Illinois Railway Museum

The Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) is the largest railroad museum in the United States, home to the country’s most extensive collection of historic railway equipment irm.org. Founded in 1953, it preserves over 500 pieces of rolling stock – from giant steam locomotives to streetcars and diesel engines – on a 100-acre campus in rural northern Illinois lstoptours.com. The museum lies in Union, IL, a small village about 55 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, where it occupies a former interurban railway site amid open prairie scenery en.wikipedia.org.

This “museum in motion” has a mission to bring railroad history to life. It demonstrates the vital role of railroads in Chicago’s growth and U.S. history by operating restored trains and trolleys in a realistic setting enjoyillinois.com. Many of the exhibits are not just static displays but fully functional. Visitors can see, hear, and ride an unparalleled variety of vintage railway equipment. Historic depots, signal towers, and even a working streetcar line on the grounds further immerse railfans in bygone eras of rail travel, making IRM both an educational resource and a time machine into America’s railroading past.

Rail enthusiasts flock to IRM for its extraordinary scope and hands-on experiences. The museum’s collection ranges from high-horsepower steam locomotives like the 1918 Frisco 1630 Decapod to elegant interurban trolleys and workaday diesel switchers. In one visit you might admire a gleaming streamlined Zephyr trainset and then hop aboard a rattling 1900s streetcar – a diversity found nowhere else. In fact, IRM is one of the only museums that operates steam, diesel, electric trains, and even trolleybuses on site en.wikipedia.org. This means railfans can witness everything from a coal-burning steam engine thundering down the track to an old Chicago Transit Authority “L” car humming along the electric line, all in one place lstoptours.com . Such living history is a dream for photographers and trainspotters.

Beyond the rolling stock itself, IRM offers a uniquely immersive atmosphere that sets it apart. You’re not just looking at trains behind barriers – you can ride many of them, hear the soulful whistles and clanging bells, and even smell hot oil and coal smoke in the air irm.org. The museum’s volunteers operate trains and streetcars on a regular schedule, eager to share stories of each piece of equipment. Special themed events enhance the appeal: from “Day Out With Thomas” for kids to seasonal adventures like Halloween Pumpkin Trains and the holiday Santa Express, there’s always something exciting on the calendar. For any railway enthusiast, the chance to experience historic rail travel firsthand – surrounded by an unmatched variety of equipment – makes IRM a must-visit shrine of rail heritage.

Expect to spend a full day at IRM exploring and riding. On operating days, your entry ticket includes unlimited rides on the museum’s trains irm.org. Begin with a short trip on a vintage electric trolley looping around the grounds, then transfer at the 1851 East Union depot to a mainline train behind a classic diesel or steam locomotive. The five-mile round trip on the main line takes about 35–40 minutes irm.org. As you ride in antique coaches with open windows, you can hear the rhythmic clickety-clack of rail joints and feel the breeze – and if a steam engine is pulling, you might catch the scent of coal smoke wafting by irm.org. Trains typically run on the hour (more frequently during busy events) and make no stops en route, so it’s a relaxing journey through farmland and museum property back to the depot. Meanwhile, historic streetcars circle the property on a separate interurban trolley line, stopping at period-authentic stations; you can hop on and off at various points to reach different exhibit areas irm.org. On summer weekends, multiple trains run concurrently (steam, diesel, and electric), creating an almost festival-like ambience of movement and sound across the museum.

