Ride the Rails and Learn Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana History

Did you know that during its 90-mile-long run, trains on the South Shore pass near or through two units of the National Park Service (NPS), two affiliated NPS units, and four state parks – including the Indiana Dunes and Potato Creek? Did you know that the South Shore Line has been deemed America’s last electric interurban railroad and is more than 100 years old? Where does the South Shore cross the path of Abraham Lincoln’s famed funeral train between Washington, D.C. and Illinois? For answers and more information on all of these topics - and much more - you’ll have to join the Midwest Rail Rangers for an upcoming ‘history talk’ on the South Shore Line.

If you are interested in riding, check the Midwest Rail Rangers’ website - www.RailRangers.org - for a listing of upcoming program dates. They currently include: January 5, January 19, January 26, February 2, February 23, February 24, March 2, March 9, March 23, April 6, April 13, and April 27. Eastbound onboard programs are presented on the train that leaves Chicago-Millennium Station at 8:40am CT and westbound programs are presented on the train that leaves South Bend Airport Station at 1:05pm ET. Rail Rangers programs are presented in only one car of the train, where seating is strictly available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are not needed and programs are presented at no additional charge to passengers who hold a valid South Shore Line ticket. The round-trip cost between Chicago and South Bend for adults is just $28.50!

The Rail Rangers’ onboard educational programs are great for families too as up to three children thirteen (13) years of age or under ride the South Shore Line free when accompanied by a parent on all weekend, holiday and off-peak trains. Select programs also feature a ‘Junior Rail Rangers’ program, where children, teens, and even kids at heart can earn a prize by completing an activity book that aids in their learning of Chicago and Indiana history.

If you can’t make one of the Midwest Rail Rangers’ formal on-board educational programs you can still learn about the route. The organization has released a detailed 120-page route guidebook, e-book, and MP3 podcast covering the landmarks along the South Shore Line route; it is available for sale at www.MidwestRails.com. Proceeds fund the organization’s expenses in presenting programs between Chicago and South Bend.