In May, 2025, I will be visiting La Grange, Kentucky, for Rail Fest La Grange 175. Over the last couple of months, I’ve been deciding what form my trip will take. Do I cycle? Do I buy an Amtrak Rail Pass and travel around by train (it’s been a long time since I’ve travelled the United States by train)? Or Do I pick up a rental car and do a road trip? Each of these options were actually decided upon, only to change my mind again. Previously, I’d written that I’d decided to do a bike ride. This was under the assumption that I’d be granted the necessary three and a bit weeks I’d need. Unfortunately, I was only able to get just over two weeks.
I have now decided on the rental car option – this has now been locked in, as the rental car has been paid for. I will be flying in to LAX on the morning of the 2nd of May. From there, I will pick up my reserved rental car and first make my way Las Vegas. I will then head further east towards La Grange, Kentucky. After the rail fest, I will go further east to Ashland, Virginia, before making my way up to New York City. I will then turn due west towards Chicago (with a diversion to the St. Clair River). Along the way, I plan to visit a number of live stream cameras, owned by Virtual Railfan and StreamTime LIVE. I have included my planned route below, which also has the cameras labeled.
What is Rail Fest La Grange 175?
Rail Fest La Grange 175 is a three-day event, between the 9th and 11th of May, 2025, in association with Virtual Railfan and the La Grange Railroad Museum, to celebrate 175 years of trains running down Main Street. There are still many locations in the United States where trains do still run along the street. However, La Grange is one of the last (if not the last) remaining places where trains run down the main street of town. The town is very proud of its railway heritage.
During the three day celebrations, there will be live music, food stalls, and family-friendly fun. And, of course, the main star of the show will be the trains themselves! To keep up to date with details, and developments, visit La Grange Tourism. In the meantime, you can watch a live stream from Virtual Railfan’s 24-hour a day live-streaming camera.
I’ve been planning on visiting La Grange for almost 20 years. Looking forward to finally visiting!