue House Bed and Breakfast
Alma,
WI
USA
Comments: "The Laue House is a marvelous old victorian home across the street from the BN
mainline at
the south end of town. At least one train per hour, all sorts of trains. Get
the "Big Room" or the "Small Room" for trainwatching, as they overlook the
tracks. (Big Room has two double beds, small room has one single bed). Also a
marvelous front porch with nice chairs.
The Polin and Tester Gallery/gift shop/bed and breakfast is towards the north
end of town, aboutt half block from the tracks, not as good as the Laue House. "
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996)
Sand Bar Motel
1115 E Bluff St.
Cassville,
WI
USA
Phone: (608) 725-5300
Comments: "The Sand Bar Motel sits across Wisconsin Route 133 from the BNSF's Chicago -
Twin Cities main line."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Wed, 9 May 2007)
Frenchman's Landing Campground
RR 1
Eastman,
WI
USA
Phone: (608) 874-4563
Comments: "Wisconsin highway Route 35 parallels the BNSF Chicago - Twin Cities main line
and he Mississippi closely between Prairie du Chien and La Crosse.
Aproximately 12 miles north of Prairie du Chien just off Route 35 and across
the BNSF main line is Frenchman's Landing Campground."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000)
Sugar Creek Campground
Ferryville,
WI
USA
Comments: "I have my next campground picked out if I have the opportunity to do this again. On my return from northern Wisconsin I drove along the
Mississippi River south of La Crosse. Near Ferryville I spotted the Sugar Creek Campground which appeared to have tent sites even closer
to the busy BNSF line than those sites at the Dells KOA!"
Source: email
(Last revision date: 15 Oct 2001)
Days Inn--City Center
406 N. Washington Street
Green Bay,
WI 54301
USA
Phone: (920) 435-4484
Comments: "Rooms with a river view also can see the Wisconsin Central line (former CNW)
on the other side of the river. The former CNW station on the other side of
the bridge is now a microbrewery / restaurant."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Tue, 16 May 2000)
Holiday Inn City Center
200 Main Street
Green Bay,
WI 54301
USA
Phone: (920) 437-5900
Comments: "From my room on the north side of the hotel I could see across the Fox River
and see the Wisconsin Cenral's (former CNW) north-south line through Green
Bay. The former GBW swing bridge across the Fox River was also in view.
Although it open during the night that I stayed, the bridge should close
occasionally so rail industries north of the hotel can be served."
"The former CNW depot is now a micro-brewery and restaurant (Titletown Brewing
Company) and is a short walk from the Holiday Inn accros the Main Street
bridge."
"(I am curious if the Holiday Inn was built on a former railroad yard as the
Milwaukee Road served the east side of the Fox River, and all the development
in the immediate area of the Holiday Inn was new. Perhaps a local source
could let us know.)"
"(920) 437-5900 or 1-800-HOLIDAY"
"Fax: 920-437-1199"
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 7 May 2000)
Comfort Inn
2180 Rossevelt Road
Marinette,
WI 54143
USA
Phone: (715) 732-2321
Comments: "A Comfort Inn is located adjacent to the Wisconsin Central's line south of
the center of Marinette. Keeping with the railroad theme, the Rail House
Restaurant and Brewery is located a small distance further north along the
tracks."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Tue, 16 May 2000)
Name: [None]
Merrick,
WI
USA
Comments: "Then there are a collection of campgrounds along the east side of the
Mississippi in Wisconsin that are within walking distance of the two-track
BN main between Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Galesburg/Chicago,
Illinois. Again, plenty of traffic and pretty scenery. Just check your
Rand McNally for the names (Nelson Dewey, Wyalusing and Merrick come
to mind)."
Source: pop@cs.mtu.edu
(Last revision date: 14 Jul 1994)
Name: [None]
Nelson Dewey,
WI
USA
Comments: "Then there are a collection of campgrounds along the east side of the
Mississippi in Wisconsin that are within walking distance of the two-track
BN main between Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Galesburg/Chicago,
Illinois. Again, plenty of traffic and pretty scenery. Just check your
Rand McNally for the names (Nelson Dewey, Wyalusing and Merrick come
to mind)."
Source: pop@cs.mtu.edu
(Last revision date: 14 Jul 1994)
Mill Bluff.
Oakdale,
WI
USA
Comments: "At Oakdale, WI, between Tomah and New Lisbon along the former MILW CP
line, there is a WI state park called Mill Bluff. It has campsites facing
the track, which is across US 12/WI 16. The last time we were there
(Fourth of July weekend) we were awoken at least six times by the passing
trains. As an added bonus, there is a hotbox detector one mile west of
the park at Milepost 231.3."
