Private rail car owners expressed enthusiastic interest in excursion travel to Galesburg, Illinois, during the American Association of Private Rail Car Owners annual convention, November 5th through 7th, in Savannah, Georgia. 

“We travel through Galesburg all the time,” said a private rail car owner from the Los Angeles area.  “We’d love to stop for dinner and have a look around.”

Galesburg’s visitor attractions and annual festivals were highlighted through a joint effort of the Galesburg Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the National Railroad Hall of Fame.  In a presentation to car owners, Hall of Fame Executive Director Julie King explained that an extended rail siding with full electrical, water, and sewer hook up is planned for completion in 2010.  Located near the city’s Amtrak depot, the siding will put rail travelers within easy walking distance of restaurants, entertainment, and shops.

King’s presentation also reviewed plans for the National Railroad Hall of Fame’s “Engines of Freedom” visitor experience.  Plans call for the facility to be co-located with a new Amtrak station.  “The more I learn about this project, the more I like it!” said Logan Stanley Garner, AAPRCO President and private car owner from Payson, Arizona.