illinois railway museum

NewfieDad

I am a lifelong railfan. IRM has an extremely comprehensive collection of steam, diesel and electric railroad engines. Some equipment is kept in huge barns, while other gems on the storage tracks. The restoration shops are generally open to watch work on rolling stock and engines. IRM has a great collection of interurban cars. Also, There are many electric buses. IRM has an excellent website (irm.org), which should be consulted before visiting to see what equipment will be operating on the day you wish to visit. The museum is clean as a whistle. It has small food facility and a nice museum store. During December, the IRM runs a Santa Express on the weekends. Other weekends feature Interurbans, Trolley Buses and other special runs. Any rail enthusiast will have a tough time leaving and will want to go back for more. And more!

SuperMommyJen5

We visited about two years ago during a busier season. This time, while quieter, was just as charming. Only two trains were running this day, but we still filled the afternoon with lots of exploration through the barns housing everything from horse pulled carts to enormous steam giants. This weekend in particular they had trick-or-treats at the end of the train rides or at a stop on the street car circuit and there were lots of children in costume. We were a little disappointed that a few of the trains and an information center that we were able to visit in the past were closed, but it was the last day of the season so we will be sure to visit earlier in the summer next time. In keeping up with technology they have an ap and self guided tour stops, but the true gems of the museum are all of the wonderful volunteers who will gladly answer any questions or point you in the right direction. There is a small grill restaurant and plenty of picnic areas and you are welcome to bring food in. Really a great place to spend a day.

VijogeJoliet_ILUSA

I guess we were both a bit disappointed after reading a number of reviews touting all the cool things to do and see here. True, there are a lot of trains, but most of them are only visible from the exterior and are in various stages of restoration (or decay, depending on how you look at it)., Unfortunately, the interiors of most of the trains, even the ones in the barns, can't be viewed, even through the windows, as the steps are roped off and/or it is completely dark inside the train. There are a couple of Pullman cars that are lit inside, which is neat to see, but most of the cars seem to be mostly storage for a whole lot of miscellaneous stuff. There were two trains running- a CTA "el" train and a streetcar, as well as the Trolley. There is a restaurant on the property, which looked interesting but when we went there shortly before 4:00 PM we were told it was closed, even though the museum was open until 6. Admission is reasonable and it's an ok place to spend an afternoon but I doubt we'll be back.

834lisaa

This is a such a great place to visit with family. Even though we have been here several times over the years, we always enjoy seeing all the trains. My favorites are the ones where you can walk through and see how train travel has changed over the years. If you visit during the Thomas days or when they have other organized activities, it's amazing how many people are drawn in. Even when the museum is full, there is plenty of space to roam and you don't feel as if you are crowded. My daughter, who is 8, has enjoyed every visit and she really loves riding in the vintage train which takes you around the whole museum.

hungryPhil44

One very reasonable entry fee gets you on everything they have running that day. Ride in a caboose or a lounge car from the railroads hay day. Lots of static displays and running street cars to see and ride. Ride and learn about the equipment you're on. Steam and Diesel. Old and also almost new equip. Remember it is a MUSEUM

Carl021

All the positive reviews are correct. I want to add a couple of nuances:We are "mobility challenged" to some extent. So we appreciated the old-time trolley car that runs around the extensive property - you can get off, visit the various storage sheds and then you can catch another trolley and move on to another amazing shed. The other high point for me was the chance to ride on the Burlington Zephyr . Years ago I longed to ride on that train which - then - was "cutting edge". I finally achieved my dream at the Railway Museum!

johnwV3884UL

Ive heard of this place before but never visited until now. Signs are well marked so you wont get lost. Lots of locomotives, electric, streetcars, railcars, and anything that you would find on a railroad, they had a old electric streetcar from Chicago running the day of our visit and it was very nicely restored. My Great Grandpa Walsh operated one similar years ago so it was neat. Favorites were the the Union Pacific locomotive from around 1970 and the Massive Nebraska Zephyer train that not only had the locomotive but many cars as well. There was a lot of painting going on so the many volunteers there do a great job to keep everything looking good!!!

896lindar

We were going apple picking with our grandson and children and stumbled across the museum. Our 2 year old grandson LOVES trains. He was in utter bliss.They have an amazing collection of trains. Quite enjoyable. Want to return.

wnstn3

I've heard about this museum many times in the past but only recently decided to make the trek out there to check it out. Our 2 year old is completely into trains right now so we thought he'd enjoy seeing the trains up close and personal. Well, we were completely right, he absolutely loved it and didn't want to leave! He especially loved getting to go on the ride out into the country and wanted to ride again. After going on the long ride the trolley car around the grounds just wasn't the same for him. We really enjoyed out time there and look forward to going back. The grounds are kept very neat and clean and you can spend as much time as you want just roaming around looking at all the old trains. We were pleasantly surprised with the snack shop as the prices for food and drinks was very reasonable and the food was fresh and hot. Too many times you go to places like this only to be overcharged for lousy food especially because there are no other options once you're there, but thankfully that is not the case here at all. If you know someone who is into trains this is a great way to spend a day!

donnyshawn

We went during the annual Thomas the Tank Engine event. This was our 2nd year going, and it was again wonderful. Aside from all the Thomas stuff, they have lots of trains to look at and ride - everything from a few minutes to a 45 minute ride out into the farmland. The staff is friendly, facilities are clean and prices are reasonable. If you or someone in your family is into trains, this is a must visit.

sandyg853

This is a little unknown place tucked in between corn fields..The grounds are clean and spread out.This is a great place to visit for people that have the love of trains!There are all kinds of railroad trains to explore and even some you can go into depending on the day.This was the day that the trolly was operating..it took you on a nine mile train ride....the history was explained by the driver.I suggest that you go on the web-site and check what is open and running on that day.The gift shop has all kinds of books, shirts, toys and much more for the rail buffs!

958cc

I went with my kids (2&4) for the Thomas event. Very nice overall experience, however I was very disappointed for the Thomas ride. We bought 3:30 pm tickets, however we showed up at the 3 pm ride because the kids were getting very tired. I asked 3 people (I was sent from one person to the other) if I could ride the 3 o'clock ride and I was told blank in my face : NO. I mentioned the museum employees that the train had quite a few empty seats and I would appreciate if they would let us ride the train half an hour early. They simply looked at me and said, sorry but NO. Also want to mention that kids were crying, but that didn't do anything to the museum staff. This was an event that targeted children and I am very disappointed that the staff did not care about the children being tired.

1283761

If you like history and trains this is the place to go. I little bit of drive from the Chicago area BUT well worth it.

wrash

The Illinois Railway Museum isn't just for rail buffs. The facility is quite large, and nearly always has some kind of railway car operating, usually at least a trolly. We visited on what was a slow day, but still the exhibits were interesting and well curated. This museum has some items in its collection that may not exist elsewhere, so if you ARE a rail buff, you want to go here. This may be the only place with one of the legendary General Electric gas turbine locomotives on display, for example. Be careful, though. The bookstore has a well thought-out selection that will intoxicate you with railroad wonders. You can visit for a few hours or for a day or two. I'd recommend the latter.

BeaMcde

If you are a parent or grandparent then this is for you. Fun for the whole family. My grandkids (ages 4 and 2) loved riding on the "real" Thomas. Besides riding Thomas, there was a magic show, clowns, tattoos for the little ones, and plenty of history. You could ride on a steam engine or a trolley car, plus more trains. Definitely going again next year!