The Metra Milwaukee District North Line is a commuter line of the Metra commuter rail system, running from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake, Illinois. There are 22 Stations and a distance of about 49 miles to suburban communities such as River Grove, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, and Grayslake. The route is aimed at suburban commuters to Chicago, and operates on weekdays and weekends with rush hour period extra service.
Trains have disability accessible cars, and off-peak trains allow bicycles. Riders can purchase tickets through the Ventra app, ticket agents, or onboard (if no ticket office is open). The line transfers passengers to CTA buses and trains in Union Station, a major link in the area’s public transportation networks. Or for a comfortable seat and scenic suburban views, the Milwaukee District North Line is an efficient and reliable way to avoid driving into the city.
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Schedule
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Weekday Schedule
| Time Period | Service Hours | Number of Trips | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Peak | ~4:40 AM – 9:00 AM | Varies | About every 20-30 minutes | Express and local trains |
| Midday | ~9:00 AM – 3:30 PM | Varies | Approximately hourly | Local trains only |
| Afternoon Peak | ~3:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Varies | About every 20-30 minutes | Express and local trains |
| Evening/Night | ~7:00 PM – 2:15 AM (next day) | Varies | Approximately hourly or less frequent | Mostly local service |
| Total Trips | — | 54 | — | Service enhancements since Dec 2022 |
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Weekends Schedule
| Day | Service Hours | Number of Trips | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 5:35 PM – 7:54 PM | 2 | Limited | One train short-turns at Lake Forest |
| Sunday | 5:38 AM – 1:57 AM (next day) | 18 | Approximately hourly | Full service, less frequent than weekdays |
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Name | Milwaukee District North (MD-N) Line |
| Operator | Metra |
| Track Ownership | Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), operated by Metra |
| Downtown Terminal | Union Station – 210 S Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Northern Terminus | Fox Lake, IL |
| Total Line Length | Approx. 49 miles |
| Number of Stations | 22 stations between Chicago and Fox Lake |
| Key Suburban Stops | Glenview, Deerfield, Libertyville, Grayslake, Fox Lake |
| Service Frequency | Regular weekday service with limited weekend trains |
| Service Days | 7 days a week (weekend service available) |
| Average End-to-End Time | ~1 hour 40 minutes (Union Station to Fox Lake) |
| Fare Zones | Zones A through J |
| Key Transfer Points | - Union Station (CTA, Amtrak, other Metra lines) - Western Ave (MD-W, NCS) - Glenview (Amtrak) |
| Amtrak Connection | Glenview Station (Empire Builder, Hiawatha Service) |
| Pace Bus Connections | Available at multiple stations (e.g., Glenview, Morton Grove, Fox Lake) |
| CTA Connections | Union Station – CTA Blue Line (Clinton), Red Line (via walk) |
| Park & Ride | Available at most suburban stations |
| Accessibility | All stations ADA accessible |
| Bike Facilities | Many trains have bike racks |
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Parking Information
General Parking Information
- Most stations along the line offer parking, particularly in the suburbs such as Glenview, Deerfield, and Northbrook.
- Parking, if available, is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and if it is not free, then it must be purchased from the town or third-party operator (e.g., SP+ Parking) that operates the facility and NOT from Metra itself.
- Daily Parking Payable each day, which is often done at meters, kiosks, or apps.
- Permit Parking Monthly permits are available, often more affordable for daily commuters.
- ADA Parking: Almost all parking facilities have accessible parking.
Station Parking Information
1. Northbrook Station:
- Over 700 parking spaces
- All lots are daily fee-based
- ADA spots available
2. Deerfield Station:
- 13 lots available
- A combination of permit and daily parking
- Just a short walk to downtown Deerfield
3. Glenview Station:
- Over 700 spaces
- A combination of permit-only and daily pay lots
- ADA-accessible spaces provided
4. Prairie Crossing (Libertyville):
- Around 370+ spaces
- Mostly daily parking with some permit areas.
