The Metra Milwaukee District North Line (MD-N) is a commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Fox Lake, Illinois. The line serves communities across Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs, including Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Long Lake, Ingleside, and Fox Lake.
The Milwaukee District North Line is one of Metra’s 11 commuter rail lines and is commonly identified as MD-N. Metra’s current official information identifies the route as running to Fox Lake.
Metra Milwaukee District North Line at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Milwaukee District North Line |
| Abbreviation | MD-N |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Northern Terminal | Fox Lake |
| Main Service Area | Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs |
| Major Communities Served | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Fox Lake |
| Route Length | Approximately 49.5 miles |
| Direction | North/Northwest from Chicago |
| Ticketing | Metra fare products and mobile ticketing |
| Fare Structure | Zone-based |
| Weekend Service | Yes |
| Real-Time Tracking | Available through Metra |
| Line Code | MD-N |
Metra’s published station data places Fox Lake at approximately milepost 49.5 from Chicago Union Station.
What Is the Metra Milwaukee District North Line?
The Milwaukee District North Line, often called the Milwaukee North Line or MD-N, is a Metra commuter rail route between downtown Chicago and Fox Lake.
The line runs north and northwest from Chicago Union Station, serving a combination of Chicago neighborhoods and suburban communities in Cook and Lake counties.
Major destinations along the route include:
- Glenview
- Northbrook
- Lake Cook Road
- Deerfield
- Lake Forest
- Libertyville
- Grayslake
- Round Lake
- Long Lake
- Ingleside
- Fox Lake
Metra currently lists the Milwaukee District North as one of its commuter lines serving Fox Lake.
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Stations
The MD-N route has 22 listed stations, including Chicago Union Station and Fox Lake.
Milwaukee District North Station List
| # | Station | Approx. Milepost | Historical Fare Zone* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Union Station | 0.0 | A |
| 2 | Western Avenue | 2.9 | A |
| 3 | Healy | 6.4 | B |
| 4 | Grayland | 8.2 | B |
| 5 | Mayfair | 9.0 | B |
| 6 | Forest Glen | 10.2 | C |
| 7 | Edgebrook | 11.6 | C |
| 8 | Morton Grove | 14.3 | C |
| 9 | Golf | 16.2 | D |
| 10 | Glenview | 17.4 | D |
| 11 | Glen/North Glenview | 18.8 | D |
| 12 | Northbrook | 21.1 | E |
| 13 | Lake Cook Road | 23.0 | E |
| 14 | Deerfield | 24.2 | E |
| 15 | Lake Forest | 28.4 | F |
| 16 | Libertyville | 35.5 | H |
| 17 | Prairie Crossing | 39.2 | H |
| 18 | Grayslake | 41.0 | I |
| 19 | Round Lake | 44.0 | I |
| 20 | Long Lake | 46.0 | J |
| 21 | Ingleside | 47.8 | J |
| 22 | Fox Lake | 49.5 | J |
*The zone column reflects Metra’s published historical station-zone documentation. Metra’s current fare system should be used when calculating the price of a specific journey.
Metra’s current official merchandise catalog also identifies MD-N stations including Deerfield, Edgebrook, Forest Glen, Fox Lake, Glenview, Golf, Grayland, Grayslake, Healy, Ingleside, Lake Cook Road, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Long Lake, Mayfair, Morton Grove, Northbrook, Prairie Crossing, Round Lake, and Glen/North Glenview, along with Chicago Union Station.
Milwaukee District North Line Route
The MD-N route can be divided into several sections based on the communities it serves.
Chicago to Morton Grove
The train leaves Chicago Union Station and serves:
- Western Avenue
- Healy
- Grayland
- Mayfair
- Forest Glen
- Edgebrook
- Morton Grove
This section provides rail access between downtown Chicago and the city’s northern neighborhoods.
Morton Grove to Deerfield
The route continues through:
- Golf
- Glenview
- Glen/North Glenview
- Northbrook
- Lake Cook Road
- Deerfield
This is an important suburban commuter corridor with several major employment and residential areas.
