just booked a trip to there from mke and i read alot of back posts. but the question i have is how far from the station to the depot inn. is it walkable or neccesary to have them pick you up. thanks
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
You even get a couple of pictures of the guy who picks you up, and his van.
The walk would be about 3/4 mile across the countryside on what I think is a gravel road. But they are happy to pick you up.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Just let them know you're coming, and the van will be there. The gravel road is rough and rutted and not very conducive for dragging wheeled luggage.
Posted by HillsideStation (Member # 6386) on :
I suggest for your information an entry on another rail forum by CHANGEATJAMAICA titled "Recent Railfan Lodgings". In it he/I give views on three venues recently visited including the Depot Inn.
In a nutshell, the observations on the Depot say it is a "real" motel, rather than an inn/B&B. The rooms are clean and bright. The TV has good cable/satelite coverage including a camera situated on the viewing shed for the sedentary enthusiast. The viewing shed is the best of all worlds, in that you can observe from the outside deck that surrounds the shed, or from inside out of the elements. There are (were during my visit)enough trains to make most watchers happy along with sufficient salutes from the horns of passing trains. The shed is less than a five minute walk from the inn and there is a golf cart available for those who prefer the easy way out. The "Continental" breakfast was not a big hit. On a scale of 10 I'd give them a 4 or 5. There is however an excellent restaurant, the Red Rooster just next door with excellent midwest comfort food. We had a breakfast, lunch and dinner there during our stay.
As to your original question; it has been previously answered. The road is rough/rutty and there really is no need as the woman who operates the shuttle between the hotel and station is alert, punctual and pleasant. One of the benefits of arriving on the EB Southwestern Cheif was the availability of our room so early in the day.
Enjoy.
Best regards, Rodger...who has also stayed at the Tunnel Inn, Gallitzin and the Bridgeview Inn, Marysville and will soon experience the Inn at Cresson all in PA.
Posted by irish1 (Member # 222) on :
thank you all. i will call ahead. cant wait to see this area.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
Just call them when you leave either Kansas City or Fort Madison and they will be there when you arrive!
Chris
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
What happened to the big white shuttle bus they had? In recent pictures, I've seen a smaller mini-van being used to pick up people from the train station.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
The big white van wasn't suited well so it sits out by the Inn only used in Emergencys.
Chris
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Ah---okay...thanks.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
I will be there next Wednesday 3/17 through Saturday 3/20/2010.
Chris
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
The Silver Rail Gallery Web site with my pictures in it as well as others is having technical problems and should be up and running sometime next week. I will post here when you can buy the pictures.