Learn more about this business on Yelp.
“Enjoy the rich railroad history”
The Illinois Railway Museum, as you see it today, is the result of decades of effort by a dynamic group of dedicated volunteers. All of the buildings, track, locomotives and cars were assembled here at Union on what was once farmland. Our main line trackage was laid on the vacant right-of-way of the Elgin & Belvidere Electric railway. Why would rational adults freely contribute so much of their time and treasure to creating this repository of railroad history? To answer this question, we must remember that at one time in our nation's past the railroad industry was the largest private employer. With so many families supported by one enterprise, the widespread interest in that industry is understandable....manifesting itself in special interest groups devoted to various activities such as taking railroad pictures or publishing books on railroads, building railroad models or just "riding the rails," The Illinois Railway Museum is probably the ultimate railroad historian special interest group. Originally formed to preserve one important piece of rolling stock, it has evolved into an educational and historic preservation organization recreating possibly the largest operating demonstration railroad showcase on the North American continent.
** Kind Staff ** ** Fun Time ** We have been going to the Illinois Railway Museum for about eight years now and I wanted to share the love. Take an amazing journey through time with these... Read more
We had purchased tickets for 4 adults (plus my 11 month old daughter attended, but was free) for the holiday railway experience, and I was honestly pleasantly surprised! The trains weren't super... Read more
This is only my second visit to the Illinois Railway Museum and it's as impressive as the first one. This is a low key museum run by volunteers mostly from the railroad or public transit... Read more
Illinois Railway Museum
Hours
- Sun, Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
A road trip along the Great River Road
- 35 Places
- 37:29
- 1,907 mi
The top things to do on a U.S. Route 20 road trip
- 23 Places
- 60:25
- 3,576 mi