1. Home
 ›
2. Fallen Flags
 ›
3. Elgin, Joliet & Eastern

Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway: Map, Roster, History

Last revised: August 23, 2024

By: Adam Burns

What became the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway is thanks largely to the work of Philip Shumway who wanted to establish an efficient belt line around the entirety of Chicago.

In many ways the EJ&E was not even a belt road and far different from the city's two other notables, the Belt Railway of Chicago and Indiana Harbor Belt.  

While a branch did reach South Chicago, EJ&E's main line was situated far away from the Loop (downtown) and handled as much through traffic as it did terminal/interchange business.  

From an early era it abandoned passenger trains, shifting focus exclusively to freight.  When Shumway ran into financial trouble he found a backer in J.P. Morgan and the banking mogul saw great promise in the idea.  

With limitless capital available the railroad was soon completed as it reached northern Indiana and points above Chicago.  In time, "The J" connected with all surrounding railroads serving as an important relief valve which bypassed an increasingly congested city.  

After more than a century of service it was acquired by Canadian National in 2009 and its corporate name dissolved a few years later.

Photos

Elgin, Joliet & Eastern DT-6-6-2000 #920 is seen here on a caboose hop at Griffith, Indiana in January, 1965. Roger Puta photo.

History

The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway was sort of a hybrid; it was not exactly a belt line although its main line did, indeed, encircle Chicago.  It contained characteristics of a line-haul system with a 175-mile corridor connecting the eastern trunk lines in northeastern Indiana with their Midwestern counterparts in Illinois.  

The "J" was also closely tied to the steel industry, moving coal, coke, and iron ore to mills dotting its right-of-way.  Its history began with Philip Shumway, a local businessman who envisioned a belt line serving Chicago and its suburbs. 

The railroad would not only tie together the city's preeminent trunk lines but also serve Joliet's growing industrial base.  According to Michael Blaszak's excellent article entitled "The J: A Centennial History, Big Steel's Belt Line," from the August, 1989 issue of Trains Magazine, in 1881, Shumway, Alex Leith of Joliet Iron & Steel, and a few other individuals formed the Joliet & Indiana Railroad.  

Its purpose was to open the initial eastern leg, running from Joliet to the Indiana/Illinois state line.  Unfortunately, the group failed to secure financing and the charter lay dormant.

At A Glance

The idea was revived a few years later when Shumway became involved with another group attempting to establish a similar, but more ambitious project.  

Known as the Joliet, Aurora & Northern Railroad (JA&N), incorporated on March 22, 1884, it was the ambitious plan of Daniel Roberts to extend rails northwestward from Joliet to the east bank of the Mississippi River near Dubuque, Iowa.  The JA&N would also head east to the Indiana state line. 

This scheme was also in danger of stalling until two events occurred; Shumway's interest and that of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul (CM&StP).  This early predecessor of the Milwaukee Road recognized the JA&N could offer it an efficient connection with eastern carriers while avoiding downtown Chicago.  

In February of 1886, Shumway acquired partial control of the JA&N and was able to secure financing to build the first 22 miles between Joliet and Aurora.  With relatively gentle topography and few obstacles encountered, work proceeded quickly.  The line was ready for service by August 15, 1886 but unfortunately, business never took off as hoped.

Timetables (1930)

Everything seemed lost until Shumway approached J.P. Morgan about funding the struggling enterprise.  The banking giant liked what he saw, so much so he decided to buyout everyone's stakes and take direct control himself.  

By early 1887 Morgan had full ownership and seemingly overnight, the railroad was on solid financial footing.  To build the proposed belt line a new system was chartered, the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway established on March 18, 1887.  

One of the first tasks involved building locomotive repair/general maintenance facilities, which were located on the east side of Joliet.  

Next, work proceeded with haste to finally open a connection with the CM&StP while simultaneously eyeing the eastward extension into Indiana.

Extending from what became the Aurora Branch at Normantown, the EJ&E opened an interchange with the CM&StP at a point known as Spaulding, slightly east of downtown Elgin in late July of 1888.

It then pushed towards Indiana (via a subsidiary known as the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway of Indiana), opening a connection with the Pennsylvania Railroad at Hobart on September 24th.  

A few months later a Baltimore & Ohio interchange was established at McCool. Finally, on June 22, 1893 the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern (New York Central) and Chicago & West Michigan (a predecessor of the Pere Marquette Railway, which later came under Chesapeake & Ohio control) were reached at Porter.

Logo

The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway logo. Author's work.

