Indian Hill Metra Station

Hidden in plain sight, the Indian Hill Metra Station whispers tales of a time long before the rumble of trains. Imagine this bustling hub as a quiet, elevated ground, overlooking the landscape. This was once a place where Native Americans, likely the Miami tribe, lived and thrived. They left their mark on this land, not with grand structures, but with the simple tools of their daily lives. Stone arrowheads and implements, discovered during the construction of the Indian Hill Club golf course in 1913, offer a glimpse into their world. Edward Rogers, a charter member of the club, unearthed these artifacts, convinced that a Miami village once existed right here, near the present-day 10th tee. The Indian Hill Metra Station, opened in 1914, adopted its name from this rich history, a nod to the earliest inhabitants of Winnetka. This station, located at Green Bay Road and Winnetka Avenue, serves as a vital link for commuters traveling between the tranquil suburbs and the vibrant heart of Chicago. The station itself is a modest structure. Two side platforms accommodate inbound and outbound trains on the Union Pacific North Line. It’s a station without a ticket office. Passengers purchase their tickets on board, a testament to the station’s focus on efficiency and the trust placed in its riders. Indian Hill Metra Station is more than just a stop on the line. It’s a gateway to history, a reminder of the layers of human experience etched into the land. Before the “Big Ditch” lowered the railway, the trains once ran at grade level. Between 1912 and 1937, this resulted in 31 tragic deaths. The community, along with government and railway authorities, embarked on a five-year project. They lowered the tracks, creating the “Big Ditch”, which eliminated the dangerous crossings by 1943. So, as you stand here at the Indian Hill Metra Station, remember the echoes of the past. Picture the Native Americans who once called this place home, and appreciate the community efforts that shaped the present.