The Wisconsin Heritage Rail Corporation was formed in July, 1998. The purpose of this non-profit orginization is to provide a means in which to preserve and maintain a section of the formar Illinois Central Rail corridor which runs from County Highway M north of Belleville to Monroe, WI.
Trains have not used the line for some time. This rail line is in danger of being ripped up and made into a bike trail. Most people in Green County do not want this to happen. They want to keep the rail line in place for use as a tourist attraction and Motorcar rides. The corridor is owned by the State of Wisconsin and is well maintained by the Corporation. They want to keep events like "Green County Depot Days" and "Fall Color" rides happening. In order to accomplish this, the Rail Corporation wants to buy the 26 mile rail corridor.
Rail Corp. Director Wade Wittenwyler, of Monticello, WI said the group is drafting a business plan for buying the stretch, which it expects to submit to the Wis. Dept. of Transportation.
The following pictures and stories illustrate some of the efforts of those who want to make this a goal a reality.
Depot Days of Green County celebration
Be sure to join us for the third annual Depot Days of Green County, WI. Depot Days of Green County, featured in Railfan magazine is the only event of its type in the United States. At Depot Days we honor the rich legacy left here in south central Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Road, Illinois Central, and Chicago & Northwestern Railroads.
Depot Days events include train rides, rail motorcar rides through the historic Stewart Tunnel, working telegraph system between three of the counties remaining depots. All nine communities in Green County focus on their individual railroad history. Also taking place over the weekend will be many model railroad, railroad collectible and artifact displays, railroad music, tours of 5 depots, two of which are on the National Registar of Historic Places, locomotive and caboose tours, hobo history and stew, and much more. At Depot Days, you will find something for every age group. We are located just 2.5 hours from Chicago, 2 hours from Milwaukee, 30 minutes from Madison, and 1 hour from Dubuque.
There is a $3.00 charge for the speeder car rides.
Join in the fun of celebrating Depot Days weekend in Monticello and Belleville, Wisconsin. Beginning at 10:00 AM both days, The Wisconsin Heritage Rail Corporation will offer Speeder car rides on the former Illinois Central Railroad across some of Wisconsin's finest farmland, and through the 1260 foot long Stewart Tunnel. There will also be a national speeder car convention and dinner. Check back for more details!
for "Save the Rails" Survey
