ENJOY EASY TRAVEL TO FUN SPOTS
Many of you already know and love the commuter rail system serving the Chicago area, but you might not know about all of the cool and fun spots along Metra’s 11 lines and 241 stations radiating from downtown Chicago to the six-county area of northeast Illinois. We wish we could feature many more than just 7 of them, but here are a few favorites located along the western suburb’s Burlington Northern (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railways. To obtain a train schedule, call Metra at (312) 322-6777 or visit www.metrarail.com.
1. LAGRANGE ROAD | Pet Parade, June 3 Hop aboard the BNSF line and head to LaGrange for this beloved event– its perfect for the entire family. Pet Parade Charities accomplishes its mission of promoting and supporting the health and care of animals through sponsorship of this acclaimed La Grange Pet Parade, providing educational scholarships for youth, and promoting responsible pet ownership through classes that show people how to care for their pets. This event is loved by many! Come out to see why. 9:30-11am www.lagrangepetparade.org
2. UNION STATION OR OTC | Wrigley Field The season is off to a great start and with many more games ahead, why not take the train down next time? Chicago Cubs fans can avoid traffic and parking fees by making Metra part of your plan. From Chicago Union Station (BNSF), walk six blocks east to State Street or board CTA bus No. 1 or No. 151 south on Canal to the Red Line (State Street Subway); take the train marked Howard north to Addison, just steps from the ballpark. From Ogilvie Transportation Center (UP), walk six blocks east to State Street or board any CTA bus east on Washington to the Red Line. Sit back, relax and arrive hassle free. Go Cubs, Go!
3. HINSDALE | Uniquely Thursdays Located along the BNSF line, Hinsdale is a perfect summer fun spot–especially on Thursday nights in Burlington Park. On June 15, Uniquely Thursdays kicks off for the 15th consecutive year showcasing some of the best local bands Chicago has to offer. The event begins at 6 pm each Thursday and features a beer and wine tent. There will be additional vendors each week from local businesses enticing the crowds with giveaways, and catering to our family friendly environment. www.hinsdalechamber.com
4. OAK PARK | Oak Park Festival Theatre Destress on your ride in and get ready to breathe in the outdoor air at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Midwest’s oldest professional (Actors’ Equity Association) classical outdoor theater. The summer productions of Shakespeare and other theatre masters are staged in idyllic Austin Gardens in the heart of downtown Oak Park. Featuring Macbeth, The Fair Made of the West & more. Starting June 15 and running through September 2. www.oakparkfestival.com
5. LOMBARD | Lilac Time at Lilacia Park • May 6-21 Conveniently located right next to the train station along the UP line, this is the perfect Springtime event with happenings all month long. From the Little Lady Lilac Ball for Dads and daughters ages 3-11 and the Lilac Parade Wine Walk, to the Lilac Time Art & Craft Fair, the Lilac Bush sale, a Kids Day in the Park and more– there is something for everyone to enjoy! The Lombard Park District’s Lilacia Park is an 8.5-acre horticultural showcase featuring 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips. Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Avenue, Lombard, Free Admission. www.lombardlilactime.com/event-calendar/
6. HOLLYWOOD | The Brookfield Zoo What better way to spend the day than at the zoo! Save your gas and the stress of highway driving and hop aboard the Metra. It's easy to get to Brookfield Zoo from the western suburbs via the BNSF line. Exit at the Zoo Stop (Hollywood Station) and then walk two blocks northeast. You’’ love the new Dinos & Dragons display & more. www.czs.org/publictransport
7. ELMHURST | Memorial Day Parade If you’re looking for something patriot and celebratory to do over Memorial Day and you’re along the UP metra line, why not take the train to Elmhurst for their annual Memorial Day parade. The parade will step off at 9:30am from the Elmhurst City Centre at Third and York and will proceeds to the Elmhurst Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park. Following the parade is a Post-Parade Military Ceremony at Wilder Park. www.exploreelmhurst.com/228/Memorial-Day-Parade