Source: galenf2847@aol.com
(Last revision date: 12 Jul 1994)
Holiday Motel
1010 S Marquette Rd.
Prairie Du Chien,
WI
USA
Phone: (608) 326-2448
Comments: "The Holiday Motel (not a part of the Holiday Inn chain) is a small hotel
across Marquette Road from the BNSF Chicago - Twin CIties main line on the
south side of Prairie du Chien."
Source: email
(Last revision date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000)
Wyalusing State Park
Prairie du Chien,
WI
USA
Comments: "Wayalusing State Park in Prairie du Chien also has the BN main running through
it, or down below it if you happen to camp up on the hill. I imagine if you
take a map you can find lots of other places."--dave@opus.csd.uwm.edu .
"Then there are a collection of campgrounds along the east side of the
Mississippi in Wisconsin that are within walking distance of the two-track
BN main between Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and Galesburg/Chicago,
Illinois. Again, plenty of traffic and pretty scenery. Just check your
Rand McNally for the names (Nelson Dewey, Wyalusing and Merrick come
to mind)."--pop@cs.mtu.edu.
Source: pop@cs.mtu.edu
(Last revision date: 15 Jul 1994)
Pattison State Park
Superior,
WI
USA
Comments: "Pattison State Park is just south of Superior WI and a hop skip and jump away
from the BN mainline where various other lines split off the line that they
have trackage rights on. I heard trains all night when I was camping in the
trees there."
Source: dave@opus.csd.uwm.edu
(Last revision date: 15 Jul 1994)
Inn on the River
First and Main Streets
Trempealeau,
WI 54661
USA
Phone: 608-534-7784
Train Frequency: 35-45 daily trains
Comments: "Located along the Mississippi River 20 miles north of LaCrosse, WI, the Inn on the River is
perfectly situated with an unobstructed view of the BNSF mainline between Chicago and Minneapolis, and
the Mississippi River. The hotel has 12 rooms, all of which face west across the river, and have balconies
with balcony furniture. The double-track BNSF mainline is approximately 200 feet away, and the river
bank is 250' away. There are no grade-level road crossings nearby, so no late-night airhorns should wake
you up. Also, you can view the former mainline of the Milwaukee Road across the river, as the trackage is
now owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (approx. 20 trains per day, including Amtrak's Empire
Builder)."
"As of 10/06, room rates were $75/night, plus taxes. Weekends during summer months required a
minimum 2-night stay. Since there are only 12 rooms, advance reservations are definitely recommended."
"Website: www.innontheriverwisconsin.com"
Source: Email
(Last revision date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006)
KOA
Wisconsin Dells,
WI
USA
Train Frequency: "...we experienced about one every 90 minutes throughout the night."
Comments: "We were just at a campground on the northwest side of Wisconsin Dells - about
1 1/2 miles north of the main highway through town (have not been able to
find the name of it). Our tent was next to a single row of trees topping
a 6 foot or so embankment; at the bottom with the 2 lane access road, then
about 20 feet of open land to the single Soo Line track (ex Milwaukee Road).
The owner said during the day train traffic had been unusually high at about
a train every 30 minutes; we experienced about one every 90 minutes through
out the night. In the quite of the night, the trains could be first heard
a few miles away (also the horn blow going through the Dells); volume would
increase until you would wonder if the train was not going to come through
your tent; even felt like the ground was shaking - may have just been an
impression due to the high volume of low frequency noise from the train.
It surprised me than neither of our children, nor my wife were awakened
by any of this."
"A real experience - and I grewup 70+ feet from Milwaukee Road's Beer line.
The campground was an AKA facility; a little higher in price; maybe the
family got to tired in the pool and so slept right throught the good stuff.--19 Aug 1994"
"I've always wanted to tent camp near an active rail line. I'm 57. I did so last week at the KOA at Wisconsin Dells after reading your entry
in the 'Directory of Campgrounds and Motels/Hotels near Railroads'. I arrived late afternoon. Being October, the campground was quiet so
I got my pick of sites. I chose site 12 - near the road and about as near the rails as one could get. Before I had my tent set up two trains
passed - a northbound AMTRAK and a northbound BNSF coal train. I went to town for dinner and returned about 9:30 pm. With little else
to do - and it being dark and chilly, I crawled into the sleeping bag. Two more trains passed before I dozed off. I would think that perhaps
six or so passed during the night. Each one was an experience! The northbounders would announce themselves with their horn while going
through the Dells. The southbounders would just sort of sneak up and blast past.
Before departing the next morning there were two more - one with CP engine markings and another with SOO markings.--15 Oct 2001."
Source: email
(Last revision date: 15 Oct 2001)
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Last updated 6/28/2009. ©2009 Lamont Downs.
