Train Day on Tuesday offers families a last look at Alton Amtrak Station

ALTON – The Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau is planning its third annual Train Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Alton Amtrak Station, 3400 College Ave.

Children and their parents will be able to view model train components, meet local train club enthusiasts and receive free giveaways during the free Kid’Cation event. It is also a chance to have a last look at the historic Alton train station, which is scheduled to close later this year with the opening of a new facility.

Children will have the opportunity to view a model train while wearing their free Amtrak conductor’s hats. Kids can enjoy a special train cookie for free from The Cookie Factory Bakery at Alton Square Mall and take home coloring book materials while supplies last. Amtrak train schedules and train safety materials will also be available.

“Train day gives us an opportunity to showcase the Alton Amtrak Station,” said Brett Stawar, President and CEO of the Alton Regional Conventions and Visitors Bureau. “This is the last time we will host Train Day at this station. The new, high speed rail station is expected to open later this year.”

The historic Alton train station was built in1928 and is reminiscent of pre-World War II train travel with its quaint red brick structure and old-fashioned benches found inside. Train Day 2017 will be the last one held at the Alton train station before the new, high speed Multi Modal train station opens later this year in Alton.

Adults in attendance will be able to participate in a raffle for two roundtrip Amtrak tickets from Alton to Chicago. There is no cost to enter the raffle and the winner will be drawn at the close of Train Day. Must be 21 and over to enter the drawing and entrants need not be present to win.

Train Day is part of the Alton Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau Kid’Cation promotion which provides families affordable, end of the summer vacation options. Train Day is also supported by Amtrak Rail Services.

For more information about the events and deals available through Kid’Cation, go to www.VisitAlton.com/Kidcation or call the Alton Visitors Center at 1 (800) 258-6645.

Items for Illinois Business Journal publication may be sent to Editor Dennis Grubaugh, dgrubaugh@ibjonline.com