On Saturday September 28th, join us for a unique dining experience on board The Fall Sunset Dinner Train! Experience the bygone days of rail travel with an elegant four-course meal aboard one our restored Illinois Central dining cars. Guests can admire the fall scenery of Central Illinois while enjoying a dinner prepared by Holly's Country Kitchen of Monticello.  This approximately two-hour train ride departs at 5:00 PM from the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello.  

Ride in style as you enjoy one of the following entree options:

• Filet Medallions (Gluten Free)

• Cornish Game Hen

• Pasta Primavera (Gluten Free)

Each entree will be accompanied by a Zuppa Toscano Soup, Caesar Salad, Green Beans, Scalloped Potatoes, Dinner Rolls, and Dessert! Beverages available will be Sweet Tea and Unsweet Tea, Lemonade and Water. All passengers are welcome to dress up for this classy event!

There are two classes of service available for this event:

• Historic Dining Car - Enjoy your meal in the jovial atmosphere of an historic railroad dining car! The ticket price for this exciting event is $80 per passenger.  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.

• Deluxe Private Car - Looking for a unique and intimate dining experience? You can enjoy an exclusive dinner experience aboard Illinois Central Business Car #7! This car features an 8-seat dining table and a 12-seat lounge with a fantastic view out the end of the train. Experience dining on the rails as railroad executives would have back in its heyday. Seating for this car is sold as 8 seats for the price of $875.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are reservations required?

Reservations are required for all dinner trains.

Is the dinner train handicap accessible?

Yes, the dining cars are handicap accessible.  Please email tickets@mrym.org to request handicap seating. 

Are restrooms available on the train?

Restrooms are available on board the train. However, it is recommended that you use the depot restrooms prior to your trip.

Are the cars air conditioned or heated?

Yes, the dining cars are climate controlled.

Are we allowed off the train during the trip?

No, the dinner will take place on board the train ride. Once the end of the line is reached, then the train will begin its return trip to Monticello.

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 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 dinner 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. Dinner train tickets can be picked up at the Wabash depot ticket office 1 hour prior to your scheduled departure.

How long is the train ride?

The dinner train excursions are approximately two hours in length.

What will pull the dinner train?

One of our historic diesel locomotives will pull the train.