Trolley Rides
Of course, our main attraction is trolley rides. On a typical day, we will have two trains running from Castlemuir (the main museum location) down to Blackhawk in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve. The ride is about two miles long and takes 30-45 minutes, with a 5-10 minute stop at Blackhawk in the middle. Tickets are good for all day, so you’re welcome to stick around to experience all the cars we have running that day.
Our line comes with a view of the mighty Fox River, and while on board the conductor will explain the history of the railcars, our railroad, and how they fit into the history of the region. On the way back, kids (and kids at heart) will get the opportunity to blow the whistle underneath Stearns Road.
For a few days in the fall, in addition to our beloved trolley cars, we will carry passengers in our caboose hauled by one of our freight locomotives.
Special Events
Throughout the year we host various special events, where you can experience a change from the usual. Our events include a World War battle II re-enactment, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and of course our beloved Christmas train.
Other Artifacts on Display
Illinois Central Caboose
We have an authentic restored Illinois Central Railroad caboose on static display at the Castlemuir depot. The caboose is open for visitors to walk through and explore and gives a bit of insight into life as a freight worker.
Wayne Depot
Wayne Depot is an authentic depot from the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Railroad where commuters from Wayne would wait for their morning train into the Windy City.
Our other cars
We have a large collection of cars of all sorts, including freight locomotives, trolley cars, and freight cars, parked outdoors visible for the public to enjoy.
Facilities and Amenities
Depot/Gift Shop
At the main museum location you can find the Castlemuir depot, where you can purchase your tickets and buy merchandise at our gift shop, including apparel, model trains, books, and more.
Restrooms
We have porta-potties available at the main museum location adjacent to the caboose, and the Blackhawk station also has two camp-style restrooms nearby. No restrooms are available on board the trains.
Additionally, during warmer months, our main museum location is adjacent to SEBA park, which has a full-service restroom.
Parking
Free parking is available with an on-site gravel lot, including one disabled space adjacent to the main walkway.
Accessibility
Our museum is partially accessible. At least one platform at each end of the line has an accessible ramp. However, due to the historic nature of our equipment some cars cannot accommodate wheelchairs due to narrow doors, steps inside the car, or the gap between the platform and the train. We recommend you call ahead if anyone in your party has mobility issues so we can make sure we have an accessible train ready for you on an accessible platform.
Blackhawk Station
The Blackhawk station at the south end of the line is in the heart of the Jon J. Duerr forest preserve and includes picnic shelters, access to the river, and several trails. Passengers are encouraged to ride our train down and then get out for a hike or a picnic, and come back on a later train.
Trains typically run every 45 minutes or so throughout the day, with the last one arriving at Blackhawk between 4:00pm and 4:15pm.
Food/Drink
We sell bottled water and have a soda vending machine at the depot. In addition, we have various ice cream treats for sale. Note that the soda vending machine is cash only.
While we do not have an on-site cafe, there are plenty of restaurants within a short distance of us and tickets are good for all day, so you are welcome to leave the museum between rides to get a meal and come back later.
Membership
If you want to be a bit more involved with the museum, consider becoming a member! Membership includes free rides all year long, a subscription to our newsletter, a discount at our gift shop, and of course access to Members Day, and exclusive event where not only do we bring out a bunch of cars that aren’t normally used, but you can get behind the controls yourself.