While all of this was ongoing, a third extension commenced to the southwest of Joliet.  This new branch, incorporated as the Gardner, Coal City & Northern Railway (GCC&N) on April 4, 1888, would exclusively serve the Braidwood coalfields near Braceville, owned by the CM&StP.  

Construction began that August and opened just a few months later on October 29th, running from Walker (near Plainfield) to Gardner, a distance of 35 miles (it was later extended to South Wilmington in 1899 to serve additional mines).  

With numerous interchanges now established on all fronts, Shumway's dream was quickly becoming reality (unfortunately, he never lived to see the completed EJ&E, passing away on May 9, 1887 of a stroke).  A corporate restructuring took place on December 4, 1888 when the predecessors were merged into the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway.  

While the paperwork was simplified this did not curtail further growth.  Less than a year after the Gardner Branch opened yet another important extension was launched to push rails further north beyond Spaulding.  It was the idea of F.E. Worcester, who headed the EJ&E after Shumway's death.  

System Map (1965)

An official, 1965 system map of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern. Author's collection.

He proposed a line to the-then small community of Waukegan, which offered ample acreage for industrial development.  It also provided a natural harbor for lake boats.  

Along the way additional interchanges were established with the Chicago & North Western (Waukegan); Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul (Rondout); Wisconsin Central/Soo Line (Leithton); and another C&NW connection at Barrington.  

The Morgan interests were excited about the idea and quickly put plans into motion for its construction, establishing the Waukegan & Southwestern Railroad.  The project began in July of 1889 and was ready for service by the following January.  

The gamble paid off as numerous businesses were attracted to the Waukegan area, in part due to the "J's" many interchanges.  

As evermore trunk lines partnered with the EJ&E it earned its first profit in 1894 and then expanded again in 1897 by acquiring the Western Indiana Railroad.  This small system's original intentions were to build from Hammond to La Porte. However, it had little success and only managed to open a short 1-mile segment in the Hammond area.  

Elgin, Joliet & Eastern DT-6-6-2000 #924, already rebuilt with an EMD prime mover by this date, has a long freight at Stearns Road in Munger, Illinois in December 1966. Rick Burn photo.

After E&JE's acquisition the line was pushed to Whiting, via East Chicago, a distance of 7 miles.  While not a particularly large venture it did serve several industries, including Standard Oil's refinery at Whiting.  

The final major extension came just before the "J's" acquisition by United States Steel Corporation, formed on February 25, 1901 (America's first billion-dollar company created by none other than J.P. Morgan).  

As Mr. Blaszak's article notes, Illinois Steel, one of the country's largest producers, decided to acquire the EJ&E in 1898 as part of its initiative to establish vertical integration.

This concept meant that a steel producer would own and control every aspect of production, including transportation and even raw materials (iron ore and coal mines).  When purchasing the "J," Illinois Steel folded its industrial carrier, the Chicago, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway, into its new subsidiary.  

The CLS&E was established in 1895 and eventually came to operate all railroads serving its parents' five mills (South Works situated along the Calumet River southeast of Chicago, North Works at Clybourn Avenue, Union Works in Bridgeport, Milwaukee Works in Milwaukee [Wisconsin], and the Joliet Works).  

At the South Works this included trackage running the lake front southeastward to Clarke Junction where interchange was established with the B&O and LS&MS.

Elgin, Joliet & Eastern SD38-2 #666 leads its train through the southeast side of Joliet, Illinois. Doug Kroll photo.

The only thing remaining was directly linking this trackage with the rest of the EJ&E system, a project completed in 1900 between Griffith and Clarke Junction via a subsidiary known as the Griffith & Northern.  

The corporate maneuverings at this time were many and dizzying.  Morgan had no more than sold the EJ&E to Illinois Steel when he laid the ground for what became U.S. Steel.  

On September 8, 1898 he and an associate, Elbert H. Gary (better remembered as "Judge"), placed the EJ&E, Minnesota Iron Company, Duluth & Iron Range (serving Minnesota's iron-rich Vermilion Range), Minnesota Steamship Company, and Illinois Steel under a new holding company known as Federal Steel.  

Only a few years later, steel magnate Andrew Carnegie elected to retire from corporate life and sold his steel interests to Morgan in 1901, which included the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad and Pittsburgh Steamship Company.  At the time, Carnegie was the largest steel producer in the country.  

According to John Leopard's book, "Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway," the next component of U.S. Steel was John D. Rockefeller's interests acquired in March of 1901.  

They included a laundry list of similar companies:

• Bessemer Steamship


• Duluth, Missabe &  Northern (which served the Mesabi Range, it went on to merge with the D&IR to form the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range in 1938)


• National Steel


• American Bridge Company


• American Steel Hoop Company


• American Steel & Wire


• American Tin Plate


• National Tube

With U.S. Steel's creation it immediately controlled 65% of the market.