Deerfield to Libertyville
The line then continues through:
- Lake Forest
- Libertyville
These stations serve communities in the northern suburbs.
Libertyville to Fox Lake
The northern section includes:
- Prairie Crossing
- Grayslake
- Round Lake
- Long Lake
- Ingleside
- Fox Lake
Fox Lake serves as the northern terminal of the Milwaukee District North Line.
Metra Milwaukee District North Schedule
The Milwaukee District North schedule changes according to:
- Weekday or weekend
- Direction of travel
- Origin station
- Destination station
- Train number
- Service adjustments
- Construction or operational changes
Metra provides a schedule and trip-planning system where riders can select the train line, departure station, destination, date, and time. Metra also provides real-time tracking and service-alert information.
Inbound Direction
Inbound generally means:
Fox Lake → Chicago Union Station
This direction is commonly used by passengers traveling toward downtown Chicago.
Outbound Direction
Outbound generally means:
Chicago Union Station → Fox Lake
This direction serves passengers returning toward the northern suburbs.
Important Schedule Note
A published MD-N timetable available from Metra is effective July 15, 2024, so its exact departure times should not be treated as a guaranteed 2026 timetable. Metra itself instructs passengers to check its website for schedule updates and service alerts.
For an actual trip, use the current Metra schedule rather than relying on an older timetable.
Milwaukee District North Weekend Schedule
The Milwaukee District North Line also operates weekend service.
Metra’s published weekend timetable shows trains operating between Fox Lake and Chicago on Saturdays and Sundays. For example, the timetable includes Fox Lake departures beginning in the morning and continuing through the day and evening.
Weekend service can be different from weekday service, so passengers should check:
- Saturday schedules
- Sunday schedules
- Holiday schedules
- Service alerts
- Planned construction
before traveling.
Milwaukee District North Line Map
The MD-N route generally follows this pattern:
Chicago Union Station → Western Avenue → Healy → Grayland → Mayfair → Forest Glen → Edgebrook → Morton Grove → Golf → Glenview → Glen/North Glenview → Northbrook → Lake Cook Road → Deerfield → Lake Forest → Libertyville → Prairie Crossing → Grayslake → Round Lake → Long Lake → Ingleside → Fox Lake
The route travels north and northwest from downtown Chicago toward Fox Lake.
A current Metra system map is useful when planning connections to other lines, CTA services, Pace buses, or nearby stations.
Milwaukee District North Line Fares
Metra uses a zone-based fare system. The price depends on the relationship between your origin and destination.
Metra’s current published full-fare chart includes products such as:
- One-Way
- Day Pass
- Ten-Ride
- Monthly
For example, the current fare chart lists:
| Fare Product | Zone A Example |
|---|---|
| One-Way | $4.00 |
| Day Pass | $6.00 |
| Ten-Ride | $38.00 |
| Monthly | $116.00 |
Longer journeys involving additional zones have different fares.
Therefore, a trip from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake will have a different fare from a shorter trip such as Chicago to Glenview.
How to Check the Exact Fare
Use Metra’s fare calculator with:
- Departure station
- Destination station
- Travel date if requested
- Applicable ticket type
Metra provides a fare calculator alongside its schedule and tracker tools.
Metra Milwaukee District North One-Way Ticket
A One-Way Ticket is suitable for a single continuous journey.
It can be useful for:
- Occasional travelers
- Visitors
- One-time business trips
- Students
- Riders who do not commute every weekday
- Passengers making a single trip between Fox Lake and Chicago
The fare depends on the applicable origin and destination zones.
Metra Milwaukee District North Day Pass
A Day Pass may be useful when you expect to make multiple Metra trips during the same day.
It can be particularly convenient for:
- Day trips to Chicago
- Weekend travel
- Multiple train journeys
- Visitors
- Travelers making an outbound and return journey
Metra’s current fare chart lists the Day Pass as one of its standard fare products.
Metra Milwaukee District North Ten-Ride Ticket
A Ten-Ride Ticket can be useful for passengers who travel regularly but do not need a Monthly Pass.
