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Museum Showcase Weekend is your opportunity to see and ride some of the less frequently run equipment at IRM as we honor the volunteers who make the museum work. There will be great photo opportunities too! On Saturday, trains will run into the evening past sunset. SPECIAL FOR 2023: In honor of the Museum's 70th anniversary, the IRM will remain open and trains will run all night! This is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience late night and early morning rides and photo opportunities.

Attractions planned during Showcase Weekend include operation of many less commonly seen items of diesel and electric equipment. Memberships good through 2024 will go on sale on the 16th.

Showcase Weekend Attractions

Trains will be in passenger service on the main line as will a number of streetcars on the loop. In addition:

• There will be demonstrations of mail collection / delivery from the RPO car
• A demonstration freight train will operate
• Limited rides will be available on some of the less commonly seen equipment
• Additional equipment operating to provide photographic opportunities
• Some rarely seen items staged for photography

Before you visit, even if you have been a regular visitor in the past, please take the time to review the procedures and policies listed at this link.

Hours / Admission / Operating Schedule Information:

Electric trains and Diesel or Steam trains will be operating.

Equipment Scheduled to Operate on Saturday, September 16th (Daytime):

• Frisco 1630 and the Steam Coach Train
• Shay 5 and Steam Caboose Train
• Chicago Burlington & Quincy 9911A and the Nebraska Zephyr
• Chicago Aurora & Elgin 309 and 319
• Chicago Surface Lines 1374
• Chicago Transit Authority 4391

Equipment Scheduled to Operate on Saturday, September 16th (Evening and Overnight):

• Frisco 1630 (before midnight) / Diesel TBD (after midnight) and the Coach Train 
• Chicago Burlington & Quincy 9911A and the Nebraska Zephyr
• Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 714 and 749 (before midnight)
• Chicago Aurora & Elgin 409 and 431 (after midnight)
• Illinois Terminal 101 (before midnight)
• Chicago Transit Authority 3142

Equipment Scheduled to Operate on Sunday, September 17th:

• Frisco 1630 and the Steam Coach Train 
• Shay 5 and Steam Caboose Train
• Chicago Burlington & Quincy 9911A and the Nebraska Zephyr
• Illinois Terminal 277, 518, and 234 
• Chicago Aurora & Elgin 409 and 431
• Chicago Transit Authority 4391

Daily Admission Rates:
Adults $18, Senior $16, Children $14

Museum Hours:
On Saturday, trains operate every 30 minutes from 11:00am to 8:30pm or more often as needed, with a pause of approximately two hours at dinnertime.
Overnight and then on Sunday, trains operate every hour to 5:00pm or more often as needed.
The Museum grounds open at 10:00am and close one hour after the last train departure.
The parking lot opens at 9:30am and closes 30 minutes after the grounds close.

All equipment, schedules and prices subject to change without notice.

 = this train is wheelchair-accessible