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The Illinois Railway Museum will be operating special trains after dark this year on Labor Day Weekend. Saturday and Sunday, August 30th and 31st, steam and diesel trains will remain in operation long past the museum’s normal closing time of 6:00pm and will carry museum visitors until 9:30pm.
Take a Step Back in Time This Labor Day Weekend
The museum's goal is to provide a different, more immersive experience. Riding trains at night is very different than during the day and nighttime operations in previous years have provided a thrilling "time machine" experience to visitors. The museum's restored neon signs will be lit up and visitors will be able to see things not usually encountered during the day, like kerosene lanterns and headlights on all the trains. The Santa Fe sign from Michigan Avenue located at the front of the parking lot will be illuminated as will the recently restored Union Pacific sign from Omaha. There will be many great twilight photo opportunities for photographers.
Nighttime operations are open to all visitors on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The museum will also be operating trains during the day on Labor Day itself, including the steam train and electric streetcars.
Trains and Tunes Concert on Saturday Evening
Kick off Labor Day weekend with an evening of rails and blues! Blues band The Stephen Hull Experience takes the stage at 7:00 PM. Stephen Hull started playing blues at the tender age of 14 and never stopped, taking cues from Albert King and B.B. King as he developed his sweet, soulful guitar sound. Balancing that with his absolutely stellar lead vocals and infectiously buoyant personality, Stephen has been rising fast in the world of blues music.
When he’s not traveling the world, Stephen volunteers his time at the Illinois Railway Museum! This Labor Day weekend he trades his overalls for a guitar and brings his soulful tunes to the rails.
Concert Details
- Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. We encourage you to come early to reserve your spot.
- Pack a picnic dinner or enjoy a meal from our onsite vendors.
- Outside alcohol is allowed at this event.
- Pets are not permitted, with the exception of qualified service animals.
A free fireworks show immediately follows the concert, beginning at approximately 8:30 PM
Lunch and Dinner Meal Service in the Nebraska Zephyr Saturday and Sunday
Saturday and Sunday, August 30th and 31st only, join us for continuous lunch/dinner service in the dining car Ceres aboard the famous Nebraska Zephyr streamliner. The dining car will be open for business between 12:00pm and 7:00pm serving a selection of hot sandwiches as part of an abbreviated three-course meal prepared aboard the train. Trips are scheduled hourly and seating is on a first come, first served basis.
The menu offers either a ribeye steak sandwich ($29) or grilled chicken sandwich ($28), both with choice of sauce (Alabama white, garlic aioli, or BBQ, all homemade aboard the train) and both with fruit cup, potato salad, pickle spear, beverage, and dessert included. For children 12 and under there is a hot dog ($15) served with potato chips, fruit cup, pickle spear, beverage, and dessert. Cash and credit cards are accepted aboard the train. Don't miss this opportunity for an unforgettable dining car experience!
