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 2 through October 4, 2026. 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 25 through October 10, 2026
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 23 - 24 (Steam and Streamliner Weekend), June 27 - 28, July 18 - 19, August 15 - 16, September 19 - 20 (Railroad Days), and October 3 - 4, 2026.
Step back in time and soak in the sights, sounds, and smells of our restored 1907 vintage steam locomotive.
School Days
May 6 - 7, 2026
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 9 – 10, 2026
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!
Mother’s Day Weekend Dinner train
May 9, 2026
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in unforgettable fashion on Saturday, May 9th, with a relaxing evening aboard a truly unique dining experience at the Monticello Railway Museum. Treat Mom to a scenic, approximately two-hour train ride while enjoying an elegant four-course meal prepared by Michael’s Catering, served onboard one of our beautifully restored historic dining cars.
Steam and streamliner weekend
May 23 - 24, 2026
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.
Pizza on the Rails
May 30, 2026
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.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
June 13, July 11, August 1 and September 5, 2026
All aboard the Monticello Railway Museum’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience! Join us 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 prepared by Michaels’ Catering of Champaign on a two-hour train ride that includes your choice of Roasted King Neptune’s Jumbo Shrimp, Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast or Tomato Lentil Phyllo Pie.
Father's Day Weekend
June 20 – 21, 2026
Dads ride our weekend train free when accompanied by their children! Take Dad on a fun weekend train ride with the family.
Touch a truck, ride a train
July 25, 2026
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.
Railroad Days
September 19 – 20, 2026
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!
Autumn limited
September 26 - 27, 2026
Celebrate the arrival of fall with a ride on the Autumn Limited at the Monticello Railway Museum. This special excursion offers a peaceful train ride through the countryside aboard vintage railroad equipment. Each rider receives a pumpkin to take home, and guests can enjoy on-site activities, vendors, and museum exhibits for a full autumn experience.
The Donut Train
TBD
Join us for a unique breakfast experience on board one of our restored Illinois Central dining cars. You’ll enjoy a selection of delicious donuts 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!
The Polar Express™
November and December 2026 dates will be announced in the summer
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 from the historic Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello, Illinois. 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.
Lunch with Santa on the Train
December 6-7
The festive Lunch with Santa Trains are sponsored by the The Monticello Chamber of Commerce.