Potential users include:
- Hybrid employees
- Part-time commuters
- Occasional business travelers
- Students
- Riders traveling several times per month
The current Metra fare chart includes Ten-Ride fares for applicable zones.
Metra Milwaukee District North Monthly Pass
A Monthly Pass is designed for frequent riders who regularly travel between the same applicable fare zones.
It can be useful for commuters traveling between:
- Fox Lake and Chicago
- Grayslake and Chicago
- Libertyville and Chicago
- Lake Forest and Chicago
- Northbrook and Chicago
- Glenview and Chicago
The current fare depends on the applicable zones. Metra’s published fare chart lists Monthly Pass prices by fare relationship.
How to Buy a Milwaukee District North Ticket
Metra provides several ways for passengers to purchase tickets.
Mobile Ticketing
Passengers can use the Ventra app for mobile Metra tickets.
Station Ticket Vending Machines
Many stations have ticket vending machines. For example, Metra’s Deerfield station information lists ticket vending machines as available.
Before Boarding
For a smooth trip:
- Confirm your origin.
- Confirm your destination.
- Check the current fare.
- Purchase the correct ticket.
- Activate or use the ticket according to Metra’s current rules.
- Keep the ticket available for inspection.
Milwaukee District North Line Parking
Parking is available at many suburban MD-N stations, but parking rules differ from station to station.
Depending on the location, parking may include:
- Daily parking
- Permit parking
- ADA parking
- Municipal parking
- Station parking lots
- Different weekday and weekend rules
For example, Metra’s Deerfield station information lists 13 parking lots and 616 spaces, including daily-only spaces and ADA spaces.
Because parking information can change, check the individual station information before driving to a station.
Milwaukee District North Line Accessibility
Accessibility varies by station.
Metra’s published station information shows accessible MD-N stations, while historical system documentation identifies some older stations as having limited or no accessibility. For example, the current station information available for Deerfield lists the station as accessible.
Passengers who require:
- Wheelchair access
- Accessible platforms
- Accessible parking
- Step-free boarding
- Other ADA accommodations
should verify the current station information before traveling.
Chicago Union Station and Milwaukee District North
Chicago Union Station is the downtown terminal for the Milwaukee District North Line.
Passengers arriving at Union Station can connect with other transportation services and continue into downtown Chicago.
The station is particularly important for MD-N passengers traveling from:
- Glenview
- Northbrook
- Deerfield
- Lake Forest
- Libertyville
- Grayslake
- Round Lake
- Fox Lake
Fox Lake Station
- Fox Lake is the northern terminal of the Milwaukee District North Line.
- The station serves as an important transit point for Lake County communities and passengers traveling toward Chicago.
- A trip from Fox Lake to Chicago passes through several northern suburban communities before reaching downtown.
- Metra’s current official line information identifies Fox Lake as the destination of the Milwaukee District North Line.
Glenview on the Milwaukee District North Line
- Glenview is one of the major stations on the MD-N route.
- The station is located approximately 17.4 miles from Chicago Union Station in Metra’s published station data.
- Glenview provides rail access for commuters traveling between Chicago and the northern suburbs.
- The Glen/North Glenview station is also located farther north on the route.
Northbrook on the Milwaukee District North Line
- Northbrook is located north of Glen/North Glenview and south of Lake Cook Road.
- It is an important suburban stop for commuters traveling toward Chicago.
- Historical Metra station data shows Northbrook among the higher-boardings MD-N stations, although those ridership figures are from older years and should not be interpreted as current ridership.
Deerfield on the Milwaukee District North Line
Deerfield is one of the key stations between Northbrook and Lake Forest.
Metra’s station information lists:
- Address: 860 Deerfield Rd.
- Accessibility: Yes
- Ticket vending machines
- 13 parking lots
- 616 parking spaces
- Pace Route 471 connection
The station is served by the Milwaukee District North Line.
Lake Forest on the Milwaukee District North Line
- Lake Forest is another important MD-N station serving the northern suburbs.
- It sits between Deerfield and Libertyville on the route.
- Passengers can use the station for travel toward Chicago or farther north toward Libertyville, Grayslake, and Fox Lake.
