An Evening with Mom

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.

The train departs promptly at 5:00 PM from the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello, offering the perfect setting for a memorable evening together.

Entrée Selections

Guests may choose from one of the following entrées:

• Boneless Beef Short Ribs

• Seared Salmon Filet (Gluten Free)

• Caponata Stuffed Portabella with Parmesan Cheese (Vegetarian)

Each entrée is served with:

• English Cheddar Cheese Rarebit with Crisp Lavosh

• Waldorf Salad on Local Artisan Greens

• Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

• Asparagus

• Lemon Mousse with Berries and Melba Sauce

Beverages include sweet and unsweet tea, lemonade, and water.

Space is limited for this special event, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. Join us for an elegant evening on the rails and make this Mother’s Day one to remember.

There are two classes of service available for this event:

• Historic Dining Car - Enjoy your meal in the jovial atmosphere of an historic railroad dining car! The ticket price for this exciting event is $85 per passenger.  Please note that due to capacity constraints of the dining cars, parties of less than four may be seated onboard with passengers not necessarily from their party. If multiple members of a party desire to sit together, all tickets must be purchased in the same order.

• Deluxe Private Car - Looking for a unique and intimate dining experience? You can enjoy an exclusive dinner experience aboard Illinois Central Business Car #7! This car features an 8-seat dining table and a 12-seat lounge with a fantastic view out the end of the train. Experience dining on the rails as railroad executives would have back in its heyday. Seating for this car is sold as 8 seats for the price of $950.

All passengers are welcome to dress up for this formal event!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are reservations required?

Reservations are required for all dinner trains.

Is the dinner train handicap accessible?

Yes, the dining cars are handicap accessible.  Please email tickets@mrym.org to request handicap seating. 

Are restrooms available on the train?

Restrooms are available on board the train. However, it is recommended that you use the depot restrooms prior to your trip.

Are the cars air conditioned or heated?

Yes, the dining cars are climate controlled.

Are we allowed off the train during the trip?

No, the dinner will take place on board the train ride. Once the end of the line is reached, then the train will begin its return trip to Monticello.

Is seating assigned?

The dinner trains utilize assigned seating.  Please email tickets@mrym.org if you would like to be seated with a specific party.  Requests to be seated with a specific party must be made one week prior to your scheduled trip.

Do I have to be seated with another party?

Due to capacity constraints of the dining cars, parties of less than four may be seated onboard with passengers not necessarily from their party.

What if inclement weather is predicted?

The dinner train will operate rain, snow, or shine. However, if the Illinois State Police close the highways due to weather conditions, we will issue refunds.

Will my tickets be mailed?

No. Dinner train tickets can be picked up at the Wabash depot ticket office 1 hour prior to your scheduled departure.

How long is the train ride?

The dinner train excursions are approximately two hours in length.

What will pull the dinner train?

One of our historic diesel locomotives will pull the train.