Off the trains, wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot to see on foot. Sprawled across the campus are big exhibition barns housing countless locomotives and cars – essentially giant train sheds you can walk through. Many pieces invite exploration: you can climb up into the cab of a caboose, walk through the plush art-deco coaches of a 1930s Pullman sleeper, or sit in the driver’s seat of a streetcar irm.org. Don’t miss Barn 8, where every type of Chicago “L” transit car from 1898 onward is preserved – a true highlight for urban transit fans lstoptours.com. Between exhibit barns, you’ll find a restored 19th-century train depot, a working interlocking tower, vintage neon railroad signs, and even a railroad-themed playground for kids (near Barn 3) where young ones can play while parents watch streetcars glide by on the loop irm.org. Facilities are visitor-friendly: the Central Diner, a 1930s dining car, serves sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks on weekends (mid-May through early October) irm.orgirm.org, and there are picnic tables if you bring your own food. Crowds are typically larger on special event days and summer weekends (when multiple trains run), whereas a weekday visit in summer or spring offers a quieter, leisurely experience. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of a museum that truly lives and breathes railroading.

Operating Season: The Illinois Railway Museum is generally open from April through October, with the busiest schedule in the summer months. Regular operations kick off in spring (e.g. trolley service on Sundays in April) and expand to steam and diesel train service by May irm.org. During the peak summer period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the museum is typically open daily or near-daily, with electric trains running on weekdays and full service (steam, diesel, electric streetcars) on weekends irm.org. In the shoulder months of April and October, operations scale back to mainly weekends (often electric or diesel trains only) as weather permits irm.org. Always check the official calendar before your trip irm.org, because exact open dates and hours can vary year to year.

Special Events: Although the museum is not open for regular hours in winter, it does host popular special events in the off-season. For example, in late fall you can ride the Pumpkin Train near Halloween, and in late November/December the Happy Holiday Railway offers festive rides with Santa Claus through the snowy countryside irm.org. These events have specific dates and often sell out, so plan ahead if visiting during holiday periods. In summary, summer is peak time for a full IRM experience, but spring and autumn weekends are also great for cooler weather and seasonal themes – just bundle up a bit if visiting on a brisk day, as many exhibits are unheated.

General Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online in advance irm.org. A general admission ticket grants you access to all public areas and unlimited train rides on any operating trains that day (no extra fare per ride). Fare levels vary by day and season: on regular summer weekends an adult ticket is around $20, with discounts for seniors and children (e.g. children 2–12 around $16). Weekday tickets and spring/fall weekends are a bit cheaper (approximately $14 adults). Children under 2 years old are free. Parking is free on all days. If you plan multiple visits or are a serious railfan, consider becoming a member of IRM – museum members get unlimited free admission year-round (just show your membership card).

Special Events & Reservations: Note that special event days (such as Day Out With Thomas™, Bunny Trolley Hop, or the Christmas train) often require a separate special fare ticket. These events may have a different pricing structure and sometimes assign you a scheduled train departure time. It’s highly recommended to book special event tickets well in advance, as they frequently sell out (especially popular family events on summer weekends and holiday trains). Regular general admission tickets can be bought online via the museum’s website – purchasing ahead can save time at the entrance. However, tickets are usually also available at the gate on normal operating days (capacity is rarely an issue on standard days). 

Group rates are offered for tour groups or charters if arranged beforehand. In summary, come prepared with pre-booked tickets for any big event, but for an ordinary visit, buying on arrival or online the night before are both fine options.

IRM strives to be accessible to visitors of all abilities. The museum’s grounds are largely flat and the main pathways are either gravel or pavement, which makes most areas reachable by wheelchair or stroller. All exhibit buildings and train barns have ramps or level entries, and key facilities like the historic depot, gift shop, restrooms, and the Central Diner are wheelchair-accessible irm.org. Many of the operating trains can accommodate wheelchairs as well: on most days, at least one of the trains (such as a coach train or a CTA rapid transit train) has wheelchair-accessible cars with lifts or wide doors. To ensure the accessible coach or streetcar is running on the day of your visit, you may call ahead – staff can advise the schedule or even arrange a ramp as needed. The streetcar loop and main platforms are at ground level, and portable boarding ramps are available. 

Visitors with limited mobility should note that some older railroad cars have narrow doorways or steep steps that might be challenging; however, there is plenty to enjoy from ground level and the open-air areas. Seating is available around the campus for rest stops. 

