Train Saturdays are a great opportunity to experience West Chicago’s rich past in person. On Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, step inside the historic CB&Q Depot at 134 Turner Court to view train displays and a scale model of the community’s 1869 roundhouse. Hosted by the West Chicago City Museum in partnership with Gallery 200, this event series invites families, rail fans, and art lovers to explore the legacy of trains in our community, both in motion and in memory.
Afterwards, stroll over to the nearby West Chicago City Museum at 132 Main Street, open Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to experience even more exhibits highlighting nearly 175 years of local stories. Prefer to explore from home or keep learning after your visit? The Museum has an online database (available at wegohistory.com) featuring nearly 1,500 artifacts, photographs, and documents from its collection. This searchable platform is ideal for students, families, researchers, and longtime residents curious about the city’s history.
From railroad memorabilia to vintage storefronts and cultural milestones, the digital collection offers a new way to connect with what makes West Chicago truly unique, anytime and anywhere.
Why the Railroad Matters
West Chicago’s history begins at the tracks. The city grew from a railroad junction where the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad met other lines in the mid-1800s. Since then, railroads have played a vital role in connecting residents to opportunity, commerce, and each other.
The Museum’s historic 1860s CB&Q Depot offers visitors the chance to experience this story firsthand. Exhibits include a model of the 1869 Chicago & North Western Roundhouse, which once stood in West Chicago and served as a symbol of the city’s industrial strength and innovation.
Whether you are sharing childhood memories of trainspotting, showing your kids how model trains run, or learning something new together, Train Saturdays are about more than locomotives. They are about connection, a chance for generations to gather, reminisce, and create new stories inspired by the rhythms of rail and the heart of West Chicago.
More to Explore Downtown
Make the most of your visit by exploring the vibrant heart of downtown West Chicago, where you’ll find:
- A rotating art exhibition at Gallery 200 (both at 200 Main Street and 103 W. Washington Street), where artwork is available for purchase—perfect for those looking to take home a unique piece of West Chicago.
- Seven colorful murals celebrating the species of Illinois’ prairies that overlook the adjacent Illinois Prairie Path.
- A mural by artist Rich Lo in the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e style, honoring West Chicago Community High School’s upcoming 100th anniversary, which is part of the Waves of DuPage exhibit and located at Gallery 200, 103 W. Washington Street.
- A full-size historic train engine on display near Sesquicentennial Park, a favorite photo stop for rail enthusiasts and families alike.
- The Kruse House Museum, a preserved 1917 American Foursquare home of a Chicago & North Western Railway ticket collector, located at 527 Main Street offers a rare glimpse into early 20th-century family life and is open from noon until 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Locally owned shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout the downtown area offering everything from coffee and tacos to gifts and antiques.
Downtown West Chicago is full of charm, creativity, and history. Plan to stay awhile on September 20, explore Train Saturdays, and discover something new along the way.
