Typically when I think Woodstock, I think Groundhog's Day. However, when I think Woodstock train…read morestation, I think House of Wax. To refresh your memory: Paris Hilton breaks down in a ghost town without Nicole Richie. Now hear me out, people do arrive here... typically 5-10 minutes before the train arrives (understandable because I wait in my car until the train actually pulls up), but my House of Wax reference is pointed directly at the supposed coffee shop that's inside the station. Allegedly called Church St. Cafe but I haven't confirmed. Has anyone ever actually gotten coffee here? I love my Starbucks, but I would be 10x happier supporting a local spot if they would just, for the LOVE of caffeine, open up. And no this is not a COVID thing because I've had this dilemma since early 2019. The hours are wonky and unpredictable because I've literally caught the train at this station at every offered time between 5 am and 12 pm. I digress...
The only fair thing for me to do is to compare this station to other Metra Rail Stations and so I will say it's not the best or fanciest, but it does the job, it's in a nice area, and it's reliable. There isn't a terribly large amount of seating outside or inside (although I've never seen a single soul inside) and a limited amount of bike racks although most people seem to just chain their bikes to the little fence. Location-wise, it has that hometown feel and is only a block away from Woodstock Square where you'll find a movie theater, restaurants, bars, and in the right season, the farmer's market. It's worth noting, you cannot purchase tickets here, but you can get them once you're on the train or through the Ventra app.
How much you enjoy your train ride is dependant on what time you ride, what car you choose, and if you have snacks. Not all train cars are created equal... there's a couple of quiet cars at the front and back, newer cars have electrical outlets, a select few have wi-fi (only fast enough to check email), and the super new ones have cup holders. On the upside, seating choice is usually unrestricted because Woodstock is practically end of the line with Harvard the only stop before (if you're going into Chicago). Keep in mind, if they say the train leaves at 7:48 am, the train absolutely leaves at 7:48 am. Use the Ventra app to track the train and see if there are any delays, but there usually aren't. And COVID procedures are enforced on the train based on requirements in Chicago and the state.
All I really want out of this train station is to add some more benches and to sell me a cup of coffee and maybe a cheese danish. I need the former because they do fill up quick and on the warm days when I do decide to wait outside, I often find myself contemplating sitting on the ground. And I need the latter because just take my money.