Lastly, service animals are permitted (pets are not, except service animals) as per museum policy. Overall, IRM is quite family- and disability-friendly – the combination of accessible exhibits, accommodating staff, and multiple options for getting around the site helps ensure everyone can partake in the journey back in time.

Dress and Essentials: 

Plan for an outdoor day and dress accordingly. Much of IRM’s experience is outside or in open-air buildings, so comfortable walking shoes are a must (you’ll be strolling through rail yards and large exhibit halls). In summer, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses – the sun can be strong on the open grounds with limited shade. In cooler months or if riding open-window cars, have a light jacket or extra layer. A reusable water bottle is handy; there are water fountains and a diner for refills, but on hot days you’ll appreciate having water on you.

Gear and Extras: 

Don’t forget your camera or binoculars – there are countless photo opportunities of trains in action and historic details to capture. If you’re a serious photographer or plan to railfan trackside, you might bring a small step stool; it can help get a better angle over fences or into locomotive cabs. Ear protection isn’t generally needed, but young children or noise-sensitive individuals might appreciate earplugs or earmuffs when the steam engines blow their whistles up close. You’re welcome to pack a picnic lunch or snacks (food options on-site are mostly limited to the seasonal diner) irm.org. A backpack can carry your essentials, but travel light enough to board trains easily. Finally, bring some cash or a credit card for extras like the gift shop, snack bar, or buying a souvenir whistle for the kids. Being prepared with the right gear and attire will ensure you’re comfortable and can fully enjoy this all-day rail adventure.

IRM is a paradise for rail photographers, and a little planning will help you get the best shots. For rolling stock portraits, the early morning or late afternoon light is ideal – the low sun will beautifully illuminate the faces of locomotives and rolling stock lined up outside. A popular spot is along the main line near the East Union Depot, where departing trains round a curve and can be framed against rural scenery or classic signals. Another great vantage is at Car Line Junction, near the playground, where the streetcar line and main line intersect – you might capture a trolley and a steam train in one frame during busy events. 

Motion shots: use a fast shutter to freeze a passing diesel, or pan with a streetcar to convey motion. Don’t shy away from higher ISO indoors; the exhibit barns are dim, but house rare equipment worth photographing (a tripod is helpful in the barns, and generally allowed as long as you don’t block walkways). 

If you visit on a special event or night photography session, take advantage of staged lighting – IRM has hosted night photo shoots with steam locomotive #1630 under lights and signal displays trains.com. For such events, a tripod and remote shutter release are essential for long exposures. In general, be mindful of safety: shoot from authorized areas, watch for moving equipment, and respect ropes or no-entry signs. 

With cooperation from the weather and a bit of patience, you’ll come away with immense photo opportunities – from dramatic close-ups of driving wheels to panoramic shots of the museum’s vintage train parade railfanguides.us.

The nearest major airport is Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), which is roughly 45 miles (72 km) east of the Illinois Railway Museum. Driving from O’Hare to Union takes about 1 hour via I-90, depending on traffic. O’Hare offers plentiful rental car options for the drive. 

An alternative is Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) in Rockford, IL – it’s smaller but only about 30 miles (48 km) west of the museum rome2rio.com. Rockford’s airport has limited commercial flights but is convenient if available. Other regional airports include Chicago Midway (MDW) and Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE), though each is about 60–70 miles away. If coming from overseas or out of state, flying into Chicago O’Hare and then renting a car is the most straightforward way to reach IRM.

