Monticello Railway Museum

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.

06/02/2026

Mystery, mayhem and intrigue awaits you aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train at the Monticello Railway Museum. Book your experience now at mrym.org!

We had a special visitor today!The Extreme, the Dodge Ram 2500 inspired by the 1996 film Twister, paid a visit to the Mo...
05/31/2026

We had a special visitor today!

The Extreme, the Dodge Ram 2500 inspired by the 1996 film Twister, paid a visit to the Monticello Railway Museum today. It was great to see this unique vehicle up close. A big thank you to the owner for stopping by and spending part of the day with us.

On this date in 1848, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union.In honor of our cheese-loving neighbors to the north, the crew...
05/29/2026

On this date in 1848, Wisconsin was admitted to the Union.

In honor of our cheese-loving neighbors to the north, the crew of Southern Railway No. 401 is celebrating the only way we know how, by smoking some sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese in the firebox.

If you know, you know.

Come experience the sights, sounds, and smells of steam railroading this Saturday and Sunday at the Monticello Railway Museum. Kids ride free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Book now at mrym.org.

401 IS BACK THIS WEEKEND!The sights, sounds, and smells of steam return to the Monticello Railway Museum this weekend as...
05/29/2026

401 IS BACK THIS WEEKEND!

The sights, sounds, and smells of steam return to the Monticello Railway Museum this weekend as Southern Railway No. 401 takes to the rails once again!

Today is warm-up day, and crews are hard at work bringing No. 401 to life. Steam is up, preparations are underway, and excitement is building as the locomotive gets ready to haul passengers this weekend.

Witness this historic steam locomotive in operation and experience steam railroading as it was meant to be enjoyed. As an added bonus, kids ride free this weekend with the purchase of an adult ticket, making it the perfect family outing.

Steam train rides operate May 30th and 31st. Book your tickets now at mrym.org and don't miss your chance to ride behind Southern Railway No. 401!

119 Years Young and Still Going Strong!Did you know Southern Railway No. 401 was built in December of 1907 by the Baldwi...
05/29/2026

119 Years Young and Still Going Strong!

Did you know Southern Railway No. 401 was built in December of 1907 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works? That means this remarkable steam locomotive is 119 years old and still doing exactly what it was built to do, haul trains!

This weekend, experience the sights, sounds, and smells of steam railroading as Southern Railway No. 401 powers trains through the Central Illinois countryside. This is your chance to witness a living piece of railroad history in action and see firsthand how steam locomotives captured the imagination of generations.

Bring the family and see this incredible machine in action. Kids ride free this weekend with the purchase of an adult ticket, making it the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories while experiencing the magic of steam railroading.

Book your tickets now at mrym.org and come see this 119-year-old machine in action!

Southern Railway No. 401 Returns to Steam This WeekendThe sights, sounds, and smells of steam railroading return to the ...
05/28/2026

Southern Railway No. 401 Returns to Steam This Weekend

The sights, sounds, and smells of steam railroading return to the Monticello Railway Museum this weekend as Southern Railway No. 401 once again takes to the rails hauling passenger excursions through the Central Illinois countryside.

Following repairs to its dry pipe and completion of its annual federal inspection, No. 401 is ready to return to service. Be one of the first to witness another exciting milestone as 401 fills its tender from the museum’s new water tank for the very first time since the tank was constructed.

As an added bonus, kids ride free this weekend with the purchase of an adult ticket, making this the perfect family outing to experience steam railroading in action.

Book your tickets now at mrym.org

05/28/2026

Southern 401 returns to service this weekend at the Monticello Railway Museum! Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of steam railroading as our historic Southern 401 heads back out on the rails.

Kids ride FREE all weekend, so bring the family out for a memorable ride behind this 1907 built steam locomotive on May 30 & 31.

Book your tickets at mrym.org

Southern Railway No. 401 Returns to Service This Weekend!We’re excited to announce that Southern Railway No. 401 has suc...
05/27/2026

Southern Railway No. 401 Returns to Service This Weekend!

We’re excited to announce that Southern Railway No. 401 has successfully passed its annual federal inspection and will be back in service on May 30th and 31st at the Monticello Railway Museum!

Following repairs to its dry pipe and extensive testing, No. 401 is once again ready to haul passengers through the Central Illinois countryside. This weekend will also mark a special milestone as the locomotive fills its tender from the museum’s water tank for the first time since the tank was built. Be one of the first to witness this historic moment in action.

A huge thank you goes out to our hard-working volunteers whose countless hours and dedication made this possible. Their passion and commitment continue to keep steam railroading alive in Central Illinois.

Even better, kids ride free this weekend with the purchase of an adult ticket, making this the perfect family outing to experience steam railroading in action.

Also, due to No. 401 returning to service, our new Lunch on the Diner experience on May 30th will now feature steam power! Enjoy a relaxing lunch aboard one of our historic dining cars while riding behind Southern Railway No. 401 through the Central Illinois countryside.

Don’t miss your chance to ride behind Southern Railway No. 401 during Steam Weekend excursions. Book your tickets now at mrym.org and experience the sights, sounds, and smell of steam railroading in action.

Lunch on the Diner!Join us at the Monticello Railway Museum on May 30 at 12:30 PM for an all-new experience, Lunch on th...
05/24/2026

Lunch on the Diner!

Join us at the Monticello Railway Museum on May 30 at 12:30 PM for an all-new experience, Lunch on the Diner.

Enjoy a relaxing diesel-powered train ride through the Central Illinois countryside while dining aboard one of our historic dining cars. Each guest will be served a freshly prepared boxed lunch right at their seat, making for a simple, comfortable, and unique way to experience railroading.

Book now at mrym.org/lunch-on-the-diner

Mini Bronuts on Site Saturday, May 23rd!Mini Bronuts will be serving up fresh, delicious mini donuts during Streamliners...
05/22/2026

Mini Bronuts on Site Saturday, May 23rd!

Mini Bronuts will be serving up fresh, delicious mini donuts during Streamliners of the 50’s at the Monticello Railway Museum on Saturday, May 23rd!

Come enjoy classic streamlined diesel-powered train rides, family-friendly fun, food vendors, and more during this exciting holiday weekend event.

Book your all-day tickets now at mrym.org/streamliners

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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