See the News and Photo Page for more information. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit materials and artifacts relating to railroading, with emphasis on Central Illinois, and to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public. The museum offers trains rides on weekends and Holidays from May through October. Please see the schedule for more information.
Trains operate regardless of weather conditions.
The all-volunteer organization began in 1966 and offered the first train ride in 1972. Trains operate on both former Illinois Terminal and Illinois Central trackage. At the museum site, round trips depart from an Illinois Central depot, built in 1919 at Deland. In downtown Monticello, round trips depart from the 1899 Wabash depot. The coaches on the train may include a Rock Island commuter coach, an Illinois Central combine car or an air conditioned coach.