Innovations

The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern was a very early proponent of the diesel locomotive, acquiring its first diesels from Electro-Motive in 1936.  It had little use for cab models although did experiment with Baldwin's DR-4-4-1500 demonstrator for a year before selling these to the Baltimore & Ohio in 1950.

Perhaps its most interesting and exotic model was the DT-6-6-2000 transfer switcher, another product of Baldwin.  This locomotive entered the builder's catalog precisely because of the "J," which requested a large design that could handle heavy tonnage at slow speeds between closely spaced terminals; the hallmark of the transfer type. 

The EJ&E went on to acquire 26 examples, some of which remained in service into the 1970's (after being re-engined with EMD prime movers).  The "J" was also an early adopter of welded rail, installing its first 131-pound segments in the fall of 1943.  

While much more expensive than utilizing traditional joints, "ribbon" rail reduces maintenance and offers a smoother ride; by 1950 the EJ&E had installed 90 miles of its 175-mile network with CWR (continuous welded rail) and continued to do so after that time.

Modern Era

By the turn of the century the modern "J" was in place and would change little over the next several decades.  Its traffic ebbed and flowed, peaking at 45.9 million tons in 1944 during World War II.  

Dedicated passenger service was extremely short-lived, lasting only until 1907 when mixed trains were implemented as the company focused exclusively on its interchange and line-haul freight business. Mixed service survived until the mid-1960's when all passenger operations ended.  

A pair of Elgin SD38-2's pull a cut of cars through the former Illinois Central's Markham Yard (Canadian National) in Homewood, Illinois on March 26, 2011. Doug Kroll photo.

During the depression era the EJ&E experienced its first cutbacks, removing 12 miles of the old GCC&N in 1935 between Goose Lake and South Wilmington.  

The next significant abandonment occurred in the postwar years as the "J" saw its interchange business rapidly declining through mergers and the Class Is' increased use of large classification yards.  

These facilities were situated on the outskirts of Chicago and significantly curtailed the need of belt lines.  In 1976 much of the Aurora Branch was let go, except for a short stub serving a grain elevator that was eventually removed by 1985.  

That same year also saw the 20.4 miles between Griffith and Porter taken up.  To continue interchanging with what was then Conrail and Chesapeake & Ohio/Chessie System (soon CSX Transportation), the connection was moved to nearby Gary and Griffith.

Diesel Roster

*     Prototype nicknamed, "Golden Goose."  Scrapped in 11/61. 

**    #202-203 converted to slugs #T-3 (July, 1954) and #T-4 (January, 1957).

****  #270 originally Baldwin demonstrator #336; rebuilt to slug #T-5 in 1964.

***   #408 (First) was built as Youngstown & Northern #201 in May of 1937. 

***** Baldwin demonstrators, sold to the B&O in January of 1950.

Steam Roster

Roster as of the 1940s.

* Rebuilt from 2-8-0's.

The above roster information is thanks, in part, to:

• Patrick Dorin's book, "The Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway" 


• John Kirkland's book, "The Diesel Builders, Volume III:  Baldwin Locomotive Works"


• Michael Blaszak's article, "The J: A Centennial History, Crossing Bridges As They Come," from the September, 1989 issue of Trains Magazine

Final Years

With belt line services in decline and the loss of industrial traffic (particularly steel), the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern switched its focus to originating/terminating traffic after the 1970's.

As the merger movement continued through the 1990's the railroad found its connections reduced to six of the seven remaining Class I carriers; Canadian Pacific, Canadian National, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific.  

Throughout this time the carrier had remained a subsidiary of U.S. Steel, although the domestic market's declines since the 1970's brought several corporate changes.  In 1986 U.S. Steel became the USX Corporation (after branching out into the energy and acquiring Marathon Oil and Texas Oil & Gas to prop up sagging profits).  

In 1988 it spun-off its transportation holdings into a new subsidiary known as Transtar, which managed its rail assets (most notably these included Bessemer & Lake Erie; Birmingham Southern; Lake Terminal; McKeesport Connecting; Union Railroad; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; and Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range).  

Canadian National Acquisition

That June, 51% of the new company was sold to Blackstone Capital Partners, which officially acquired the properties on December 28th.  In an interesting twist, USX reacquired 100% of Transtar in 2001, albeit minus the DM&IR and B&LE which were under different ownership as part of Great Lakes Transportation. 