Libertyville on the Milwaukee District North Line
Libertyville is one of the major stations in the northern portion of the route.
It connects passengers to Chicago through the MD-N corridor and is located south of Prairie Crossing.
Libertyville is also an important point for passengers traveling between Lake County communities and downtown Chicago.
Prairie Crossing Station
- Prairie Crossing is located between Libertyville and Grayslake.
- It is also relevant because the Prairie Crossing area is associated with Metra’s North Central Service corridor.
- Passengers should check the specific line and train before traveling because not every service operates identically at every station.
Grayslake on the Milwaukee District North Line
- Grayslake is located north of Prairie Crossing and south of Round Lake.
- It serves passengers traveling between Lake County communities and Chicago.
- The station is part of the northern MD-N corridor leading toward Fox Lake.
Round Lake on the Milwaukee District North Line
- Round Lake is located between Grayslake and Long Lake.
- The station is used by residents traveling toward both Chicago and Fox Lake.
- Round Lake is one of the stations in the northern portion of the MD-N route where service spacing becomes more suburban and stations are farther from downtown.
Long Lake Station
- Long Lake is located between Round Lake and Ingleside.
- The station provides access to the Milwaukee District North commuter rail corridor for local residents.
- Passengers traveling toward Chicago continue through Grayslake, Prairie Crossing, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Deerfield, and other stations depending on the train’s stopping pattern.
Ingleside Station
- Ingleside is one of the final stations before Fox Lake.
- Some MD-N trains have historically used flag-stop procedures at certain stations, meaning passengers may need to provide notice or be visible on the platform depending on the applicable schedule.
- The published MD-N timetable defines an “f” as a flag stop and explains the associated boarding and discharging procedure.
Milwaukee District North Train Tracker
The Metra Milwaukee District North train tracker is useful when you need real-time information.
Metra’s official tracker provides:
- Current train status
- Next departures
- Train location
- Interactive route map
- Service information
Metra describes its tracker as a tool for checking a train’s status in real time and viewing the train’s movement along the line.
This is especially useful when:
- Your train is delayed
- You are waiting at a station
- You need to know the next departure
- You are making a connection
- Weather may affect service
Milwaukee District North Service Alerts
Service alerts can affect MD-N trains because of:
- Track maintenance
- Construction
- Equipment issues
- Severe weather
- Signal problems
- Operational disruptions
- Special events
Metra’s official website provides service alerts alongside schedule and tracker tools.
Check the alerts before traveling if your trip is time-sensitive.
How Long Is the Milwaukee District North Line?
The MD-N route extends approximately 49.5 miles from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake based on Metra’s published station mileposts.
The actual travel time depends on:
- Starting station
- Destination
- Number of stops
- Express or local stopping pattern
- Time of day
- Train schedule
- Service conditions
- Delays
For this reason, there is no single travel time that applies to every MD-N journey.
Milwaukee District North vs Milwaukee District West
The Milwaukee District North and Milwaukee District West names are easy to confuse.
| Feature | Milwaukee District North | Milwaukee District West |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MD-N | MD-W |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Main Destination | Fox Lake | Elgin/Big Timber Road |
| General Direction | North/Northwest | Northwest/West |
| Major Suburbs | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville | Bensenville, Wood Dale, Itasca, Roselle, Schaumburg, Bartlett |
| Northern/Western Terminal | Fox Lake | Big Timber Road |
| Line Focus | Northern suburban corridor | Western/northwestern suburban corridor |
Both lines originate at Chicago Union Station but serve different suburban corridors.
Milwaukee District North vs North Central Service
MD-N is also sometimes confused with North Central Service (NCS) because both serve northern suburban communities.
| Feature | Milwaukee District North | North Central Service |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MD-N | NCS |
| Chicago Terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Destination | Fox Lake | Antioch |
| O’Hare Transfer | No | Yes |
| Major Communities | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Libertyville, Grayslake | Franklin Park, Rosemont, O’Hare, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein |
| Main Corridor | Northern suburbs | Northwest suburbs/Lake County |
The two lines share some geographic areas but follow different routes and have different stations.
