22 September 2024 – Sunday
We head west to Wisconsin, stopping overnight at Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan, then checking out the Ellwood Museum in LaGrange, Illinois, and wandering around a town in Wisconsin influenced by Norwegian immigrants.
We knew we were in the right spot because a GPS Point was embedded in the pavement next to our van.
0853 67,542 Beverly Hills Beach, IN
Using a longer lens, the city becomes a little more visible in the distance. If you double-click the image and zoom in you can see sun bouncing off the tall buildings. They almost look like flaming torches.
Gary Indiana is closer. No torches there, but plenty of industrial smoke.
0935 67,547 63°F Dune Park Station
You can get to South Bend or Chicago without driving by riding the South Shore Line. Overhead electric lines power these Interurban trains. Operating since 1908, you can read about the history here: South Shore Timeline
There isn't much protection for the engineer. More modern trains have breakaway nosecones to cushion impacts.
Next time, we should stay a few days and ride the train into Chicago.
beautiful gardens,
a carriage house,
a cottage,
a water tower that resembles a face,
and a miniature house used by children since 1892.
Beth peeked in the little windows and it looks like it would be a luxurious home for a very small person. There are even tiny oriental rugs. (Please pardon the reflections)
Even the back of the main house has personality.
Walking around the neighborhood, Beth also liked this "Hasta House."
Stoughton began as a farming community along the Yahara River, not far from the State Capitol in Madison, starting in 1847.
The city has embraced the heritage of immigrants from Norway and even has a new Norwegian Heritage Center. Unfortunately they aren't open on Mondays so we will have to return another time.
Railings on steps to a nearby store maintain the musical theme.
Local galleries had some unique items. One of my favorites was this Nuthatch sculpture.
Fosdale Bakery wasn't open today, so it was time to move on.
1606 67,770 68°F Verona, WI
1015 67,288 66°F Leave Romeo, MI
1155 67,341 74°F M59@I-96 Stopped and made lunch. Left at 1235.
1722 67,540 68°F Porter, IN
Indiana Dunes National Park, site 4
Sites and restrooms here are large and nicely spaced. There is no water or electric, but we don't need either of those.
It was a quiet night until 0500 when the trains started running.
23 September 2024 – Monday
0835 67,540 Leave Indiana Dunes National Park
0853 67,542 Beverly Hills Beach, IN
Pulled over in a city park with direct access to the lake. The house on the hill across the street is listed for $2.39 million if you would like a home with a great view of Lake Michigan.
We are parked outside of Chicago, way outside.
Using a longer lens, the city becomes a little more visible in the distance. If you double-click the image and zoom in you can see sun bouncing off the tall buildings. They almost look like flaming torches.
Gary Indiana is closer. No torches there, but plenty of industrial smoke.
note: This wasn't our first visit to Indiana Dunes. Here's a link to see another area of the National Park.
0935 67,547 63°F Dune Park Station
Beth humored me and waited while I checked out a nearby passenger station.
You can get to South Bend or Chicago without driving by riding the South Shore Line. Overhead electric lines power these Interurban trains. Operating since 1908, you can read about the history here: South Shore Timeline
There isn't much protection for the engineer. More modern trains have breakaway nosecones to cushion impacts.
Number 3 is one of the first trains built for the line by Nippon Sharyo in 1982. The newest trains went into service in 2019.
Based in Nagoya, Japan, Nippon Sharyo also builds the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). I've ridden them in Japan and would love to see some rocketing along the Lake Michigan shoreline!
Next time, we should stay a few days and ride the train into Chicago.
At $9 each way, it is less than parking in the city. If you are 65 or older the price is cut in half!
The ten acre park features this 1979 Ellwood mansion,*
*The mansion itself wasn't open, but we could walk around the grounds.
beautiful gardens,
a carriage house,
a cottage,
a water tower that resembles a face,
and a miniature house used by children since 1892.
Beth peeked in the little windows and it looks like it would be a luxurious home for a very small person. There are even tiny oriental rugs. (Please pardon the reflections)
Even the back of the main house has personality.
Walking around the neighborhood, Beth also liked this "Hasta House."
1302 Back on the road.
The Visitor's Center is in an old train depot.
Stoughton began as a farming community along the Yahara River, not far from the State Capitol in Madison, starting in 1847.
The city has embraced the heritage of immigrants from Norway and even has a new Norwegian Heritage Center. Unfortunately they aren't open on Mondays so we will have to return another time.
Railings on steps to a nearby store maintain the musical theme.
Local galleries had some unique items. One of my favorites was this Nuthatch sculpture.
Fosdale Bakery wasn't open today, so it was time to move on.
1536 Resume driving
1606 67,770 68°F Verona, WI
We're here to visit with our son and daughter-in-law until 05 October. They added a 30 Amp outlet so we can "moochdock" in their driveway.
Monday's Route
Porter Indiana to Verona Wisconsin
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