Expansive outdoor and indoor museum featuring historic locomotives, railcars, and interactive exhibits that bring the story of American railroading to life.
General Information
May–September: Weekends 11am to 4pm; Weekdays (Memorial Day–Labor Day) 11am to 3pm
October: Weekends only, 11am to 3pm
Museum grounds open daily 10am to 4pm (Mon–Fri), 10am to 5pm (Sat–Sun)
Weekends (May–Sept): Adults $20, Seniors $18, Youth $18, Children $16
Children under 2: Free
Special event pricing may vary
How to Get There
From Crystal Lake (16 mi): Head west on US-14 to Woodstock, continue west and south on IL-47, then follow US-20 W and Olson Road north to the museum entrance at 7000 Olson Road in Union.
Overview
The Illinois Railway Museum, located in Union, Illinois, is the largest railway museum in the United States and a premier destination for train enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Spanning over 100 acres, the museum features an extensive collection of historic locomotives, passenger cars, streetcars, and buses, many of which are operational and available for rides. Visitors can step aboard the streamlined Nebraska Zephyr, explore the opulent Pullman cars, or experience the rumble of a steam engine as it rolls down the museum’s private track.
Beyond its impressive rolling stock, the museum offers interactive exhibits, a model railroad, and educational programs that bring the golden age of rail travel to life. Seasonal events like “Day Out with Thomas,” “Diesel Days,” and the “Happy Holiday Railway” add to the immersive experience. With its blend of preservation, education, and entertainment, the Illinois Railway Museum offers a nostalgic journey through America’s railroading past, making it a must-visit for families, school groups, and anyone curious about the power and romance of the rails.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://www.irm.org/, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
