City of West Chicago Government

🚂 Today, Big Boy No. 4014 departed West Chicago after an unforgettable visit that brought together rail fans, families, and visitors from near and far.

According to the Union Pacific Railroad, approximately 61,000 rail fans visited West Chicago during the June 3 display day alone. We were honored to host this historic locomotive as part of its America’s 250th Anniversary tour 🇺🇸 and to welcome so many guests to our community.

During their visit, attendees explored West Chicago, visited local museums and attractions, enjoyed our parks, dined at area restaurants 🍽️, and experienced the community spirit that makes our city unique.

The City of West Chicago extends its gratitude to Union Pacific Railroad, our residents, businesses, visitors, volunteers, community partners, and City staff, including the West Chicago Police Department who helped make this historic occasion possible. Your enthusiasm, cooperation, and support helped create lasting memories for thousands of visitors. ❤️

Thank you, Big Boy, for making West Chicago a stop on your journey. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again down the line. 🚂👋

🚧 Mosaic Market Street Closures – June 4

To accommodate the first Mosaic Market of the season, Main Street from Center Street to Washington Street will be closed on Thursday, June 4, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

🚫 No Parking
No parking will be available on Center Street and High Street along the detour route during event hours.

🚗 Turner Court Access
Turner Court will be accessible from Washington Street for residents and vendors only from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

During the event, one-way traffic on Turner Court will be temporarily reversed. Residents will continue to have access to the Turner Court parking lot.

⚠️ Vehicles remaining on posted streets after the indicated closure times may be towed at the owner's expense.

🚂 Mosaic Market launches this Thursday, June 4! 🚂

Join us this Thursday from 4:00–7:00 p.m. for the first-ever Mosaic Market, a weekly outdoor market featuring local artisans, unique shopping, delicious food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Did you hear Big Boy is coming to town on Wednesday?! 🚂 To celebrate, the kickoff theme for the first-ever Mosaic Market is… TRAINS!

West Chicago is the first Illinois community created by the railroads, and we’re celebrating that history with a fun-filled evening on Main Street.

🚂 Train activities & scavenger hunt hosted by the West Chicago City Museum
🚂 Rides on a trackless train down Main Street
🎨 Help create West Chicago's Community Mosaic Mural organized by Gallery 200
🛍️ Shop local vendors organized by The French Market
🍴 Enjoy food, art, shopping, and community fun

This special Train Night is brought to you by the City of West Chicago, Gallery 200, and the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum.

Mosaic Market takes place every Thursday from 4:00–7:00 p.m. through August 20 on Main Street in Downtown West Chicago.

🔗 Learn more:

Mosaic Market Launches June 4 - City of West Chicago, Illinois Downtown West Chicago comes alive this Thursday, June 4, with the launch of Mosaic Market, a new weekly outdoor market celebrating art, culture, food, and community. Beginning with a train-themed opening night, Mosaic Market will transform Main Street into a vibrant gathering place every Thursday th...

🚂📢 City Operations Update: June 2–4

Due to the Big Boy event, City operations will be adjusted as follows:

🏛️ City Hall Operations

• Tuesday, June 2: City Hall will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, June 3: City Hall will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for restroom access and as a cooling center; however, no City business or operations will be conducted.

• Thursday, June 4: City Hall will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m.

🚓 Police Department Operations

• Wednesday, June 3: Public access to the Police Department will be modified. Visitors will be granted entry through the vestibule call system.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as West Chicago welcomes residents and visitors for the Big Boy event!

West Chicago Police Department

City Operations Update: June 2–4 - City of West Chicago, Illinois Due to the Big Boy event, City operations will be adjusted as follows: City Hall Operations • Tuesday, June 2: City Hall will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. • Wednesday, June 3: City Hall will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for restroom access and as

The City Council meeting for tonight, Monday, June 1, will be live streamed. Users with a Zoom account can directly access the meeting online.

