:hi: Ive made this trip several times, the others pretty well summed up most of the tips but here's a few you might find useful? :unsure:
The female Agent in Springfiled is very friendly, as was said you can probably leave your bags behind the Counter there! Since Lunch doesnt start until #22 Leaves for Chicago, as was said there are several places to eat around the Governement Buildiungs, there are thousands of Stae Empployees in those Buildings! :lol:
The Van ride is through Cornfields on Interstates via Peoria, its an easy Drive (about an Hour and a Half), the Drivers are Retired Part-time Gentlemen who are Friendly and Good Drivers!! ^_^ The most Comfortable Place to ride in the 15 Passenger Van is the Front Seat or the Second Seat, the Back is a Little Cramped!Luggage is placed in the Back by the Back Door!
When you get to Galesburg, there are several Mom and Pop Eating Joints close to the Station (as well as a more Up-scaler Place across the Street(The Pack House??)and a Dollar Store is on the Main Street a Block away! Ive never seen the Rail Museum Open either, it closes in the Winter and has sort of Odd Hours but the Equipment and the Old Depot Building look like they are worth seeing if it's Open?? :unsure:
The two Stations are not Air-Conditioned so if it is Warm it may be Uncomfortable while waiting Inside but there are Benches and Tables Outside! The Zephyr is usually Late in Both Directions and the Same Van makes a Round -Trip from Springfield to Galesburg to Springfield to meet the Zephyrs(#5/#6) and the Chiefs(#3/#4) that come through Galesburg!