Pullman Railroad Days returns in May for a weekend of family fun, trains, and
Chicago storytelling
Historic Pullman Foundation’s annual celebration will take place at Pullman National Historical Park May 20-21
Historic Pullman Foundation (HPF) is thrilled to host its second annual Pullman Railroad Days: People, Progress & Innovation on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21 at Pullman National Historical Park. In partnership with Metra, and the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners, visitors will have access to historic Pullman rail cars from different eras at the 111th Street/Pullman Metra Electric station over the weekend. Included are the 1923 New York Central 3, the 1950 Royal Street Observation, and the 1950 Blue Ridge Club.
New York Central #3 is a classic, brass-railed observation car. Its original owner was Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt’s third-generation descendant Harold Sterling Vanderbilt. The car’s solid, heavyweight construction echoes the inter-war Pullman era, when thousands of Pullman sleepers, diners and parlor cars roamed the nation’s rails. Inside the beautifully restored car the woodwork and elegant dining area recall when the upper crust traveled in imperial fashion. The only thing missing is the fireplace that originally graced the car.
Royal Street is a 1950 Louisville & Nashville Railroad streamlined observation car. The L&N’s contribution to the refurbished New York – New Orleans Crescent, it later ran on the Jacksonville, Florida – New Orleans Gulf Wind. Royal Street exemplifies the nation’s railroads post-World War II commitment to updated, streamlined trains and Pullman’s continued contributions to elegant travel.
Blue Ridge Club was built in 1950 for the Chesapeake and Ohio’s (C&O) Washington, D.C. to Cincinnati, Ohio George Washington overnight train. It was originally configured with five bedrooms and the observation-lounge. It was converted in 1961 to a three double bedroom (Dormitory) Kitchen/Diner/Observation and renumbered to 1923. It survived into the Amtrak era, before its renovation as a private car.
“We are again excited to be part of this annual event and to host these historic railroad cars at our 111th Street/Pullman Station,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Our Metra Electric Line is still the fastest, most convenient and most affordable option to get to this event and to visit Pullman National Historical Park.”
Attendees will also have the chance to explore our 50th anniversary exhibit, celebrating our decades of work on preserving, interpreting, and promoting Pullman's rich history. The Pullman Exhibit Hall will host this exciting time capsule of America’s story, steeped in the resiliency and ingenuity of its people and its built landscape. “The exhibit speaks to the power of an engaged community,” said Historic Pullman Foundation President Joseph C. Szabo. “So many have toiled for so long, and it serves as a great example of how people in action can make a difference.”
Through a virtual reality experience, hosted by Norfolk Southern, visitors will be able to pop on a pair of VR goggles and see how advanced technology fuels America’s freight railroads. Plus, using a locomotive simulator, learn what skills it takes to operate a railroad locomotive.
With guided tours of the Pullman National Historical Park grounds, activity booths, and food and entertainment, there will be something for everyone at Pullman Railroad Days. Stay up to date with added programming via www.pullmanil.org and our Facebook page.
"We look forward to Pullman Railroad Days in May,” said Pullman National Historical Park Superintendent Teri Gage. “It's such a great opportunity to explore Pullman National Historical Park, learn about the Pullman Company's role in railroad history, and experience actual luxury Pullman cars! A family-friendly weekend of fun and learning in Chicago's first national park.
Pullman Railroad Days is quickly becoming the signature event of Historic Pullman Foundation and for train enthusiasts around the nation."
The weekend-long event will be a mix of free events and a single-ticket entry for others. Historic Pullman Foundation Members get a 10% discount on ticket sales. Advance purchase tickets receive a 20% discount and special early access each morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to the historic Pullman Railcar display. Lines tend to get long in the afternoon. Click here to join for your exclusive Pullman Railroad Days offer.
Save by purchasing advance tickets by May 14. Day-of admission will be $30. Historic Pullman Foundation is the official nonprofit ‘Friends Group’ of Pullman National Historical Park. For decades, we have created opportunities for all people to experience and understand the continuing American story that is Pullman.
