The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society

09/01/2026

There are dozens of railroad equipment/depot displays scattered throughout the Chicago suburbs.

So kudos to the Bensenville Park District for using their long-established display to bring people out for a family-friendly activity this Fall.

🚂 All aboard for a Train Scavenger Hunt at the ! Visitors of all ages can explore different train cars while searching for artifacts that match clues on the scavenger hunt sheet. Once all the items are found, participants can turn in their completed sheet for a free prize!

🎟️ No pre-registration required
📅 Tuesdays | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Saturdays & Sundays | Noon-4 p.m. | Sept. 1-Nov. 29
💰 FREE
👨‍👩‍👧 All ages

09/01/2026

So long RTA, hello NITA...

A new era for Chicagoland transit. 🚇✨

Beginning today, NITA is officially your regional transit agency, coordinating affordable, reliable, safe transit across the CTA, Metra, and Pace.

For riders, the transition to NITA will not bring a change in who operates your bus or train, and all ADA Paratransit Certification, Ride Free and Reduced Fare programs, and the Access Program for riders experiencing low incomes will continue under NITA.

Learn more about what this transition means in a press release: https://nita.illinois.gov/about-rta/press-releases/northern-illinois-transit-authority-begins-new-era-for-regional-transit.

You can also visit our new website at nita.illinois.gov. 📲

09/01/2026

JUST ANOTHER REMINDER: NO MEETING THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

IT HAS BEEN MOVED ONE WEEK TO SEPTEMBER 11

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

Get those photos ready for the meeting.

08/31/2026

Some recently painted power from a somewhat obscure Chicago-area shortline is getting a good exposure on the national stage this weekend...

08/29/2026

Because at night, all Illinois cornfields look alike...

Calling all photographers! Come and join the Electric Car Department for a special evening of nighttime pictures with all Illinois Terminal diesel and electric equipment! For this event, various vintage pieces of Illinois Terminal Railroad Company equipment will be staged for evening and after-dark photos at locations around the property with actors dressed in era-appropriate attire. The event will start at 5:00 PM after normal Museum daytime operations on Saturday, October 3rd. Coordination and lighting will be provided by David Zeman and Ralph Durham. Tickets are $125 per person and attendance is limited. Note: participants are required to bring their own tripod and have a camera on which they can manually control shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (or film). Tickets and more information can be found at: https://tickets.irm.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=cws&c=ITPhoto

08/28/2026

Three survivors from the 1976 celebration are also gathered at this weekend's big party in Spencer, North Carolina.

EJ&E 668 is still in service with CN...maybe it can join them someday?

Good Morning From the NCTM in Spencer, North Carolina. Part of our team is down at the America 250 Locomotive Celebration, and we hope to have more in the coming days. Are you planning on attending?

08/26/2026

CHICAGO — A new company today announced plans for a privately operated passenger rail service operating between downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport, promising battery-electric trains making a 15-minute trip at 15-minute intervals. The “O’Hare Flyer” says it will be the nation...

08/25/2026

South Bend, Indiana's Union Station haven't seen a train since 1971, but has been repurposed as offices.

However, some hope it can once again become the main station in the northern Indiana city...

https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/south-bend-buys-union-station-in-hopes-of-attracting-amtrak