Shorewood’s ghost train isn’t what you think it is — nope, not a real train. The light and sound version of the train travels nightly through the Oak Leaf Trail Bridge over Capitol Drive, at 9:00 and 9:15 p.m. and brings viewers back in time to the historical train route. The bridge, which now normally hosts foot and bike traffic, once had a railroad in its place.
The "train" that passes represents the once renowned Chicago & North Western "400" train. It was deemed the 400 train because it could travel 400 miles in 400 minutes. From 1935-1963 the "400" ran from Chicago to Minneapolis and, its passing through Shorewood, became a marvel and a popular spectator event.
When the "train" begins to pass through, you will know. The bridge, which is normally lit up with blue, purple and other colors, suddenly goes dark. A whistle sound of a train conductor can be heard. Red warning lights on either side of the bridge flash on and off as the sounds of a train whooshing through the "tracks" arise and the yellow and green lights start, moving the train from one side of the bridge to the other. The lights on the bridge mimicking the train passing through are green and yellow to match the original colors of the train.
Standing next to the bridge, or right on top of the bridge, is an almost real train experience. It feels just as if a train is actually passing through. You will be able to visualize the train and you will feel like you’re back in the 1930s. This is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The Circus Express comes through at 9:30 p.m. The last day of the Circus Express will be Aug. 31, and after that, its winter hours will begin for a 7 and 7:15 p.m. showing.
The Ghost Train, since its first run on Oct. 31, 2016, has been the next phase of an exciting long-term public art vision for Shorewood, which encompasses a partnership between the Public Art Shorewood Committee and the Shorewood Historical Society. Marty Peck, a light engineer, was the artist behind the project, giving it life.
Check out our Ghost Train experience here:
