There's a steam train running on the old Rock Island (now Iowa Interstate) Railroad this Sunday, Sept. 8.   The route parallels the Hennepin Canal parkway and Bureau Creek for half the distance of the ride, so travels through some fairly woodsy country for Illinois.

Rides are from either Tiskilwa to Sheffield and back or from Sheffield to Tiskilwa and back.  Proceeds benefit the fire departments in the two towns.

Trains from Tiskilwa will leave 9 a.m. and return at 11:15 a.m. or leave at noon and return at 2:15 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Tiskilwa Fire Station non-emergency line at 815-646-4722 and leaving a message.

Trains from Sheffield will leave at 10:30 a.m. and return at 12:45 p.m. or leave at 1:30 p.m. and return at 3:45 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Sheffield Fire Department non-emergency line at 815-454-2212 and leaving a message.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for ages 3-12 and free for 2 and under.

Tiskilwa is about 8 miles south of the Amtrak station in Princeton.  You could bring your bike on the Amtrak train, ride down to Tiskilwa for the steam train ride.  There's great cycling around Tiskilwa, especially if you like hills, but you can ride the Canal trail if you don't.

I'd be happy to assist anyone interested in coming out.

Pic is the Canal and path at Wyanet, about mid way on the route.  The train track is just visible through the trees at far right.