- Ample ADA parking
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Stations
- Union Station
- Western Avenue
- Healy
- Grayland
- Mayfair
- Forest Glen
- Edgebrook
- Morton Grove
- Golf
- Glenview
- Glen of North Glenview
- Northbrook
- Lake Cook Road
- Deerfield
- Lake Forest
- Libertyville
- Prairie Crossing / Libertyville
- Grayslake
- Round Lake
- Long Lake
- Ingleside
- Fox Lake
Metra Milwaukee District North Line Nearby Attractions
- Willis Tower
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Old Post Office
- The 606 Trail
- North Park Village Nature Center
- LaBagh Woods
- Edgebrook Golf Course
- North Branch Trail
- Harrer Park
- Morton Grove Historical Museum
- Glenview Golf Club
- Wagner Farm
- The Glen Town Center
- Kohl Children’s Museum
- Glenview Park Golf Club
- Northbrook Court Mall
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Market Square (Lake Forest)
- Lake Forest College
- Libertyville Sports Complex
- Main Street Libertyville
- Independence Grove Forest Preserve
- Des Plaines River Trail
- Rollins Savannah Forest Preserve
- College of Lake County
- Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center
- Grant Woods Forest Preserve
- Fox Lake Marina
- Chain O’Lakes State Park
You May Also Like:
- Metra Ogilvie Transportation Center
- Metra BNSF Line
- North Central Service Line
- Metra Southwest Service Line
Milwaukee District North Line: Stations, Schedule, Route, Fares & Complete Guide
The Milwaukee District North Line (MD-N) is one of Metra’s commuter rail lines connecting Chicago Union Station with Fox Lake, Illinois. It serves Chicago’s Northwest Side, communities in northern Cook County, and several communities in Lake County. Metra’s current line information identifies the route as Milwaukee District North (MD-N) to Fox Lake.
The line is an important option for commuters traveling between Chicago and the northern suburbs, while also providing access to communities such as Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Long Lake, Ingleside, and Fox Lake.
Note: Train schedules, fares, service patterns, and accessibility information can change. Always check the latest Metra information before traveling.
Milwaukee District North Line at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Milwaukee District North |
| Abbreviation | MD-N |
| Operator | Metra |
| Chicago terminal | Chicago Union Station |
| Northern terminal | Fox Lake |
| Direction toward Chicago | Inbound |
| Direction toward Fox Lake | Outbound |
| Service area | Chicago, northern Cook County and Lake County |
| Approximate route length | 49.5 miles |
| Intermediate stations | 20 |
| Major communities served | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Fox Lake |
| Rail type | Commuter rail |
| Primary use | Daily commuting and regional travel |
Metra documentation describes the Milwaukee District North as a 49.5-mile route between Chicago Union Station and Fox Lake, with 20 intermediate stations.
What Is the Milwaukee District North Line?
The Milwaukee District North Line is a Metra commuter rail service running northwest from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake.
It travels through Chicago neighborhoods before continuing through northern Cook County and Lake County. The route is particularly useful for people who live in the northern suburbs and work or study in Chicago.
Unlike the Milwaukee District West Line, which travels toward Elgin, the Milwaukee District North Line travels toward Fox Lake. Metra lists these as separate routes.
Milwaukee District North Route
The Milwaukee District North route begins at Chicago Union Station and proceeds northwest toward Fox Lake.
The route includes stations in:
- Chicago
- Northern Cook County
- Lake County
- Fox Lake area
The major sequence of stations is:
- Chicago Union Station
- Western Avenue
- Healy
- Grayland
- Mayfair
- Forest Glen
- Edgebrook
- Morton Grove
- Golf
- Glenview
- North Glenview
- Northbrook
- Lake Cook Road
- Deerfield
- Lake Forest
- Libertyville
- Prairie Crossing
- Grayslake
- Round Lake
- Long Lake
- Ingleside
- Fox Lake
Metra’s station guide lists the route from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake and identifies these stations along the line.
Milwaukee District North Line Stations
The MD-N has a broad mix of urban, suburban, and regional stations.
1. Chicago Union Station
- Chicago Union Station is the downtown terminal for the Milwaukee District North Line.
- It is an important transportation hub where passengers can connect with other Metra services and other forms of transportation.
2. Western Avenue
- Western Avenue is one of the first stations after leaving downtown Chicago and provides access to Chicago’s western and northwestern neighborhoods.
3. Healy
- Healy is a Chicago station on the MD-N route.
4. Grayland
- Grayland serves Chicago’s Northwest Side.
5. Mayfair
- Mayfair is another Chicago station on the route.
6. Forest Glen
- Forest Glen serves the Forest Glen area of Chicago.
7. Edgebrook
- Edgebrook provides rail service to Chicago’s Edgebrook community.
8. Morton Grove
- Morton Grove is one of the suburban stations north of Chicago.
9. Golf
- Golf serves the Village of Golf and nearby areas.
10. Glenview
- Glenview is an important northern suburban station and one of the better-known communities along the route.
11. North Glenview
- North Glenview is another station serving the Glenview area.
12. Northbrook
- Northbrook provides commuter rail service to the Northbrook community.
13. Lake Cook Road
- Lake Cook Road serves the area around the major roadway and business corridor.
14. Deerfield
- Deerfield is a major northern suburban community served by the line.
15. Lake Forest
- Lake Forest provides access to the Lake Forest area.
16. Libertyville
- Libertyville is an important Lake County station on the route.
17. Prairie Crossing
- Prairie Crossing provides a connection point in the Libertyville/Grayslake area.
18. Grayslake
- Grayslake is a Lake County community served by the Milwaukee District North Line.
