Illinois is the land of trains. From commuter-style to freight, we’ve got railways for them all. Due to this, we also have many attractions that focus on this mode of transportation. This train-themed trip will take you past the best of them all.
From museums to restaurants, we really know how to celebrate trains here. Keep scrolling for the best road trip ever.
Clocking in at nearly five hours all together, this train-themed trip is for the true railfan. It will take you around parts of the northern section of the state and Chicagoland for some of the best attractions in Illinois.
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- Trolley Car 36 (Rockford)
Facebook/Forest City Queen & Trolley Car 36-Rockford Park District This historical tour of the Rockford area is a great way to begin the trip. Patrons get to gaze at the riverfront while hearing tales about life when the city was just a settlement. There are also opportunities to see iconic art and sculptures up close.
- Illinois Railway Museum (Union)
Facebook/Illinois Railway Museum This is the largest train museum in America, and it features steam trains, diesels, trolleys, and much more. There are many events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations for Christmas. Click here for previous Only In Your State coverage of this museum.
- 2Toots Train Whistle Grill (Glen Ellyn)
Facebook/2Toots Train Whistle Grill Train buffs of all ages will adore this fun eatery. American classics like burgers and fries, hot dogs, chicken strips, and much much more are delivered on tiny trains that roam through the eatery. Click here for previous Only In Your State coverage of this restaurant.
- Rochelle Railroad Park (Rochelle)
Facebook/Rochelle Railroad Park Only real train lovers will actually enjoy this place. The main event is watching trains go by, as this is one of the busiest intersections of rail lines in the states with 80 crossings per day. Click here for previous Only In Your State coverage of this unique park.
- Amboy Illinois Central Depot Museum (Amboy)
Facebook/Amboy Illinois Central Depot Museum Featuring 19 rooms full of train memorabilia and artifacts, this large museum has been around since 1876. It is in a huge brick building distinct for its eight chimneys, and it is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests will get a blast from the past with tours of an old school house, an ancient jail, a steam engine, and a caboose.
- Wheels O’ Time Museum (Dunlap)
Facebook/Wheels O’ Time Museum Offering yet another look into a time long gone, this museum is full of antiques. Trains, airplanes, tools, tractors, fire trucks, clothing, and many more relics can be seen here. There are both indoor and outdoor displays allowing for a whole afternoon of fun on this train-themed trip.
For more train fun, try these five train rides you can take in Illinois for an unforgettable experience.
Google Maps
Facebook/Forest City Queen & Trolley Car 36-Rockford Park District
This historical tour of the Rockford area is a great way to begin the trip. Patrons get to gaze at the riverfront while hearing tales about life when the city was just a settlement. There are also opportunities to see iconic art and sculptures up close.
Facebook/Illinois Railway Museum
This is the largest train museum in America, and it features steam trains, diesels, trolleys, and much more. There are many events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations for Christmas. Click here for previous Only In Your State coverage of this museum.
Facebook/2Toots Train Whistle Grill
Train buffs of all ages will adore this fun eatery. American classics like burgers and fries, hot dogs, chicken strips, and much much more are delivered on tiny trains that roam through the eatery. Click here for previous Only In Your State coverage of this restaurant.
Facebook/Rochelle Railroad Park
Only real train lovers will actually enjoy this place. The main event is watching trains go by, as this is one of the busiest intersections of rail lines in the states with 80 crossings per day. Click here for previous Only In Your State coverage of this unique park.
Facebook/Amboy Illinois Central Depot Museum
Featuring 19 rooms full of train memorabilia and artifacts, this large museum has been around since 1876. It is in a huge brick building distinct for its eight chimneys, and it is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests will get a blast from the past with tours of an old school house, an ancient jail, a steam engine, and a caboose.
Facebook/Wheels O’ Time Museum
Offering yet another look into a time long gone, this museum is full of antiques. Trains, airplanes, tools, tractors, fire trucks, clothing, and many more relics can be seen here. There are both indoor and outdoor displays allowing for a whole afternoon of fun on this train-themed trip.
Have you been to any of the stops on this train-themed trip? Share your favorite train attractions with us!
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