This remained unchanged for nearly a decade until January 31, 2009 when Canadian National acquired the EJ&E from Transtar, eyeing its potential as a Chicago bypass.  Then, on January 1, 2013 the legendary "J" formally disappeared as a corporate entity when it was merged into CN-subsidiary Wisconsin Central Ltd.

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Texas Dinner Train Rides At The TSR!

   Jan 19, 26 12:30 PM

   
   Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in.

   Read More

2. Iowa's Dinner Train Rides In Boone!

   Jan 19, 26 12:28 PM

   If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum…

   Read More

3. Ohio Dinner Train Rides At The CVSR!

   Jan 19, 26 12:27 PM

   
   While the railroad is well known for daytime sightseeing and seasonal events, one of its most memorable offerings is its evening dining program—an experience that blends vintage passenger-car ambience…

   Read More

4. Missouri's Dinner Train Rides In Branson!

   Jan 19, 26 12:21 PM

   
   Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the Branson Scenic Railway offers one of the most distinctive rail experiences in the Midwest—pairing classic passenger railroading with sweeping mountain scenery a…

   Read More

5. Virginia Valentine's Train Rides

   Jan 19, 26 12:15 PM

   
   If you’ve ever wanted to slow life down to the rhythm of jointed rail—coffee in hand, wide windows framing pastureland, forests, and mountain ridges—the Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) is built for exac…

   Read More

6. Maryland Valentine's Train Rides

   Jan 19, 26 12:12 PM

   
   The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) delivers one of the East’s most “complete” heritage-rail experiences: and also offer their popular dinner train during the Valentine's Day weekend.

   Read More

7. Indiana's Dinner Train Rides In Jasper!

   Jan 18, 26 01:54 PM

   
   In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the Spirit of Jasper offers one of those rare attractions that feels equal parts throwback and treat-yourself night out: a classic excursion train paired with…

   Read More

8. New Mexico's Dinner Train Rides

   Jan 18, 26 01:37 PM

   
   If your heart is set on clinking glasses while the desert glows at sunset, you can absolutely do that here—just know which operator offers what, and plan accordingly.

   Read More

9. New Hampshire ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

   Jan 18, 26 01:10 PM

   
   The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel.

   Read More

10. New York Valentine's Train Rides

    Jan 18, 26 12:32 PM

    
    At its best, the Adirondack Railroad delivers exactly what railfans and casual riders alike hope for: vintage coaches, classic depots, rivers and forests right outside the window.

    Read More

11. Washington Valentine's Train Rides

    Jan 18, 26 10:50 AM

    
    Whether you’re a dedicated railfan chasing preserved equipment or a couple looking for a memorable night out, CCR&M offers a “small railroad, big experience” vibe—one that shines brightest on its spec…

    Read More

12. Colorado Valentine's Train Rides

    Jan 18, 26 10:49 AM

    
    The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the kind of trip that feels tailor-made for railfans and casual travelers alike, including during Valentine's weekend.

    Read More

13. Georgia Valentine's Train Rides

    Jan 18, 26 10:42 AM

    
    f you’ve ridden the SAM Shortline, it’s easy to think of it purely as a modern-day pleasure train—vintage cars, wide South Georgia skies, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from interstates and…

    Read More

14. New Jersey ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 17, 26 01:16 PM

    
    There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon!

    Read More

15. West Virginia Dinner Train Rides In Elkins!

    Jan 17, 26 01:08 PM

    
    The D&GV offers the kind of rail experience that feels purpose-built for railfans and casual travelers.

    Read More

16. Virginia Dinner Train Rides In Staunton!

    Jan 17, 26 11:55 AM

    
    If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you.

    Read More

17. Florida Easter Train Rides

    Jan 17, 26 10:23 AM

    
    The cold weather rarely invades Florida and the state nearly always warm and balmy early spring temperatures. Learn more about where you can find Easter-themed train rides across the Sunshine State.

    Read More

18. Ohio Easter Train Rides

    Jan 17, 26 10:13 AM

    
    Ohio is home to several museums and excursion trains preserving the state's rich railroading heritage. A few of these locations host Easter-themed train rides each spring.

    Read More

19. Massachusetts Valentine's Train Rides

    Jan 17, 26 09:58 AM

    
    The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) blends classic New England scenery with heritage equipment, narrated sightseeing, and some of the region’s best-known “rails-and-meals” experiences.

    Read More

20. California Valentine's Train Rides

    Jan 17, 26 09:53 AM

    
    Operating out of West Sacramento, this excursion railroad has built a calendar that blends scenery with experiences—wine pours, themed parties, dinner-and-entertainment outings, and seasonal specials…

    Read More

21. South Carolina Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 11:13 PM

    
    There is only location in the Palmetto State offering a true dinner train experience can be found at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Learn more here.