19. Round Lake
- Round Lake is another Lake County station.
20. Long Lake
- Long Lake provides service to the Long Lake community.
21. Ingleside
- Ingleside is one of the stations closer to Fox Lake.
22. Fox Lake
- Fox Lake is the northern terminal of the Milwaukee District North Line. Metra identifies MD-N as the route from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake.
Milwaukee District North Line Station Table
| Station | Area | General location on route |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Union Station | Chicago | Downtown terminal |
| Western Avenue | Chicago | Chicago |
| Healy | Chicago | Northwest Side |
| Grayland | Chicago | Northwest Side |
| Mayfair | Chicago | Northwest Side |
| Forest Glen | Chicago | Northwest Side |
| Edgebrook | Chicago | Northwest Side |
| Morton Grove | Morton Grove | Northern Cook County |
| Golf | Golf | Northern Cook County |
| Glenview | Glenview | Northern Cook County |
| North Glenview | Glenview | Northern Cook County |
| Northbrook | Northbrook | Northern Cook County |
| Lake Cook Road | Northbrook area | Northern Cook County |
| Deerfield | Deerfield | Northern Cook County |
| Lake Forest | Lake Forest | Lake County |
| Libertyville | Libertyville | Lake County |
| Prairie Crossing | Libertyville/Grayslake area | Lake County |
| Grayslake | Grayslake | Lake County |
| Round Lake | Round Lake | Lake County |
| Long Lake | Long Lake | Lake County |
| Ingleside | Ingleside | Lake County |
| Fox Lake | Fox Lake | Northern terminal |
Milwaukee District North Schedule
The Milwaukee District North schedule varies depending on the day and direction of travel.
Passengers generally need to distinguish between:
- Inbound: Fox Lake toward Chicago
- Outbound: Chicago toward Fox Lake
- Weekday service
- Saturday service
- Sunday service
- Individual train stopping patterns
Metra’s published MD-N timetable shows multiple trains operating between Fox Lake and Chicago throughout the day.
Why the Exact Train Matters
Not every train necessarily makes every stop in the same pattern.
For example, Metra timetable tables use train numbers and station-specific times, so passengers should check the particular train they intend to take rather than assuming that every MD-N train serves every station.
Best practice: Check the current Metra timetable or train tracker immediately before traveling.
Metra’s train-tracking system provides scheduled and predicted departure information and allows passengers to view trains and plan trips.
Milwaukee District North Weekend Service
The Milwaukee District North also has weekend service.
However, weekend schedules are different from weekday schedules, so passengers traveling on Saturday or Sunday should use the timetable applicable to that day.
This is especially important for people traveling for:
- Shopping
- Family trips
- Events
- Restaurants
- Recreation
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Suburban activities
Rather than assuming weekday frequencies continue on weekends, check the current timetable for your travel date.
Milwaukee District North Line Fares
The cost of traveling on the MD-N depends on factors such as the origin, destination, ticket type, and applicable Metra fare rules.
Common fare considerations include:
- One-way travel
- Multiple-ride options
- Monthly passes
- Reduced fares for eligible passengers
- Current Metra fare policies
Because fares can change, travelers should check Metra’s current fare information when planning a trip.
Important
A Metra ticket is not automatically the same as a CTA ticket. Metra and CTA operate different transit systems and have separate fare structures, although connections between the systems are possible.
Milwaukee District North Line vs. Milwaukee District West Line
The names can be confusing because both lines begin at Chicago Union Station and use the “Milwaukee District” name.
| Feature | Milwaukee District North | Milwaukee District West |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MD-N | MD-W |
| Chicago terminal | Chicago Union Station | Chicago Union Station |
| Destination | Fox Lake | Elgin |
| General direction | Northwest | West/northwest |
| Major communities | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Libertyville | Franklin Park, Elmwood Park, Schaumburg, Bartlett, Elgin |
| Separate Metra line? | Yes | Yes |
Metra’s official line listings identify Milwaukee District North as Fox Lake and Milwaukee District West as Elgin.
Milwaukee District North vs. Union Pacific North
The MD-N can also be confused with the Union Pacific North Line because both serve Chicago’s northern suburbs.
| Feature | Milwaukee District North | Union Pacific North |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago terminal | Chicago Union Station | Ogilvie Transportation Center |
| Northern endpoint | Fox Lake | Kenosha |
| Major northern suburbs | Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville | Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest |
| Operator | Metra | Metra |
| Route | Northwest from Chicago | North from Chicago |
One important distinction is the downtown terminal: MD-N uses Chicago Union Station, while Union Pacific North uses Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Major Destinations Along the Milwaukee District North
The line serves a wide range of communities and destinations.
Glenview
Glenview is one of the major suburban communities along the route and has both Glenview and North Glenview stations.
