Have a one-track mind Saturday the 6th of September, 2025, as we ride the trains of yesteryear while learning about rail safety and the trains of the past and present. Boy and Girl Scouts of all groups are invited to wear their uniforms and can gain discounted admission through early registration at the link above. Tickets purchased on-site are offered at the general admission rate.
An opening flag ceremony, welcome, and safety briefing will take place near IRM's East Union Depot (weather permitting) at 10:00am (gates open at 9:30am). Scouts and their families can tour the various train display buildings and ride unlimited trains throughout the day. Group tours will assemble at the flagpole beginning at 11:30am and again at 1:30pm.
Railroading Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
BSA Scouts holding pre-approved Railroading merit badge blue cards and in Class A uniform can participate in a merit badge course beginning after the flag ceremony. Scouts will form patrols and select a leader and a scribe. Patrols will be given a challenge course to complete by mid-afternoon, which consists of visiting a number of stations located throughout the Museum to learn/demonstrate merit badge requirements and must also complete a mainline train ride. A group presentation on railroad safety will be given by Operation Lifesaver volunteers and railroad professionals will be available to discuss railroading and answer questions. In the late afternoon, merit badge counselors will interview patrols to verify completion of challenge course documentation and sign off blue cards.
Scouts participating in the merit badge challenge course should expect to spend a full day at the museum (from 10:00am ceremony until about 4:00pm) to ensure all requirements are met and give ample time to complete all documentation. Scouts may bring a sack lunch or money for food purchase at the diner.
Scouts not participating in the merit badge course can participate in group tours and/or ride trains at any time that they are operating.
Click here to download the Railroading Merit Badge pamphlet (PDF)
Agenda for Scout Day Events
9:30am              Gates open; check tickets/purchase at Schroeder Store
10:00am             Patrol formation, opening welcome, safety briefing (at the flagpole by the East Union Depot)
10:30am             Operation Lifesaver presentation (Central Pavilion - mandatory for Merit Badge
11:15am             Merit Badge Challenge Course patrol formation and instruction
11:45am - 3:30pm    Merit Badge Challenge Course (patrol lunches on your own, either picnic or in the diner)
1:30pm              Optional group tour (non-merit badge, begins at flagpole)
3:30 - 5:00pm        Review and approval with Merit Badge counselor (Central Pavilion)
5:00pm              Museum closes
Hours / Admission
Electric and steam or diesel trains will be operating.
Museum Hours
10:00am to 5:00pm (last train 4:00pm)
Gates open at 9:30am for Scout Day
Admission Rates
Scouting families who pre-purchase tickets at the link (coming soon) receive discounted admission:
Adults $19.00, Youths $17.00, Children $15.00
Families purchasing tickets on-site do so at the standard admission price:
Adults $20.00, Seniors and Youths $18.00, Children $16.00
Equipment Scheduled to Operate:
- Diesel TBA and the Diesel Coach Train ♿
- J. Neils Lumber 5 and the Steam Caboose Train
- Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 714 and 749
- Chicago Aurora & Elgin 431 and 460
- Chicago Transit Authority 3142
All equipment, schedules and prices subject to change without notice.
♿ = this train is wheelchair-accessible