EVENTS
There are several special events scheduled throughout the year at the Monticello Railway Museum. To see what is happening on a given weekend or to purchase tickets online, view the calendar. Rides are offered on our diesel-hauled trains on most weekends and on our steam-hauled trains on select weekends May through October.
Weekend Diesel Train Rides
Most Saturdays and Sundays from May 3 through October 5, 2025. Check our calendar for special event weekends when prices and times may vary.
Take a step back in time on our relaxing and scenic historic train rides to Monticello on board vintage rail cars. You may board the train at the Nelson Crossing Depot (the main Museum site) or at the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello. The train ride is a seven-mile round trip that lasts approximately one hour. Passengers may also choose to lay over at either depot to view displays and catch a later train back. The diesel locomotive in use varies by month.
Throttle Time
Most Saturdays and Sundays from April 26 through October 12, 2025
Have you ever wanted to be the engineer of a real train? If you ever wanted to run a full-size locomotive pulling a train, now is your chance! Our Throttle Time program lets you try your hand at being a locomotive engineer of a historic diesel locomotive. You will learn how to operate one of our vintage locomotives and then take the throttle yourself!
southern 401 in Steam
May 24 - 25 (Steam and Streamliner Weekend), June 21 - 22, July 19 - 20, August 16 - 17, September 20 - 21 (Railroad Days), and October 4 - 5, 2025.
Step back in time and soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of our restored 1907 vintage steam locomotive.
party on the diner
Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a special occasion? Host your very own Party on the Diner at the Monticello Railway Museum! Whether you're planning a birthday bash, a family gathering, or a corporate event, our historic dining car provides the perfect setting for an hour of fun, nostalgia, and timeless memories on one of our regular weekend excursions.
The Donut Train
May 31 and July 26, 2025
Join us for a unique breakfast experience in partnership with Industrial Donut on board one of our restored Illinois Central dining cars. You’ll enjoy a selection of delicious donuts from Industrial Donut at your table, along with your choice of additional breakfast items such as fresh fruits and yogurt. Ride in style aboard one of our historic dining cars or reserve the exclusive private car for this event that will be popular with the whole family!
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
June 7, August 2 and September 13, 2025
All aboard the Monticello Railway Museum’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience! Join us June 7th, August 2nd and September 13th, 2025, for an exciting evening of mystery and mayhem presented by Champaign Urbana Theatre Company’s Seven Corpse Dinner Murder Mysteries. Passengers on board will be treated to a delicious three-course meal on a two-hour train ride that includes your choice of Honey Thyme Roasted Chicken, Pork Tenderloin or Pasta Primavera, salad, sides, and dessert.
Pizza on the Rails
June 14 and August 30, 2025
Join us for an exciting family friendly event, Pizza on the Rails on board one of our historic open window passenger cars. Each passenger will enjoy their own personal pizza from Domino’s as well as drinks and dessert! Passengers can choose from a Cheese, Pepperoni or Sausage hand-tossed pizza. Drink options will include a variety of sodas, tea, and water and cookies will be served for dessert.
Summer fun weekday train excursion
July 8, 2025
Join us for a one-time-only weekday diesel-powered train excursion on Tuesday, July 8th at 11 a.m. for an hour-long adventure that’s sure to be fun for the entire family. This family-friendly excursion is a wonderful way to spend a summer morning riding the rails, enjoying the fresh air, and experiencing the charm of vintage trains. Perfect for bringing the kids, grandkids, preschool groups, or anyone who loves a fun, relaxed outing, the trip combines the excitement of a scenic train ride with the opportunity to learn about the history of railroading. Please note, the train will depart from the Nelson Crossing depot at the main museum site.
Touch a truck, ride a train
July 12, 2025
Get ready for a day full of excitement and adventure at the Monticello Railway Museum's Touch a Truck, Ride a Train event! Perfect for families and enthusiasts of all ages, this fun-filled event offers a unique combination of hands-on exploration and a scenic train ride.
Sunset Photo Special
August 9, 2025
On August 9, the Monticello Railway Museum will host the Sunset Photo Special! Whether you’re a seasoned railroad photographer or simply enjoy the art of railroading through a camera lens, this is your chance to step behind the scenes and photograph scenes that can’t be captured during normal museum hours. This special photo charter event will feature approximately 3 hours of staged photo opportunities around the museum’s main campus.
Railroad Days
September 20 – 21, 2025
Come enjoy unlimited rides on our vintage passenger and freight trains. Motive power will include steam locomotive 401 and several of our vintage diesels. Visit museum displays, kids’ games, food trucks, and more!
The Polar Express™
2025 Dates will be determined in August 2025.
Take a magical ride on the Polar Express! Read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate, surprises, and a special gift!
PasT Special Events
The Bunny Eggspress
April 18 - 19, 2025
Monticello Railway Museum and Monticello Area Chamber invite you to hop on the train on April 18th or 19th for The Bunny Eggspress. Departure times are at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM at the Wabash Depot in Monticello, Illinois. Enjoy a train ride to our egg hunt location (Egg Hunt is weather permitting), a visit with the Easter Bunny and receive a treat bag for each child. There are three classes of service for this event, coach class, first-class, and the private car experience.
School Days
May 6 - 7, 2025
An opportunity for school children to ride a full-sized diesel-powered train and learn about the role railroading played in history. Students will enjoy a round-trip train ride on vintage coaches as well as tour railway cars which may include a post office car, sleeping cars, and a caboose. This is a great opportunity to learn about America’s railroad history!
Mother's Day Weekend
May 10 – 11, 2025
Make this Mother's Day special by treating Mom to an enjoyable ride with her family on our vintage train. Moms ride free on our weekend trains when accompanied by their children!
Steam and streamliner weekend
May 24 - 25, 2025
Step back in time and experience two different eras of railroading at the Monticello Railway Museum's Steam and Streamliner Weekend! This unique event offers a rare opportunity to enjoy rides aboard authentic steam and diesel trains, transporting you to eras where railroads reigned supreme.
Father's Day Weekend
June 14 – 15, 2025
Dads ride our weekend train free when accompanied by their children! Take Dad on a fun weekend train ride with the family.
Roaring twenties dinner Train in steam
June 21, 2025
On Saturday, June 21st, join us for a spectacular “Roaring 20s” themed dinner aboard a unique train ride pulled by the historic 1907-built steam engine, Southern Railway No. 401! Relive the charm of the early 1900s while savoring a delectable three-course meal on this approximately two-hour journey that promises an evening of fine dining, nostalgia, and elegance.
Lunch with Santa on the Train
December 7-8
The festive Lunch with Santa Trains are sponsored by the The Monticello Chamber of Commerce.