For those without a Zoom account, access the meeting using the following details:

Meeting ID: 879 7347 3950
Passcode: 60185

👉 Join the livestream here:

June 1 City Council Meeting to be Livestreamed - City of West Chicago, Illinois The City Council meeting for tonight, Monday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m., will be live streamed. Users with a Zoom account can directly access the meeting online. For those without a Zoom account, access the meeting on Zoom at www.Zoom.com using the following details: Meeting ID: 879 7347 3950 Passcode: 6...

🚧 Upcoming Street Closures: June 2–4 🚧

The City of West Chicago will host the Big Boy display event and Mosaic Market in downtown West Chicago next week. Visitors and residents should plan ahead for temporary street closures, increased traffic, and large crowds.

📍Wilson Avenue Bridge vehicular closure from Main Street to Spencer Street
🗓 Tuesday, June 2, beginning at 1:00 p.m. through Thursday, June 4 at approximately 10:00 a.m.

🚶 Pedestrian access to the bridge will remain open throughout the closure. Access will be limited to authorized vehicles only.

Visitors and residents should plan ahead, expect heavy traffic and large crowds, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when traveling through the area during the closure.

📍Main Street vehicular closure from Center Street to West Washington Street
🗓 Thursdays, June 4 – August 20, beginning at 11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m.

No parking will be available on Center Street and High Street along the detour route during event hours.

Turner Court will be accessible from Washington Street for residents and vendors only from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
One-way access will be reversed during the event. Residents will still be able to park in and access Turner Court parking lot.

🚫 Any vehicles remaining on posted streets after the indicated closure times may be towed at the owner’s expense.

🔗 Learn more:
https://westchicago.org/annual/upcoming-street-closures-june-2-4/

West Chicago Police Department

Upcoming Street Closures: June 2–4 - City of West Chicago, Illinois The City of West Chicago will be hosting the Big Boy display event and Mosaic Market in and around the downtown area next week. Visitors should be aware of the following temporary vehicular street closures and traffic impacts: Big Boy Display Event Vehicular Street Closure Wilson Avenue Bridge vehic...

🚂 BIG BOY No. 4014 IS ALMOST HERE!

In just a few days, Union Pacific Railroad's legendary Big Boy No. 4014 will roll into West Chicago, bringing one of the largest and most iconic steam locomotives ever built to Illinois first railroad community.

Big Boy is expected to arrive Tuesday, June 2, with public display hours scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Larry S. Provo Union Pacific Center, 335 Spencer Street.

To help you plan your visit, the City of West Chicago has launched a dedicated Big Boy event webpage serving as the central source for event information, including:

📍 Parking and shuttle information
🗺️ Interactive maps
🍴 Local restaurants and attractions
🚋 Trolley stops and nearby activities
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly experiences
…and more!

Start planning your trip today and make the most of Big Boy’s visit to West Chicago.

🔗Learn More:

Your Guide to Seeing Big Boy in West Chicago June 2-4 - City of West Chicago, Illinois The countdown is on. In just a few days, Union Pacific Railroad's legendary Big Boy No. 4014 will roll into West Chicago, bringing one of the largest and most iconic steam locomotives ever built to Illinois' first railroad community. Big Boy is expected to arrive in West Chicago on Tuesday, June 2,....

2026 marked the 25th anniversary of Blooming Fest! 🌼🌷🌸

To help commemorate the 25th anniversary of Blooming Fest, the City hosted a Chalk the Walk event which featured 10+ artists demonstrating a live chalk art experience.

Chalk the Walk Theme: Flowers, pollinators, and the natural beauty of spring

Awards
Best in Show – $500 (Laura Reyes Illustration)
Best on Theme – $250 (PomPomArrtStudio)
People’s Choice Award (selected by the public) – $250 (Natalie Glogowski )

The Cultural Arts Commission hosted the Community Corner where the public had the opportunity to join in on the fun and help chalk a petal onto the large collaborative flower!