Winnetka station
| Company type | Commuter rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Headquarters | Winnetka, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Passenger rail services |
Winnetka serves as a stop on Metra's Union Pacific North Line, located in the village of Winnetka, Illinois. Positioned at 754 Elm Street, it is situated from the line's inbound endpoint at Ogilvie Transportation Center. Within Metra's fare zoning system, this station falls under zone 3. In 2018, it was the 68th most frequented out of 236 non-downtown Metra stations, with an average weekday boarding count of 754 passengers.
The facility is constructed in a trench below street level, featuring two side platforms alongside two tracks. Entry points include stairways descending from Elm and Oak Streets, as well as a pedestrian bridge equipped with an elevator to ensure accessibility. The station building at street level is staffed on weekdays from 5:15 A.M. until 1:15 P.M., providing ticket purchasing services. Parking spaces are available in close proximity. Running adjacent to the tracks is the Green Bay Trail, a path for hiking and cycling accessible directly from the inbound platform.
As of May 20, 2024, all 71 trains operating on weekdays (35 inbound and 36 outbound) stop at Winnetka. On Saturdays, all 26 trains (13 in each direction) serve the station, as do all 18 trains (nine each way) on Sundays and holidays. During weekdays, three outbound trains (four when outside concert season) conclude their routes here, while two inbound trains begin service at this location.
Originally constructed at street level for the Chicago and North Western Railway, the station faced safety challenges due to growing rail traffic and hazardous grade crossings. By 1937, despite safety improvements, there had been 29 fatalities. After two additional deaths occurred at the Pine Street crossing in October 1937, community pressure led to lowering the tracks into a trench to remove dangerous crossings. This project, funded by the Public Works Administration, was completed by 1943. Unlike Winnetka and stations that remained at street grade with stair access via pedestrian walkways, the station at was converted into an elevated structure.
Bus connections
- 213 Green Bay Road (Monday through Saturday)
- 423 Linden CTA/The Glen/Harlem CTA (Weekdays)