Topeka, Kansas
Great Overland Station
Photos coming
soon
Railfan Vantage Point
1:
Great Overland Station - A
museum and public center north of the river in Topeka. Home to Union Pacific and Rock Island travelers in the
past, this restored structure has a wealth of activities and things to see. Since the station sits next to the
tracks, it's a great place to railfan. Check the link above often for a rapidly-changing schedule of events,
both railroad related and otherwise.
The former Golden State Route of the Rock Island splits off from the main line near the station to cross the river
and head southwest toward New Mexico.
Train
Frequency:
30-40 trains daily
What You'll
See:
Union Pacific: Coal trains, stack trains, intermodal
and manifest trains. The Union Pacific yard is just west of this location and a local switcher works the old Rock
Island line north to the Goodyear Tire plant on the north side of Topeka. This is the old Rock line to Holton,
KS
Security
Concerns:
Not problem in the daytime. There are a few transients in the area because of a nearby
Salvation Army facility but the area around the station is well-lit at night.
GPS Address
701 N. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS
How to Get
There:
From I-70 - Exit from I-70 westbound at Exit 362A. After taking the exit go
left at SE 3rd St and go west to Kansas Avenue. Turn right on Kansas and go north over the river until you
reach Norris St. Turn left and go one block to North Kansas Ave. Turn left again and backtrack to the railroad
crossing. The station is on you immediate right.
Topeka Amtrak Station
Photos coming
soon
Railfan Vantage Point:
Amtrak Station -Amtrak Station parking lot is a good place to
watch what's happening. Not as active as Union Pacific however.
Train Frequency:
Freight - 10-12 daily.
Amtrak - Southwest Chief Eastbound scheduled at 5:18 am
Southwest Chief Westbound scheduled
at 12:29 am
What You'll See:
BNSF -
All types of trains with the exception of coal trains.
Security Concerns:
The area around the station is
quiet and well-lit at night so don't expect any problems. The late night westbound arrival of Amtrak's
Southwest Chief means you won't be alone at midnight.
GPS Address
500 SE Holliday Place, Topeka, KS
How to Get There:
From I-70 - Exit from I-70
westbound at Exit 362A. After taking the exit go right at SE 4th St and go east to
Holliday Place. Turn right on Holliday Place and go to the station.
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