Union Station
Vantage
Points:
1.
Pedestrian Walkway
- In 2007 a pedestrian walkway constructed from
an actual single-track railroad bridge was moved from the
north side of Downtown Kansas City to its current
location connecting Union Station with the "Freight House
District". The walkway is ADA-compliant and features an
elevator if you don't feel like taking the two-story
climb up the stairs. Free parking is available on
the North side of the tracks near the old freight house
that now houses several restaurants. The restaurants
are one block south of 20th and Baltimore Streets. There
are two entrances to the parking lots, one at the west
end of the freight house and one in the middle of the
building that ducks under the second floor of the
building. (The sign says that parking is for restaurant
patrons only, but I have never had anyone question me on
it)
Also, the
restaurants themselves are good places to watch
trains while having lunch or
dinner. Lidia's
Restaurant , City
Tavern and Jack Stack
Barbeque all have window seating and even
outdoor seating in warm weather.
2. Union Station
Parking lot - While parking garages are
going up at a feverish pace in Kansas City's relentless
effort to stamp out free parking for everyone, there are
still a few places to pull up and take pictures on the
south side of the tracks near the station. Don't get too
far from your car however, as the Union Station Security
Patrol are frequently cruising all the areas around the
station.
3. Pennsylvania
Avenue, Main Street and Grand Avenue overpasses
- Good locations above the tracks for
photos.
Train
Frequency:
Freight - 120+
Amtrak - Eastbound:
Missouri River Runner morning train to St. Louis departs
at 7:30 am
Missouri
River Runner evening train to St. Louis departs at 4:00
pm
Southwest
Chief to Chicago departs at 7:45 am
Westbound: Southwest Chief to Los Angeles departs at
10:55 pm
Missouri
River Runner evening train arrives from St. Louis at 9:40
pm
Missouri
River Runner afternoon train arrives from St. Louis at
2:10 pm
What
You'll See:
BNSF -
Stack trains, intermodal, manifest, unit grain, a few coal
trains, the Sheffield local (complete with
caboose)
Union Pacific - Coal trains, stack
trains, intermodal, manifest, unit grain
Norfolk Southern -
Intermodal, Roadrailers
Iowa, Chicago & Eastern -
Manifest and grain trains
Kansas City Terminal - Locals with
the "Bumble Bees"
CSX, Kansas City Southern run
through units
Security
Concerns:
All locations listed above are
generally free from any potential problems. As with most
locations, chances for trouble increase after dark. The area
has a limited population of homeless and they tend to hang
around several currently unused buildings and under overpasses.
The tracks are fenced on both sides and while there are few
trespassing signs, it's pretty obvious where you're not
supposed to be.
How to get There:
From I-35
Northbound - take the West Pennway Exit (1C) and follow signs
that say "Science City" (part of Union Station)
From I-35 Southbound - take the 20th St exit (1D) and follow
signs that say "Science City" (part of Union Station)
From I-70 east or west - take I-70 to I-35 South and follow
directions above.
The story of Union Station
-
Kansas City Union Station
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