Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Monticello Railway Museum |
| Website | https://www.mrym.org/ |
| Train ride | Steam or diesel pulled train of heritage railroad equipment, through mid-Illinois |
| Location | 992 Iron Horse Place Monticello, IL 61856 |
| Length of trip | 1 hour trip |
| Cost of single ticket | $15.00 |
| Special Trains | April Fool’s Brunch Train The Bunny Eggspress Taste of Italy Dinner Train Mother’s Day Train Father’s Day Train F ireworks Train |
Information/History
The Monticello Railway Museum is a nonprofit organization located in Monticello, Illinois, that preserves and celebrates the history of railways in the United States. The museum operates on a former Illinois Central Railroad branch line and offers train rides to visitors on weekends from May through October. The Monticello Railway Museum is a popular destination for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the history of railroads.
The history of the Monticello Railway Museum dates back to 1966 when a group of rail enthusiasts came together to preserve a piece of Illinois Central Railroad history. The group acquired a portion of the former Illinois Central branch line and began restoring locomotives and passenger cars. The museum officially opened to the public in 1972, and since then, it has grown to include a large collection of vintage railroad equipment and artifacts.
The Monticello Railway Museum offers visitors a chance to experience the golden age of rail travel. The museum’s train rides take visitors on a scenic journey through the Illinois countryside, offering stunning views of fields and forests. The train ride is a perfect family activity that everyone can enjoy.
The museum’s locomotive and passenger cars are restored to their original condition, giving visitors a glimpse into what rail travel was like in the early 20th century. The museum’s locomotive, Illinois Central 790, was built in 1917 and has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can see the intricate workings of the steam engine up close and personal. The passenger cars are also restored to their original condition, complete with plush seats and elegant decor.
The Monticello Railway Museum offers much more than just train rides. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collection of vintage railway equipment, including locomotives, freight cars, and cabooses. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, such as holiday train rides and steam engine festivals. There is something for everyone at the Monticello Railway Museum.
Nearby attractions to the Monticello Railway Museum include the Allerton Park and Retreat Center, a 1,500-acre nature preserve with formal gardens, hiking trails, and a mansion. The Champaign County Forest Preserve is also nearby, offering visitors opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
In conclusion, the Monticello Railway Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of railways in the United States. The museum’s train rides offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel. The museum’s extensive collection of vintage railway equipment and artifacts provides a fascinating look into the history of railroads in the United States. With nearby attractions and easy access from Amtrak and the nearest commercial airport, the Monticello Railway Museum is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Notable Roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 401 | 2-8-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1907 | Ex Southern Railway Operational |
| 191 | 0-6-0 | ALCO 1916 | Ex-Republic Steel Display |
| 1 | 0-4-0T | ALCO 1929 | Ex-Western Ind Aggregates Display |
| 303 | 4-6-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works 1916 | Ex-Mississippi Eastern Display |
| 31 | RS1325 | GE 1960 | Ex-C&IM Operational |
| 6789 | FPA-4 | Montreal Locomotive Works 1959 | Ex-Canadian National Operational |
| 704 | RS3 | ALCO 1955 | Ex-Illinois Central |
| 8733 | GP11 | EMD 1958 | Ex-Illinois Central Operational |
| 5764 | E8A | EMD 1952 | Ex-Pennsylvania Restoration |
| 1189 | F7A | EMD 1953 | Ex-Wabash Operational |
Getting There
The nearest Amtrak station to the Monticello Railway Museum is in Champaign, Illinois, which is approximately 20 miles away. Amtrak‘s Saluki, Illini, City of New Orleans, and Lincoln Service trains stop at the Champaign station, offering daily service to Chicago and Quincy.
The nearest commercial airport to the Monticello Railway Museum is the University of Illinois Willard Airport in Champaign, Illinois. The airport is approximately 25 miles away from the museum. Visitors can rent a car from the airport or take a taxi to the museum. Driving to the museum is also an option, as it is located just off Interstate 72.
