Monticello Railway Museum

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Monticello Railway Museum Where History Comes Alive on the Rails http://www.mrym.org/ [email protected] Come explore our many rail cars and other equipment, and view our museum exhibits.
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An all-volunteer organization in central Illinois with an operational railroad yard open to the public. We offer train rides on weekends from May through October, regardless of weather conditions, as well as a number of special events throughout the year. We also collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit materials and artifacts from throughout the fascinating history of trains and railroading.

What Is It Wednesday -The Answer!Did you figure it out?The item featured in our What Is It Wednesday photo is a poling p...
10/09/2026

What Is It Wednesday -The Answer!

Did you figure it out?

The item featured in our What Is It Wednesday photo is a poling pocket, found on our 1925-built A.E. Staley tank car!

Poling pockets were once a common feature on railroad equipment. They were designed to accept a wooden pole that allowed crews to move a railcar on an adjacent track without directly coupling to it. One end of the pole was placed in the poling pocket of a locomotive, with the other end positioned in the pocket of the car being moved.

While it was once a useful switching technique, poling could be extremely dangerous and eventually disappeared as railroad operating practices and safety standards changed.

Today, the poling pocket on our A.E. Staley tank car is a small reminder of how railroad operations have changed over the past century.

Thanks to everyone who took a guess on this week’s What Is It Wednesday!

For more information about the Monticello Railway Museum, visit mrym.org.

WHAT IS IT WEDNESDAY?Think you know what you’re looking at?Take a close look at the photo and see if you can figure out ...
10/07/2026

WHAT IS IT WEDNESDAY?

Think you know what you’re looking at?

Take a close look at the photo and see if you can figure out what it is. Some might recognize it right away, while others may need to do a little thinking!

Drop your guess in the comments below. We’ll share the answer later!

For more information on the museum, visit mrym.org.

That’s a Wrap on the 2026 Season!As the final trains of our regular operating season have rolled down the tracks, we wan...
10/04/2026

That’s a Wrap on the 2026 Season!

As the final trains of our regular operating season have rolled down the tracks, we want to say thank you to everyone who made 2026 another memorable year at the Monticello Railway Museum.

From opening weekend in May to Murder Mystery Dinner Trains, Touch a Truck, Ride a Train, Tractors and Trains, Railroad Days, the Autumn Limited and the return of Southern Railway No. 401, it’s been a busy season with something for everyone.

As an all-volunteer organization, none of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers. From the crews operating the trains to those maintaining our equipment, working behind the scenes, helping with events and welcoming our visitors, countless volunteer hours go into keeping railroad history alive in Central Illinois.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who rode with us, attended an event, became a member, made a donation or simply followed along and supported the museum this year. Every ticket purchased and every visit helps us continue preserving and sharing railroad history for future generations.

What was your favorite memory from the 2026 season? Drop it in the comments below, we’d love to hear it!

Our regular operating season may have come to an end, but there’s still one very special journey ahead. We’ll see you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride!

For more information about the Monticello Railway Museum, visit mrym.org.

10/02/2026

The Monticello Railway Museum was excited to welcome the Lindsey Life Adult Day Center for a special train ride!

We enjoyed sharing a day on the rails with everyone and creating some great memories together. Thank you for visiting the museum!

ONE LAST WEEKEND OF STEAM IN 2026!The 2026 season is coming to an endand Southern Railway No. 401 has one more weekend o...
09/29/2026

ONE LAST WEEKEND OF STEAM IN 2026!

The 2026 season is coming to an endand Southern Railway No. 401 has one more weekend on the schedule!

Join us Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd & 4th, for your last chance to ride behind 401 in 2026. Hear the whistle, feel the power and experience the sights and sounds of a steam locomotive at work as 401 makes its final runs of the year.

Whether you’ve ridden behind 401 before or haven’t made it out yet this season, there’s no better time to climb aboard.

Book your tickets now at mrym.org.

The Autumn Limited rolls tomorrow and Sunday!Come enjoy a fun-filled fall weekend at the Monticello Railway Museum! In a...
09/25/2026

The Autumn Limited rolls tomorrow and Sunday!

Come enjoy a fun-filled fall weekend at the Monticello Railway Museum! In addition to train rides, we’ll have hayrack rides, pedal cars, a barrel train, bounce houses and food trucks on site!

Bring the whole family and make some fall memories at the museum!

Book your tickets now at mrym.org!

A Night to Celebrate Our VolunteersThis past Saturday, we had the opportunity to bring together our incredible volunteer...
09/23/2026

A Night to Celebrate Our Volunteers

This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to bring together our incredible volunteers for the Monticello Railway Museum’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Moore Building Ballroom in downtown Monticello.

The evening was all about saying thank you to the people who give so much of their time to the museum. Whether they’re working aboard our trains, maintaining locomotives and equipment, repairing track, helping with events, working behind the scenes or welcoming visitors, every volunteer plays an important role in keeping the museum moving forward.

This year’s dinner was especially meaningful as we celebrate the Monticello Railway Museum’s 60th Anniversary. For six decades, generations of volunteers have given their time, talents and passion to preserve railroad history and share it with our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us Saturday evening, and most importantly, thank you to all of our volunteers for everything you do for the Monticello Railway Museum. Here’s to 60 years of preserving the past and inspiring the future!

Autumn Limited is September 26th & 27thFall fun is just around the corner at the Monticello Railway Museum! Join us Sept...
09/20/2026

Autumn Limited is September 26th & 27th

Fall fun is just around the corner at the Monticello Railway Museum! Join us September 26th and 27th for the Autumn Limited, a full day of family fun at the museum.

Take a scenic 50-minute train ride through the Central Illinois countryside, then head to the pumpkin patch where each rider gets to pick out their own pumpkin to take home!

Your ticket also includes access to activities throughout the day, including hayrack rides, barrel train rides, pedal cars and bounce houses. Come early, stay all day and enjoy a fall weekend at the museum!

Tickets are on sale now at mrym.org!

Day 2 of Railroad Days has begun!!! A beautiful day to come out and ride some trains. There are also some other fun acti...
09/20/2026

Day 2 of Railroad Days has begun!!! A beautiful day to come out and ride some trains.
There are also some other fun activities such as bounce houses, face painting and exotic animal petting zoo.

One ticket price gets you all the fun activities and unlimited train rides.

Railroad Days!!!! We’re off to a little dreary and damp start but a little rain won’t stop the trains from running. Food...
09/19/2026

Railroad Days!!!! We’re off to a little dreary and damp start but a little rain won’t stop the trains from running. Food trucks are set up ready to serve you some delicious food.

All aboard!!!!!!!

Address

992 Iron Horse Place
Monticello, IL
61856

Opening Hours

Saturday 11am - 4:30pm
Sunday 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18777629011

Website

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