rochelle railroad park

Stopped here on the way home from Wisconsin on a cold afternoon. Never had been here and heard good things about it. Being that it was a Sunday I didn't think I would see too many trains. I was wrong though I saw 3 on the Union Pacific tracks and 1 on the less busy BNSF tracks. The park has a couple platforms including a Lincoln Highway gazebo plus there's a switcher locomotive and a gift shop. Something that all ages will enjoy especially children!!

This is the rail park in which all other's are measured against. I was overwhelmed by the shear volume of trains which past by. In addition, almost all train crews waved as they passed by. This park presents a safe place in which you can indulge your childhood fantasy. What little boy didn't want to be an locomotive engineer when he grew up?

I'm a moderate railfan. I will take a picture of a train if I see one but won't travel way out of my way to do so. That being said I traveled past this park and remembered seeing it in Trains magazine. It's a small park at the junction of 2 sets of tracks. There is a small gift shop which wasn't open at I was there at 6pm (Hours were 10-5) and 2 pavilions. There was a small switcher on display as well as some small trains for the kids to climb on. There were bathrooms open after hours that were attached to the gift shop building. As for the main pavilion, it's situation a few feet off both sets of tracks and a bit above. It's a good vantage point to watch for approaching trains. That's really all there is. I was actually expecting there would be some information regarding the trains. I also thought there was a radio or scanner so you could hear the traffic. I didn't see any info or hear any radio. As I drove past the closed gift shop I did see a monitor in the window with what looked like a track diagram possibly showing activity.Maybe I went on an off night as it was raining, but there were only 2 people in the pavilion and they didn't seem to want to talk to anyone. I did read the signs at the Lincoln Highway gazebo and got a good idea what that was all about. In the 45 minutes I waited 1 train went by. Slightly disappointing overall.

Rochelle Railroad Park is a city managed area where railfans and just regular people that like trains can gather. The park is in the middle of a diamond, or crossing of two railroad tracks. One set is the Union Pacific from Clinton, IA to Chicago, IL and the other is Burlington Northern Santa Fe from Savannah, IL to Chicago, IL. There is a pavilion that houses a railroad radio so visitors can listen to the conversations between the train crews and the dispatchers. The town of Rochelle, is currently redoing the visitors center with large windows and has added a better webcam for viewing. Then whole part has different heights and angles for catching train with your camera. Most days there are at least 20-30 people watching at anytime 24 hours a day.

People come world-wide to visit this attraction. Hobo signs are written on the walls of the pavilion. You don't have to wait very long to see a train because trains constantly. Railroaders bring their chairs and sit and talk with the visitors. This is a free attraction

Up to 120 per day, both Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe roll through town.Unless you are a hard core train fanatic it's maybe not worth a special trip, but if you're traveling on I-39, I think you'll be amazed at how many trains go through Rochelle. The city has built a raised viewing area, covered little pavilion, restrooms, and even a gift shop. Nicely done!

If you like trains, this is the place for you. Located on the Union Pacific and BNSF main lines the train action is almost non stop. The is a small gift shop on site with clean restrooms. A definite place to take the family for some training fun.

This is what a small town park is about. Nice little museum and posted rules. Raised ramada, very patriotic and great for viewing the two intersecting tracks. The little hobo pit could be fixed up.

He likes the setup of the tracks and the building where you can easily watch the trains coming & going.

Wanted to visit the Rochelle Rail Park for a long time and did so last Saturday when I was visiting Chicago for business. It was well worth the 1.5 hour drive and about $10 in highway tolls.Saw about 12 long trains within about 2 hours and enjoyed the experience. Wish I had more time.

This park allows to Railroad fans to see their favorite locos very close and to take them on picture all in security...

Make the trip to Railroad park. You will be able to view the largest Hub around. I really liked the old trains and watching everyone waiting for the next passing train.

I went there twice and I got my railroad fix and when I see those railroad crossing gates go down and it brings music to my ears. The first time I went there I saw no BSNF'S and only 3 UP'S and the second time I went there I saw 5 trains there on a Saturday and within 1hr. 25mins. and I saw to BSNF'S and one westbound and one eastbound and 3 UP's and I definitely recommend this place.

Rochelle has everything you could ask for in a rail-fan park. Lots of trains, other people to talk to, and lots of space to move around. Being a train nut, I like to see trains- lots of them. But at the same time I like to be able to move around and be active so I can have something to do while Im waiting, and that is exactly what Rochelle has to offer. Great place, I would love to return some day. Defiantly worth the stop.

The park is a great place to sit and watch trains roar by. The park has a large shelter near the UP/BNSF diamond which makes it a great place to watch. There are 2 stationary locomotives on display there, one set up for children to climb on and play on. The other is not for climbing. Both were made in Rochelle by Whitcomb. There are also public restrooms and vending machines. The visitor center is open during the day and is a nice place to visit with very friendly local folks who know a lot about the area. The reason for this park is to enjoy the trains passing close by and it is set up very nicely to be able to do this. If sitting and waiting for trains to come is your thing, this is the place for you.