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Illinois Railway Museum, Union

Closed for the season

Illinois Railway Museum, from its own website

Photo from the venue's own site

Museum · Admission from $14 when open · 1 offer for a future visit

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Admission from $14 when open.

About Illinois Railway Museum

Illinois Railway Museum operates electric trains, steam engines, and diesel locomotives that visitors ride hourly through the grounds in Union. The collection includes restored Pullman cars, vintage streetcars that operate on the museum's streetcar loop, and vintage buses. Families board trains for scenic rides, explore exhibits in the Visitor Center, and view the model train museum. The museum hosts special events featuring themed train experiences. Children as young as three can ride the steam engine; a small park on the grounds provides a lunch area. The museum suits train enthusiasts and families seeking an educational experience with hands-on history. Active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission with military ID. The museum publishes admission prices online at irm.org, where tickets are also sold.

Prices & hours

Adult (Ages 18 – 64)
$14
Adult (Ages 18 – 64)
$20
Children younger than 2
Free
Seniors (65+)
$12

Hours: Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Prices and hours quoted from irm.org. Prices can change — the link above goes to the page they came from.

What’s on at Illinois Railway Museum

One reason to go, each in the venue’s own words, with the date we checked it.

Nov 27 – Dec 21Event

Happy Holiday Railway

Families board a 40-minute train ride with Santa Claus, enjoy hot chocolate and treats, watch an animated light show and holiday songs, receive gifts, and meet Mrs. Claus. Holiday lights illuminate the campus and Barn 6; streetcar rides and a model railroad exhibit are included.

Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.

“Happy Holiday Railway runs ten dates in 2026: Friday, November 27 (Black Friday), Saturday the 28th, and Sunday the 29th, then weekends December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20, plus Monday, December 21.”

Quoted from irm.org · checked on
Details on the attraction’s site →

Offers for a future visit

Active-Duty Military Free Admission

Active-duty military personnel and their families admitted free with military ID on Memorial Day Weekend

Free

“Active-duty military personnel and their families admitted free with military ID.”

Quoted from irm.org · checked on
See it on the attraction’s site →
Why there’s no expiry date here. Most attractions don’t publish one, and the dates that do appear are often stale. The date here is the day this offer was last read on irm.org, and the link goes to the exact page, so you can check it yourself in one click.

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Within 25 miles of Illinois Railway Museum. Dates and wording are each venue’s own.

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