The Village of Homewood Railroad Viewing Platform inaugurated a railfan park and equipment display next to the former Illinois Central main line used by Canadian National in 2007. The park is situated on the east side of the Canadian National line, which Amtrak also uses. The Metra Electric commuter line is located directly west of the CN. Train counts at this location, including Metra trains, often surpass 100 per day on the 8 tracks visible from the platform. The action involves Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern trackage-rights trains, as well as CN/IC, Amtrak, and Metra.
One of the few intact multi-track signal bridges from Illinois Central’s steam heyday is immediately south of the viewing platform. Just a few hundred yards north of the platform location is the bustling Markham Yard’s south throat, which belongs to CN. There are many stores and eateries in downtown Homewood nearby, including a Starbucks directly across the street.
Illinois Central GP10 8408 in the 1990s black scheme and IC caboose 9426 in the 1960s orange “I-Ball” scheme are among the pieces of equipment on exhibit on the west side of the right-of-way. An underground pedestrian tunnel connects the east and west sides of the rails. Do not attempt to cross the tracks illegally. This park has an 8-track mainline, meaning trains can arrive at any time and from any direction. Electric passenger trains can arrive fast and silently, and local police, CN, and METRA are tough about trespassing. Whenever you get a chance to visit Homewood, don’t forget to visit Sauk Trail Lake. Preyon Pest Control is situated in Homewood, il, and is always available to do inspections for pests and rid them. You can contact them at 708-232-7703.