All aboard the Monticello Railway Museum’s Murder Mystery Dinner Train on June 13, July 11, August 1 and September 5, 2026, 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 that includes your choice of Roasted King Neptune’s Jumbo Shrimp, Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast or Tomato Lentil Phyllo Pie and salad, sides, and dessert. This approximately two-hour train ride departs at 5:00 PM from the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello. 

Ride in style as you enjoy one of the following entree options:

• Roasted King Neptune’s Jumbo Shrimp (Gluten Free)

• Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast (Gluten Free)

• Tomato Lentil Phyllo Pie (Vegetarian)

Each entrée will be accompanied by a Mediterranean Salad, Lemon Dill Rice Pilaf, Rosemary Carrots, and Chocolate Mousse with Berries and Melba Sauce! Beverages available will be Sweet and Unsweet Tea, Lemonade and Water. All passengers are welcome to dress up for this event!

Enjoy your meal in the jovial atmosphere of an historic railroad dining car! The ticket price for this exciting event is $112 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. This train will run rain or shine.

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.