Experience THE GOLDEN ERA OF RAIL TRAVEL BY RIDING BEHIND OUR 1907 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE

No. 401 will be operating on the weekends of May 24-25, June 21-22, July 19-20, August 16-17, and October 4-5 in 2025. It will also be featured at our Railroad Days event on September 20-21.

Ticket prices are increased when No. 401 is pulling the train, as steam costs much more to operate than diesel. On an average day, No. 401 goes through about 300 gallons of oil and 5,000 gallons of water — it has a big appetite!

No. 401 is one of just four operating steam locomotives in the state of Illinois, and one of less than 200 still operating in the United States. At 116 years old, No. 401 has been thoroughly restored by our volunteers and runs just as good as it did when it was first built. For more information on No. 401, click here.

2024 Steam Weekend Schedule (Except Sept 20-21)

Saturday and Sunday Departures

Museum Site Monticello

11:00 AM 11:30 AM

12:30 PM 1:00 PM

2:00 PM *2:30 PM

* no return trip to downtown

Fares For Steam Trains

Fares are sold as round trips. Fares may differ for Railroad Days Sept 20-21

Adults: $20.00

Seniors (62 and older): $15.00

Children (2 through 12): $10.00

Children (under 2): Free (with adult fare)

Normal fares apply unless otherwise specified. Please note that schedules, fares and equipment are subject to change at the museum's discretion.

Because of a larger crew needed to run steam trains and limited space in the cab, we do not offer cab rides on No. 401.