THE SUNSET STREAMLINER

Climb aboard the Sunset Streamliner on July 13, 2024 for a trip back in time to postwar America. Our 1953-built Wabash diesel locomotive No. 1189 is set to pull a train of our vintage passenger cars through the beautiful Illinois countryside during the twilight hours. Experience the excitement and romance of passenger rail travel from the 1950’s - dressing up in period attire is encouraged!

The train will depart our Nelson Crossing depot at 7:30 PM and take passengers on a 90-minute ride over our historic Illinois Central Railroad line through rural Piatt County as the sun slowly sets below the horizon. Four different classes of seating will be offered during this event:

Dining Car

Enjoy your train ride along with a meal on board one of our two restored dining cars from the late 1940s. Passengers may choose from a selection of boxed meal options: club sandwich or monster BLT; choice of broccoli salad or bacon ranch potato salad; cookie and drink.

Please note that due to capacity constraints of the dining cars, parties of less than four may be seated onboard with passengers not necessarily from their party. If multiple members of a party desire to sit together, all tickets must be purchased in the same order. Tickets for this class are $40 per passenger.

Coach

Relax in one of the reclining seats on board Illinois Central No. 2920, a 1925-built Pullman coach car that used to travel across the Illinois Central’s vast network of passenger train routes. Tickets for this class are $15 per passenger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are reservations required?
Reservations are required for the Sunset Streamliner.

Should I dress up for the event?
Passengers are encouraged, but not required, to dress up in 1940s or 1950s style clothing to enhance the historic atmosphere of the event.

Is the train handicap accessible?
Yes, the passenger cars are handicap accessible. Please email tickets@mrym.org to request handicap seating. The locomotive is not handicap accessible; cab ride passengers must be able to climb up to the cab of the locomotive.

Are we allowed off the train during the trip?
Yes. The Sunset Streamliner will make a stop at the Wabash depot in downtown Monticello.

Are restrooms available on the train?
Restrooms are available on the train, however, it is recommended that you use the restrooms at the depot before your trip.

Are boxed dinners included in cab ride tickets?
No, boxed dinners are not included for those riding in the cab of the locomotive.

Are the cars air conditioned or heated?
Yes, the cars are climate controlled.

Is seating assigned?
The dinner trains utilize assigned seating.  Please email tickets@mrym.org if you would like to be seated with a specific party.  Requests to be seated with a specific party must be made no later than one week prior to your scheduled trip.

Do I have to be seated with another party?
Due to capacity constraints of the dining cars, parties of less than four may be seated onboard with passengers not necessarily from their party.

What if inclement weather is predicted?
The train will operate rain, snow, or shine. However, if the Illinois State Police close the highways due to weather conditions, we will issue refunds.

Will my tickets be mailed?
No. Tickets will be available in at our Nelson Crossing depot one hour before your scheduled departure.

How long is the train ride?
The train excursion is approximately 90 minutes in length.

What locomotive will be used on the Sunset Streamliner?
Historic diesel locomotive No. 1189 is scheduled to pull the train.

***Equipment is subject to change at the discretion of the museum.***