Monticello Railway Museum

Monticello Railway Museum is a railroad museum spread across a large site in Monticello, Illinois, housing over 100 pieces of equipment such as locomotives, passenger cars, and service vehicles. Visitors walk through the grounds to view the extensive collection of trains and rail machinery.

The museum was founded in 1966 as SPUR Inc and eventually acquired five miles of former Illinois Terminal interurban track between Monticello and White Heath. These rails once carried passengers through the heart of central Illinois.

Nelson's Crossing Depot, built in 1919, serves as the hub where visitors buy tickets and browse the gift shop. The station reflects how rail transport once connected small Illinois communities.

The best time to visit is on weekends from May through October, when train rides are available. A typical journey lasts about 50 minutes and takes you through the flat landscape surrounding Monticello.

A special draw is the historic steam locomotive Southern 2-8-0 Number 401, which offers monthly rides during summer months. This engine pulls restored passenger cars through the countryside of Piatt County.

Location: Monticello

Inception: 1966

Official opening: 1966

Elevation above the sea: 206 m

Address: 992 Iron Horse Place, Monticello, IL 61856

Website: https://mrym.org

GPS coordinates: 40.05481,-88.55908

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30