    Read More

22. Rhode Island Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 11:01 PM

    Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to one popular dinner train experience where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of Aquidneck Island.

    Read More

23. Pennsylvania's Thomas The Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 04:13 PM

    "A Day Out With Thomas” train rides offer a unique opportunity for children and their families to engage in a magical and memorable experience, setting the stage for a full day of fun and adventure.

    Read More

24. Illinois's Thomas The Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 02:23 PM

    
    In Illinois, the "A Day Out With Thomas" event offers a unique chance for families to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Thomas and friends, creating memories that last a lifetime.

    Read More

25. New Jersey's Thomas The Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 02:11 PM

    
    Here's a comprehensive guide to what you can expect at Day Out With Thomas events in New Jersey.

    Read More

26. Texas ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 01:54 PM

    
    Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas.

    Read More

27. Connecticut ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 16, 26 01:26 PM

    
    All aboard the intrigue express! One location in Connecticut typically offers a unique and thrilling experience for both locals and visitors alike, murder mystery trains.

    Read More

28. New Hampshire Dinner Train Rides In N. Conway!

    Jan 16, 26 10:47 AM

    
    Tucked into the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of New England’s most beloved heritage railways

    Read More

29. Oregon Dinner Train Rides Near Mt. Hood!

    Jan 16, 26 10:44 AM

    
    The Mt. Hood Railroad is the moving part of that postcard—a century-old short line that began as a working railroad.

    Read More

30. Maryland's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides

    Jan 15, 26 02:59 PM

    
    This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure.

    Read More

31. Colorado's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides

    Jan 15, 26 02:46 PM

    
    To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc…

    Read More

32. Iowa ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides

    Jan 15, 26 02:36 PM

    
    The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

    Read More

33. Georgia's Wine Train Rides In Cordele!

    Jan 15, 26 02:26 PM

    
    While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like a t…

    Read More

34. Indiana ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 15, 26 02:22 PM

    
    This piece explores the allure of murder mystery trains and why they are becoming a must-try experience for enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

    Read More

35. Ohio ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 15, 26 02:10 PM

    
    The murder mystery dinner train rides in Ohio provide an immersive experience that combines fine dining, an engaging narrative, and the beauty of Ohio's landscapes.

    Read More

36. Nevada Dinner Train Rides In Ely!

    Jan 15, 26 02:01 PM

    
    If you’ve ever wished you could step through a time portal into the hard-working world of a 1900s short line the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is about as close as it gets.

    Read More

37. Michigan Dinner Train Rides In Owosso!

    Jan 15, 26 09:46 AM

    
    The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train!

    Read More

38. Arizona's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides

    Jan 14, 26 02:04 PM

    
    For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc…

    Read More

39. Arkansas's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides

    Jan 14, 26 01:57 PM

    
    This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so…

    Read More

40. Tennessee ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 14, 26 01:42 PM

    
    Amidst the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of Tennessee, an exhilarating and interactive experience awaits those with a taste for mystery and intrigue.

    Read More

41. California ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 14, 26 01:26 PM

    
    When it comes to experiencing the allure of crime-solving sprinkled with delicious dining, California's murder mystery dinner train rides have carved a niche for themselves among both locals and touri…

    Read More

42. Illinois ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 14, 26 01:13 PM

    
    Among Illinois's scenic train rides, one of the most unique and captivating experiences is the murder mystery excursion.

    Read More

43. Vermont's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 14, 26 12:57 PM

    
    There are currently murder mystery dinner trains offered in Vermont but until recently the Champlain Valley Dinner Train offered such a trip!

    Read More

44. Massachusetts Dinner Train Rides On Cape Cod!

    Jan 14, 26 12:20 PM

    
    The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) has carved out a special niche by pairing classic New England scenery with old-school hospitality, including some of the best-known dining train experiences in the…

    Read More

45. Maine Dinner Train Rides In Portland!

    Jan 14, 26 11:31 AM

    
    While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a…

    Read More

46. Kentucky Dinner Train Rides In Bardstown!

    Jan 13, 26 01:14 PM

    
    The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history.

    Read More

47. Kansas Dinner Train Rides In Abilene!

    Jan 13, 26 12:44 PM

    
    If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (A&SV) delivers.

    Read More

48. Michigan ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 13, 26 11:24 AM

    
    Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration.

    Read More

49. Virginia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides

    Jan 13, 26 11:11 AM

    
    Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel.

    Read More

50. Arizona Dinner Train Rides At The Grand Canyon!

    Jan 13, 26 10:59 AM

    
    While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining.

    Read More