Board an antique train and travel back in time along the banks of the Fox River to the heart of the Jon J Duerr Forest Preserve. Discover well-preserved historic railway vehicles and trolley-related smaller artifacts and photos. Have a picnic and explore the area's wide variety of animal and plant life.

» Your ticket includes admission to the museum and unlimited rides all day
» No booking required; visit from May 7 on Sundays and from July 1 also on Saturdays
» See the current opening hours here

» Free admission for children under 3 years of age «

» A Bit of History «

Fox River Trolley Museum opened its doors to the public on July 4, 1966, as R.E.L.I.C. (Railway Equipment Leasing and Investment Co.) Trolley Museum. Its mission is to preserve the transportation heritage of Illinois’ Fox River Valley by operating historic electric transport vehicles on a demonstration electric railway over the Aurora, Elgin, and Fox River Electric route at South Elgin, Illinois. In addition, the museum showcases small artifacts, photos, and documents related to electric transport in and around the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Among the museum's attractions, visitors can see the 1924 car 304, which was one of the last cars built for the Fox River Line. Discover the full historic trolley collection here.

» Recognized by the Local Community «

Fox River Trolley Museum has been recognized by Chicago Parent as "fun for all ages". The museum is also mentioned by WTTW's Geoffrey Baer and recognized in The Examiner of South Elgin for its value for the local community. (｡◕‿◕｡)

» Special Events and Charters «

The museum also runs fun-filled educational events throughout the year, such as Ghost Story Train and Polar Express™️. The full list of reservation-only events and additional information can be found in the current calendar.

If you would like to enjoy exclusive access to one of the museum's trolley cars, private charters are also available, including a two-person crew (motorman and conductor) to take you anywhere along the museum's railroad that you’d like. See details here.

» Directions «

» The Fox River Trolley Museum is located on Illinois Route 31, three blocks south of State Street in South Elgin, IL
» From Chicago and the east: Take the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) or US Route 20 west to Elgin. Exit on Illinois 31 southbound. Take Route 31 to the Museum
» From the west and northwest: Take the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) or US Route 20 east to Elgin. Exit on Illinois 31 southbound. Take Route 31 to the Museum
» From the south: Take Illinois Route 59 north to Illinois Route 64. Turn west on Route 64 to Illinois Route 31 in St Charles. Take Route 31 north to the Museum
» By train: Take Metra commuter train to Elgin on the Milwaukee District - West Line. The station is approximately three miles north of the museum. On Saturdays, a connection is available via Pace Bus route 801 at the Elgin Station to Spring Street, South Elgin, four blocks north of the Museum. On Sundays and holidays, a taxi or rideshare is needed since there is no service on Pace route 801

» What Happy Visitors Say «

Lisa
This place is so awesome. Anything you want to know about train from the early 1900 to 200 this is the place to come. The staff is very well knowledge and answer any questions you have. You even get to ride on the train and it is beautiful ride.

Julian
Fun for the whole family! Very informative about the rail systems back in the day. The volunteers working are very friendly and knowledgeable.

Izy
Fun experience with the family. We definitely enjoyed stepping back in time.

Peter
Loved the trolley museum! Our 3 year old thought it was the coolest thing ever. Really neat old trolleys and a very fair price for rides. Will definitely go again.

Over 3,000 likes on Facebook.