While Union, IL has no direct passenger train service, you can get part of the way by rail and then transfer. From downtown Chicago, take Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) commuter line to Crystal Lake or Woodstock – both towns are within 15–20 miles of the museum. Crystal Lake station (Metra Zone H) has more frequent service and is about a 30-minute drive from IRM, while Woodstock station is about 15 miles away. From either station, you’ll need to hire a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or arrange other transport to Union. On weekends in summer, a popular option is to call ahead for MCRide, the McHenry County dial-a-ride service, which now offers trips to the museum from anywhere in its service area (including Crystal Lake and Woodstock Metra stops) irm.org. MCRide requires advance phone reservation (at least a day prior) and operates daily except holidays irm.org. It’s a budget-friendly link if you don’t have a car; just be sure to schedule your return pickup as well. Another rail route is via Amtrak to Chicago Union Station, then Metra as above – but note that from Union Station you’d first have to get to Ogilvie Transportation Center (a short walk or cab ride) to catch the Metra UP-NW line. In summary, it’s feasible to reach IRM by train + taxi, but renting a car or driving from the nearest station will greatly simplify the last leg.

Driving is the easiest way to reach the Illinois Railway Museum. From Chicago, take the I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway northwest toward Rockford. Exit at Marengo (US-20) – about 60 miles from downtown Chicago – and then head west on US-20 for 4.5 miles to Union Road irm.org. Turn right (north) on Union Road and continue into the village of Union. When Union Road ends, turn right on West Union Rd, which will lead you through the tiny downtown and then north to Olson Road; turn right and you’ll immediately see the museum entrance and signs. 

From the north or Milwaukee area, you can take I-43 or I-94 toward Elkhorn, WI, then connect to US-14 eastbound and IL-23 south, eventually reaching IL-176 west to Union (following signs for the museum). From the west (Rockford direction), use US-20 east and watch for the left turn onto Union Road just east of Marengo. The drive from downtown Chicago is roughly 1.25 to 1.5 hours, from Rockford about 45 minutes, and from Milwaukee around 2 hours. Most of the route is highway or country roads; as you approach Union, you’ll pass farms and fields until the impressive sight of IRM’s trains and barns comes into view. 

Directional signs for the museum are posted on major roads in the area, and the address (7000 Olson Rd) works reliably in GPS units irm.org.

On-site parking at IRM is ample and free. The museum has a large gravel parking lot adjacent to the entrance, capable of accommodating hundreds of cars even on busy event days. There is no charge for parking (donations are accepted but not required). On normal days you can usually park quite close to the entrance gates. During very popular events (like Day Out With Thomas or holiday trains), the main lot can fill up, but overflow parking in adjacent fields or secondary lots will be opened – attendants will guide you. 

There are designated accessible parking spots near the front for vehicles with disability permits. 

Bus and RV parking: Buses and motorhomes are welcome; the lot is spacious enough for large vehicles to maneuver, and school or charter buses often park along the edges of the lot. If you’re coming with a trailer or camper, you should have room to park, though overnight parking is not permitted without prior arrangement (the museum is a day-use facility). 

The parking lot opens early (before the museum itself) on operating days irm.org, so early birds can arrive and not worry about finding a spot. Overall, you can drive right up and park hassle-free at the museum.

Union is a small rural village, so local public transit options are limited. There is no fixed-route bus service in Union. However, the McHenry County MCRide dial-a-ride program can function as local transit if arranged (as noted under “By Train,” it can pick up within the county) irm.org. 

If you’re staying nearby, taxis or rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) from towns like Marengo, Woodstock, or Crystal Lake are typically available, but you’ll want to schedule in advance since cars are not as plentiful in the countryside. 

Bicycling is an option for the adventurous: the countryside roads are scenic, and you could bike from Woodstock (about 14 miles) or Crystal Lake (20 miles) to the museum – just be cautious, as some routes lack shoulders.

Within the museum grounds, a tram occasionally shuttles visitors on event days, but generally you’ll walk to get around the campus. 

If you’re staying at a local hotel, check if they offer a shuttle or courtesy car; for example, some Crystal Lake area hotels sometimes assist guests with transportation to local attractions. In essence, having your own car (or rental) is the most convenient “local transport” for visiting IRM and exploring the area, as rideshares and taxis require some patience and planning.