Leapinlarry,
You photos and comments about Chicago brought to mind my many trips there via Amtrak. No matter where you live in the US, a trip to Chicago by train and just a day or two in town makes for a great rail excursion. Chicago has so much to see and do and there are all kinds of wonderful restaurants. Why, just shopping along Michigan Ave. is fun. For railfans there is always a ride on the South Shore.