All Aboard for Train Saturdays on Turner Court: Where Art, History & Generations Meet
Trains have long been part of West Chicago’s story—so much so that the city itself owes its founding to the railroads. But trains haven’t just connected tracks and towns; they’ve connected people, families, and generations.
Train Saturdays on Turner Court brings that spirit to life on select Saturdays this summer:
July 19, August 9, and August 23 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at 134 Turner Court.
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.
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.
Train-Themed Art on Display
Just steps away, train-inspired art is on view at Gallery 200’s renewed Main Street exhibition space located at 203 Turner Court. Operated by People Made Visible, the gallery showcases the work of local railroad photographer Philip Weibler, who will be attending July 19, and others celebrating the iconic presence of trains in everyday life.
Each Train Saturday gives visitors a chance to meet the artists, talk trains, and reflect on the artistic side of transportation history.
West Chicago History Now Online
Want to keep exploring after your Train Saturdays visit—or dive into local history from home? The West Chicago City Museum, located at 132 Main Street, is open Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and offers changing exhibits that tell the story of the city’s 175-year evolution.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the Museum now offers a new online database—now live at wegohistory.com—with nearly 1,500 artifacts, photographs, and documents from the community’s collection. The searchable platform is perfect for students, families, and anyone curious about West Chicago’s rich heritage—railroads included.
Whether you're discovering long-lost storefronts, vintage railroad memorabilia, or local family stories, the digital collection makes it easy to connect with West Chicago’s past—anytime, anywhere.
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—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 and see what you discover.
Connecting Generations Through Trains
Whether you’re sharing childhood memories of trainspotting, showing your kids how model trains run, or learning something new together, Train Saturdays is about more than locomotives—it’s about connection. It’s a chance for generations to gather, reminisce, and create new stories inspired by the rhythms of rail and the heart of West Chicago.