Northbrook
Northbrook is another major northern Cook County community served by MD-N.
Deerfield
The Deerfield station provides commuter access to the surrounding community and nearby employment areas.
Lake Forest
Lake Forest is served by the Milwaukee District North route, although passengers should distinguish its MD-N station from the separate Lake Forest station on the Union Pacific North Line. Metra’s station guide specifically notes the existence of another Lake Forest station on UP-N.
Libertyville
Libertyville is an important Lake County destination along the line.
Grayslake
Grayslake is served by MD-N, while the nearby North Central Service also has a Grayslake-area station, making it important to confirm the exact station when planning a trip. Metra’s station guide highlights this distinction.
Fox Lake
Fox Lake is the northern terminus of the MD-N.
Accessibility on the Milwaukee District North Line
Station accessibility varies.
Metra’s station guide identifies many MD-N stations as fully accessible, while some stations have partial or no accessibility. The guide, for example, lists Chicago Union Station, Western Avenue, Edgebrook, Morton Grove, Golf, Glenview, North Glenview, Northbrook, Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Prairie Crossing, Grayslake, Round Lake, Long Lake, Ingleside, and Fox Lake as accessible, while Grayland, Mayfair, and Forest Glen are listed as not accessible in that guide.
Because accessibility information can be updated following station improvements, passengers who require accessible boarding should verify the current station status with Metra before traveling.
How to Ride the Milwaukee District North Line
If you’re using MD-N for the first time, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Station
Identify your departure and destination stations.
Step 2: Determine Your Direction
- Traveling toward Chicago → Inbound
- Traveling toward Fox Lake → Outbound
Step 3: Check the Current Schedule
Look for the exact train that serves both your origin and destination.
Step 4: Confirm the Stop
Don’t assume every train stops at every station.
Step 5: Purchase the Correct Ticket
Use the current Metra fare information to select the appropriate ticket.
Step 6: Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time to locate the platform and board.
Step 7: Check for Service Alerts
Weather, maintenance, construction, special events, or operational issues can affect service.
Step 8: Track Your Train
Metra’s train tracker can provide scheduled and predicted train information.
Tips for Milwaukee District North Passengers
1. Check the Current Timetable
Old timetables may not reflect current service.
2. Confirm Your Train Number
The train number can help you identify the correct service.
3. Don’t Confuse Similar Stations
This is particularly important around:
- Lake Forest
- Grayslake
- Glenview
- Prairie Crossing
Some locations have stations associated with different Metra services.
4. Check Your Platform
Metra’s station guide notes that, as a general rule, inbound trains board on the west platform and outbound trains toward Fox Lake on the east platform, although passengers should follow current station signage.
5. Allow Time for Connections
If you’re transferring to another Metra line, CTA, Pace, or another transportation service, leave enough time between connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Milwaukee District North Line?
The Milwaukee District North Line (MD-N) is a Metra commuter rail line running from Chicago Union Station to Fox Lake through Chicago’s Northwest Side, northern Cook County, and Lake County.
Where does the Milwaukee District North Line start?
It starts at Chicago Union Station in downtown Chicago.
Where does the Milwaukee District North Line end?
The northern terminal is Fox Lake. Metra currently identifies the MD-N route as Milwaukee District North to Fox Lake.
How many stations are on the Milwaukee District North Line?
Metra documentation identifies 20 intermediate stations between Chicago Union Station and Fox Lake, meaning the route has 22 stations when the two terminals are included.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Glenview?
Yes. The route includes both Glenview and North Glenview stations.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Northbrook?
Yes. Northbrook is one of the stations on the MD-N route.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Lake Forest?
Yes. MD-N serves Lake Forest. However, Lake Forest also has a separate station on the Union Pacific North Line, so passengers should check which station and line they need.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Libertyville?
Yes. Libertyville is served by the Milwaukee District North Line.
Does Milwaukee District North go to Grayslake?
Yes. Grayslake is one of the stations on the MD-N route.
Is Milwaukee District North the same as Milwaukee District West?
No. They are separate Metra lines. MD-N runs to Fox Lake, while MD-W runs to Elgin.
Does Milwaukee District North run on weekends?
Yes, weekend service is provided, but weekend schedules differ from weekday schedules. Check the current timetable for the specific date.
Where can I check the latest MD-N train information?
Metra’s train tracker provides scheduled and predicted train information and can be used to plan a trip.
Final Takeaway
The Milwaukee District North Line is a major Metra commuter route connecting Chicago Union Station with Fox Lake. It travels through Chicago’s Northwest Side and numerous northern suburbs, including Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Long Lake, and Ingleside.
For commuters and other passengers, the most important things to check before traveling are the current MD-N schedule, train number, stopping pattern, fare, station accessibility, and service alerts. Metra’s train tracker can also help passengers see scheduled and predicted train movements before departure.