Who Uses the Milwaukee District North Line?
The MD-N Line serves several types of passengers.
Daily Commuters
People working in downtown Chicago can use the line to avoid driving into the city.
Northern Suburban Residents
Residents of Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, and Fox Lake can use the line for regional travel.
Students
Students can use Metra for travel between home, school, college, and other destinations.
Weekend Travelers
Weekend service can be useful for passengers traveling to Chicago for:
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Entertainment
- Sports
- Events
- Downtown attractions
Tips for Riding the Milwaukee District North Line
Check the Current Timetable
Schedules can change, so verify your train before leaving.
Confirm Your Direction
Remember:
Inbound = toward Chicago
Outbound = toward Fox Lake
Check Your Exact Station
Make sure you are using the correct MD-N station and not a nearby station served by another Metra line.
Check Your Fare
Use the current fare calculator for your exact origin and destination.
Arrive Early
Allow additional time for parking, walking, ticketing, and boarding.
Check Service Alerts
Always check for construction or delays before a time-sensitive journey.
Check Flag Stops
If your station is served as a flag stop on your particular train, follow the instructions in the timetable.
Plan Your Return
If you are traveling to Chicago for the day, check the return schedule before beginning your activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milwaukee District North Line?
The Milwaukee District North Line, or MD-N, is a Metra commuter rail line connecting Chicago Union Station with Fox Lake.
Where does the Milwaukee District North Line start?
The line starts at Chicago Union Station.
Where does the Milwaukee District North Line end?
The northern terminal is Fox Lake.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Fox Lake?
Yes. Fox Lake is the northern terminal of the MD-N Line.
How many stations are on the Milwaukee District North Line?
The route has 22 listed stations, including Chicago Union Station and Fox Lake.
Does Milwaukee District North run on weekends?
Yes. Metra’s published MD-N weekend timetable includes Saturday and Sunday service.
What is the Milwaukee District North fare?
The fare depends on the origin and destination. Metra’s current fare chart provides different prices for One-Way, Day Pass, Ten-Ride, and Monthly tickets.
How much is a Metra One-Way ticket?
The current published fare chart starts at $4.00 for a Zone A One-Way fare. The price increases depending on the applicable fare relationship.
Can I buy a Milwaukee District North ticket on my phone?
Yes. Metra supports mobile ticketing through the Ventra app.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Glenview?
Yes. Glenview is an MD-N station.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Northbrook?
Yes. Northbrook is served by the MD-N Line.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Deerfield?
Yes. Deerfield is an MD-N station and has ticket vending machines, parking, accessibility features, and a Pace connection.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Lake Forest?
Yes. Lake Forest is served by the MD-N Line.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Libertyville?
Yes. Libertyville is an MD-N station.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Grayslake?
Yes. Grayslake is served by the Milwaukee District North Line.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Round Lake?
Yes. Round Lake is an MD-N station.
Does Milwaukee District North go to O’Hare Airport?
No. The MD-N Line does not have an O’Hare Transfer station. Passengers traveling to O’Hare should plan an appropriate connection using CTA, Pace, rideshare, taxi, or another transportation option.
Where can I check the Milwaukee District North train tracker?
Metra’s official website provides a real-time tracker showing train status, next departures, and an interactive map.
Where can I check Milwaukee District North service alerts?
Metra provides current service alerts through its official website.
How long is the Milwaukee District North Line?
The line extends approximately 49.5 miles from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake based on Metra’s published station mileposts.
Final Thoughts
The Metra Milwaukee District North Line is an important commuter rail connection between Chicago Union Station and Fox Lake, serving communities throughout Chicago’s northern and northwestern suburbs.
Its route includes major stations such as Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Long Lake, Ingleside, and Fox Lake.
For commuters and occasional travelers, the line provides access to downtown Chicago without requiring a car for the entire journey. Passengers can choose from Metra fare products such as One-Way, Day Pass, Ten-Ride, and Monthly tickets, with the exact fare determined by the applicable zones.