Monticello Railway Museum — Attraction in Monticello

My hubby and I, spent October 6th, 2024, at Monticello's Train Museum. For a last moment car trip, this was fantastic and we plan to incorporate this as a family trip. To begin with we reside in Illinois and this gives us the ability to take the grandchildren of any age that walk. An arm baby might be appropriate; if the parents attend and have a backpack carrier or if somebody is able to manage a stroller for the duration of the day. The Depot in Monticello, was well maintained and there is a tourist shop in the depot; they carry standard tourist items for sale, such as postcards, t-shirts and other signage. Also, small toys were available for purchase. You have the ability to buy your tickets before you arrive online or you may purchase them at the Depot window. Your tickets will be returned to you so you may definitely keep them for a souvenir, too. Let us take a moment, to say just how really personable everyone was, from the people loading the train to the conductors, especially the well informed guides, and the shop keepers. They really took the time to make you knowledgeable of everything that works on the train and how the operation handles running the depot and restoring such amazing vintage modes of transportation. It was actually wonderful and a very personal experience for myself. I was able to remember my childhood in which I was fortunate enough, to have great-grand parents, which traveled extensively on the rail system using the sleeper cars. Precious memories, from times gone by, but the wonder of that little child, was just as real again! They have a car that you can go in and it has a place in the floor that has insulated glass so that you can see the actual wheels rotating as they travel over the tracks. There's a steam engine still making its way around and bringing the light to travelers everyday they're open. You also will have the possibility to disembark downtown, in Monticello IL, to grab something to eat or do some antique shopping. You can return to the original station on a later train. I just know this will forever be a regular stop for my family, hopefully the station will still be there in 30, 40 years! Thank you to everyone that made that day so special, just by being the kind, generous and welcoming people of a truly memorable...

Went there this past Saturday for the Diesel experience. What that is specifically is the opportunity to be at the controls of a diesel locomotive and run the unit on track for what I would guess is about a mike of track. It was an awesome experience. Let me say first off that it cost $150.00 for this experience however if the money is not an issue then I can vouch that it is absolutely worth it if you have an interest in trains i am an N scale modeler and enjoy the hobby so this naturally fit right in The museum itself is very clean even the restrooms rival that in your own home as far as cleanliness. I came in contact with three employees”volunteers actually as nobody gets paid there) and these three men could nit have been nicer. I only know the name of Paul,the loco engineer, who rides with you in the cab and fives you instructions Paul was extremely courteous and patient and after going over all the controls in the can he lets you take over and gives voice coaching along the route. This man is a great teacher and because of him the experience in the cab in control of the loco is one you will remember for a long time to come. Thanks Paul! And by the way after the diesel experience they surprise you with a completion certificate to frame and hang on the wall of your train room. Even the gift shop was reasonable...

The Monticello Railway Museum is a beautiful place to go to get a glimpse into what railroading was like during the transition from steam locomotives to diesel. The rolling stock on display is fun to look at, the employees/volunteers there are wonderful people, the cost for the train rides is very reasonable, and their steam locomotive (Southern 2-8-0 #401) is truly the star of the show and never gives a bad performance.

I was able to grow closer to 2 of my closest friends by meeting there multiple times each year and ride behind #401. My fiancée and I became a couple there years ago after riding behind #401, and when I proposed to her there a couple of months ago, the president of the museum, the locomotive crew, and even #401 worked with myself and my friends to make it a very special and memorable moment we'll never forget.

I easily give the Monticello Railway Museum a 10/10 & 5 stars, and I would heartily recommend this museum to anyone...