Midwest Rail Rangers onboard educational programs on the South Shore Line are typically presented one Saturday morning/afternoon per month.
Our schedule of upcoming program dates on the South Shore Line are listed here on our website. Just click on the 'Upcoming Programs' tab on the left for a listing of all upcoming program dates. Typically, our January - April program dates are posted in December, our May - August program dates are posted in April, and our September - December program dates are posted in August.
Midwest Rail Rangers programs on the South Shore Line operate on eastbound Train #503, which departs Chicago Millenium Station at 8:30am CT, and arrives at South Bend Airport Station at 11:38am ET. We also present a westbound program on Train #506, which departs South Bend Airport Station at 1:14pm ET, and arrives at Chicago Millenium Station at 2:27pm CT. Here is a complete listing of station stops and our program schedule.
The Midwest Rail Rangers present our onboard programs free to all South Shore Line passengers who hold a valid train ticket. The cost of your train ticket depends on where you choose to ride. An adult one-way fare from Chicago to South Bend is $15.75. A roundtrip fare from Chicago to South Bend is $31.50. The South Shore Line offers discounted rides for children. Tickets can be purchased the day of a trip from a ticket kiosk.
No. While Midwest Rail Rangers interpretive guides begin and end the program at Chicago's Millenium Station, passengers don't have to. You can board at any of the intermediate station stops listed above and still hear the program. Please note that seating in the Rail Rangers Car is on a first come, first serve basis. Trains tend to get crowded, especially in the summer. So, it generally is recommended you board the train as early as possible to get a good seat, but it is not required.
Yes. Typically, the information presented by the Midwest Rail Rangers is the same for both eastbound and westbound passengers. If we notice passengers are riding with us for the roundtrip, our guides will try and add a few slightly different stories.
No. Seating on the South Shore Line is always on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations to hear the Midwest Rail Rangers are not needed, nor accepted. Searing can be limited... that is why we recommend boarding in Chicago for eastbound programs and in South Bend for westbound programs.
Yes. The Midwest Rail Rangers can present special programs for groups for 10+ people. For more details, e-mail Midwest Rail Rangers President Robert Tabern at rtabern@railrangers.org. We have done programs in the past for school groups and senior groups. Special discounted rates for group tickets may be available.
Midwest Rail Rangers docents present our interpretive program in half of one train car. Passengers will need to walk through the train and look for signs to indicate where to sit and listen to our program, or simply ask the conductor. Our programs are usually presented toward the front of the train, both eastbound and westbound. Passengers looking for a quieter experience, can sit in the other half of the Rail Rangers Car, or on one of the other cars.
Yes. The Midwest Rail Rangers onboard educational programs are co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Our programs are advertised in the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park Activity Guides. We are proud to work with the Indiana DNR since 2018, and the National Park Service since 2019.
The Midwest Rail Rangers was established in July 2015. Originally, we presented onboard educational programs primarily on private rail charters across the Midwest. Due to costs and a number of other factors, the number of private rail charters have been greatly reduced. That led our non-profit organization to look for other venues to present programs. Docents were stationed on Iowa Pacific's Hoosier State train between Lafayette, Indiana and Chicago in 2016 and 2017. When that route was discontinued in Spring 2017, Indiana DOT officials suggested the program transition over to the South Shore Line. We have had guides on the South Shore Line since August 2017.
Docents on the train can accept donations from passengers. While this is certainly appreciated, it is not expected or required. The Midwest Rail Rangers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and program costs are covered by volunteer donations and donation made by our interpretive guides. We also sell a route guide book for the South Shore Line that is available for a $20 or more donation.
Although rare, a Midwest Rail Rangers scheduled program can be cancelled for a number of reasons, including severe weather or railroad service disruptions. It is recommended that anyone riding, especially just to hear our program, should check our Facebook page (@RailRangers) on the morning of a trip. We will post about any delays, cancellations, or trip modifications on our Facebook page as soon as possible. The Midwest Rail Rangers will attempt to reschedule cancelled trips. The Midwest Rail Rangers, nor our partners, are responsible for any trip cancellations.
Yes. Junior Rail Rangers activities are available on all of South Shore Line train trips. Children (of any age) fill out a Junior Rail Rangers activity booklet about the South Shore Line route and the Indiana Dunes. Complete it before getting off the train to earn a badge or a patch. It is recommended that you print out a booklet ahead of time and bring it with you, as our interpretive guides only carry a very limited number of booklets and may run out. For more information about the Junior Rail Rangers program and to download a free booklet, click on the "Jr. Ranger & Stamps" tab on the left.
Yes. The Midwest Rail Rangers have several passport stamps unique to the train routes that we cover. For more information, click on the "Jr. Ranger & Stamps" tab on the left.
Yes. The Midwest Rail Rangers have about a 90-minute layover at South Bend Airport station between our eastbound and westbound program. Passengers are required to de-train and then re-board. No passengers may stay on the train during this layover in South Bend.
At origin stations (Chicago Millenium Station and South Bend Airport Station), South Shore Line trains typically board 20-30 minutes before the departure time. No matter what station you board from, please leave plenty of time to allow for parking and obtaining your ticket in advance from a vending machine kiosk.
How often are programs presented?
When are some of your upcoming program dates?
What schedule do your programs operate on?
Do I have to get on in Chicago to hear the program?
Is the program the same in either direction?
Do you offer reserved seating on the train?
Do you offer programs for groups?
Once onboard the train, how do I locate you?
Are you an official program of Indiana Dunes Park?
How long have you been doing this?
How can I support the Rail Rangers?
Are South Shore programs ever cancelled?
Do you have a Junior Rail Rangers activity for kids?
Do you participate in the passport program?
If riding roundtrip, do I have to get off the train in South Bend?
How early do I need to arrive at the train station?
For additonal questons, please e-mail Midwest Rail Rangers president Robert Tabern at rtabern@railrangers.org.