One-track trips: Union Pacific West Line to Elmhurst

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) -- Leave the hustle and bustle of Chicago's rush hour and find a delightful destination filled with character in Elmhurst - a village with small-town charm and big-city appeal.

The Union Pacific West Line operates on the route that was Chicago's first railroad, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, chartered in 1836. Today, the UP-West Line connects more than 30,000 commuters each day from Elburn to Chicago.

"Elmhurst is a fantastic community," Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley said. "We have a terrific local business community right as you step off Metra."

The Elmhurst Historical Museum is just a short walk from the train station, along beautiful tree-lined streets. The Glos Mansion, home of the village's first president, was built in 1892. The home later served as Elmhurst's City Hall and eventually a museum, showcasing Elmhurst's history, along with other exhibits.

"This summer, the museum is hosting a great exhibit called the 'Sox versus Cubs, the Chicago Civil Wars,'" museum director Brian Bergheger said. "The exhibit looks at the rivalry between the Sox and the Cubs from a fan's perspective."

This town has several world class museums. The Elmhurst Art Museum features contemporary art and architecture, including a 1952 home designed by Mies van der Rohe.

"Robert McCormick and van der Rohe were working on the 860, 880 Lake Shore Drive apartment buildings and they kind of cooked up the idea for a single family home related to the apartments at 860, 880 Lake Shore Drive," chief curator Staci Boris said.

The museum was able to purchase the home, making it a permanent exhibit!

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is another hidden gem literally. It's a unique display of stone carvings, minerals and gemstones from the collection of the late Joseph Lizzadro, a lapidary, or stone cutter and polisher.

Elmhurst's City Centre is just south of the tracks, with a variety of shops and restaurants. Fritz's Spare Keys, a vintage bowling alley, pool hall, restaurant, bar and live music venue is also there.

Pass by colorful street art and the historic York Theatre, built in 1924, heading back to the train. You never know whose name might show up in lights.

Elmhurst also is home to the Wilder Park Conservatory, which just underwent a major renovation, a section of the Illinois Prairie Path for biking and hiking through nature trails, the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and Elmhurst College.