Rent A Train

The Monticello Railway Museum offers the opportunity for interested parties to rent a train for special events. Our trains have been rented for weddings, birthday parties, filming music videos, and many other activities all throughout the year, even when the museum is closed to the public. There are two options available to rent your train, a party car package or build your own train option. Information on the two types of train rentals are included below. For regularly scheduled trains, visit our events page. Events are subject to date and equipment availability.

Party Car Package

Create a memorable experience by reserving an entire authentic railroad passenger coach for your own event on board our regularly scheduled weekend trains.  Ride one of our diesel weekend excursion trains and celebrate at 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays during the operating season.  Decorate the coach in a theme perfect for your party, bring food and dessert and open presents while on the Party Car Package. For dates the party car package is available, visit our schedules page. This package is wheelchair accessible and pricing for this package is $400.

Party Car Package includes:

  • 1 hour train excursion

  • 40 tickets for the train ride

  • Exclusive access to Illinois Central combine #892

Types of events on the Party Car Package:

  • Birthdays

  • Anniversaries

  • Retirements

  • Reunions

Please note that schedules, fares and equipment are subject to change at the Museum's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are reservations required?

Reservations are required for the Party Car Package. 

 Can I decorate the Party Car Package?

Yes, but please do not use tape, nails or anything that will cause damage to the woodwork, seats, windows, etc. on our historic equipment.

 When can I decorate the car?

You will have access to the Party Car 15 minutes before your scheduled departure and 15 minutes after your arrival back to Nelson’s Crossing.

 Is the train handicap accessible?

Yes, the train is handicap accessible. Please email tickets@mrym.org to request handicap accommodations.

 When should we arrive at the depot?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

I reserved tickets online, where do I pick them up?

Tickets can be picked up at the Nelson’s Crossing depot.

 Are we allowed off the train during the trip?

Yes. The train will make a stop at the Wabash depot in Monticello. 

 Are restrooms available on the train?

No. It is recommended that you use the depot restrooms prior to your trip. Restrooms are also available at the Wabash depot.

 Is the Party Car air conditioned or heated?

The car has adjustable windows, which means the windows are raised to allow air flow.

 How long is the train ride?

The excursion is approximately one hour in length.

Build Your Own Train PACKAGE

If your party is interested in an exclusive experience, you can build your own train at a time and date of your choosing, complete with your choice of our historic railroad equipment. Example charter rates are included below for a round trip, 60-minute train ride.

Please note that prices vary based on equipment availability, schedules, weekends, and special events. Please contact the museum using the form below to finalize pricing. Equipment is subject to availability and subject to change at the discretion of the museum.

Some of the equipment available for rent is included below:

Open Window Coaches:

Air Conditioned Coaches:

Dining Cars:

Private Car:

If you are interested in Building Your Own Train for your special event, please fill out the form below and our volunteers will be in touch with you.