Railfan Trip Reports > In Chicago, don't forget about Canal Street

Roosevelt Road is justifiably the premier train-watching site for the Chicago commuter rush, but don't forget about Canal Street, just a few blocks north of Union Station. From this grade crossing, one gets a good view of the Milwaukee District parade, with some occasional Amtrak. Boats on the Chicago River and the CTA overhead add interest and variety to the scene. The walk through the trains to the Madison Street entrance to CUS is also interesting. I believe the platform for tracks 5 and 7, or 9 and 11 are the access points from inside the terminal.

Caution at Canal St: always think safety and be aware of where you are! Stay well back from those gates, which descend with surprising frequency during rush hours. Stay behind the barriers on the parking lots. Stay out of the way of the rush of pedestrians. Fortunately, there are many safe places to stand out of the way and get good shots, particularly with some telephoto flexibility.

Here's a selection from less than an hour at Canal St. on 10/3/07, around 4 PM. No Amtrak, though in this brief interlude.

B&O B

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A few more from Canal St.

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More of the commuter variety from Canal St.

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In the late afternoon, shots to the north are in shade, but these are shown just to show how the tracks duck under the former C&NW. The CTA from south of its crossing over Canal St at Lake.

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A light power move out of the station seemed an appropriate end to my time at Canal St. and this brief report. It was time to head back for #30.

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Remember: STAY SAFE!

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