Fox River Trolley Museum
The Fox River Trolley Museum is an educational and fun experience for the whole family. It is located 365 S La Fox St, South Elgin, IL 60177. A visit to this museum will transport you to a different time. You will see antique and restored trolleys. This museum also offers a number of special events. Check this out next.
For instance, the museum has a special photo event in October. There is also a Pumpkin Patch that offers rides on two electric cars. While the name of the Pumpkin Patch does not scream excitement, this museum is actually a fun destination in its own right. They have a small store on site.
One of the more unique aspects of the museum is that it operates over the long-gone Aurora Elgin & Fox River Railroad. Before the line closed in 1972, it was part of the Chicago Aurora & Elgin Railroad. Even though the line closed, it is still used by the museum for a couple of special excursions.
Other than the train rides, the museum is a small collection of dozens of vintage interurban vehicles. Several are in excellent condition. Most of the items in the museum are related to the Chicago area, including an 1887 Soo Line caboose, a 1906 CSL Street Railway Post Office, and several streetcars that originated from Chicago. Learn more.
Fortunately, the museum is still open, and they have a large number of volunteer docents who are happy to tell you about their favorite historic trolleys. To ensure that the museum can keep its doors open, the museum needs more funding. As a result, a second maintenance shed is needed to house more rolling stock. If the museum can find that money, then it can expand its offerings and become a must-see destination in the Chicago area.
Although the Fox River Trolley Museum is relatively small, it is an experience worth taking advantage of. In addition to the museum itself, you can take a ride in an old-time trolley on the Jon Duerr (Blackhawk) Forest Preserve line, which opened in June 2002. Not only is it a new way to enjoy nature, but it also provides a nostalgic trip back to the heyday of electric trolley cars.
The Fox River Trolley Museum may not be as well-known as other local attractions, but it is a fun and informative day out. And a visit will not break the bank. With free parking and a reasonable admission price, the museum is a must-see for anyone with an interest in history and transportation.
The museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts, including one of the oldest operating railroad vehicles in the country. The display also includes one of the largest collections of miniature trains. Seeing a model train is a fun and educational experience. On the museum’s website, you can find a scavenger hunt. That will allow you to see all the major points of interest, and you can purchase the aforementioned model train for a modest fee.