Overview
The Plano Amtrak Station is a historic train station located in Plano, Illinois. It serves as a key stop on Amtrak's Texas Eagle and Illinois Zephyr routes, connecting the town to Chicago and points west. The station is also famous for being a filming location for "Smallville" in the 2013 movie Man of Steel.
Top Highlights
- Historic Architecture: A classic brick depot building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Film History: Featured as the Smallville train station in the Superman movie Man of Steel.
- Amtrak Service: Daily service on the Illinois Zephyr and Texas Eagle lines.
- Mendota Museum: The station houses a small museum or displays related to local history (in nearby Mendota, though Plano has its own charm).
- Convenience: Provides a direct rail link to downtown Chicago Union Station.
Things to Do
- Take the Train: Enjoy a scenic ride to Chicago for a day trip or weekend getaway.
- Photography: Capture photos of the historic depot and the passing trains.
- Movie Buffs: Visit the site to see where scenes from Man of Steel were filmed.
- Explore Plano: Walk to nearby shops and the historic downtown area of Plano, IL.
Best Time to Visit
The station is active daily during train arrival and departure times. Early morning and evening are typical for commuter traffic to/from Chicago.
Entry & Visitor Information
- Tickets: Amtrak tickets can be purchased online or via the mobile app (unstaffed station).
- Waiting Area: A waiting room is available for passengers.
- Parking: Free short-term and long-term parking is available.
Facilities Available
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available during station hours.
- Quik-Trak Kiosk: Self-service ticketing kiosk (check availability).
- Accessibility: The station and platform are accessible.
Travel Tips
- Arrive Early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure.
- Train Tracker: Use the Amtrak app to check for any delays.
- Weather: The platform is outdoors, so dress accordingly for Illinois weather.
Nearby Places to Explore
- Farnsworth House: The famous Mies van der Rohe house is located nearby in Plano.
- Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area: A nearby park for outdoor recreation.
- Downtown Plano: Offers small-town dining and antique shopping.