Have a one-track mind Saturday the 7th of September 2024 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 for this Scout-special day at IRM. Discounted admission is offered to scouting families through early registration at the link above using code SCOUTDAY24 at checkout. 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 10:00 AM (gates open at 9:30 AM). Scouts and their families can tour the various train display barns, and ride unlimited trains throughout the day. Group tours will begin at the flagpole beginning at 10:30 AM and again at 1:00 PM.
Railroading Merit Badge for Boy Scouts
BSA Scouts holding pre-approved Railroading merit badge blue cards and in Class A uniform may participate in a merit badge course beginning after the morning flag ceremony. Merit badge earning 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, in addition to completing a ride on the mainline train. A group presentation to discuss 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 requirements and sign off blue cards.
Scouts participating in the merit badge challenge course should expect to spend a full day at the museum (beginning with the 10:00 AM flag ceremony until approximately 4:00 PM) to ensure all requirements are met and to give ample time to complete all documentation. Scouts may bring a sack lunch or money for food purchases at the IRM Central Diner.
Click here for Merit Badge requirements.
Non-Merit Badge Earning Scouts may participate in group tours and/or train rides at any time that they are operating.
Agenda for Scout Day Events
9:30 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gates Open – Purchase tickets at Schroeder Mercantile Store (if needed) & check-in with Scout Day leaders at Central Pavilion
10:00 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Welcome and Flag Ceremony at the East Union Depot flagpole
10:15 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Merit Badge Challenge Course Patrol Formation and Instruction
10:30 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Optional Group Tour – Begins at flagpole
10:45 AM – 2:30 PMÂ Â Â Merit Badge Challenge Course – Lunch on your own, picnic or Central Diner
1:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Optional Group Tour – Begins at flagpole
2:30 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Operation Lifesaver Presentation at Central Pavilion – mandatory for Merit BadgeÂ
3:30 – 4:30 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Complete Merit Badge Requirements at Central Pavilion
5:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Museum Closes
Hours / Admission
Electric and steam or diesel trains will be operating. Trains depart from the East Union Depot at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm. Streetcar service is continuous between 11:00am and 4:00pm.
Museum Hours
10:00AM to 6:00PM (Last admissions 4:00PM)
Gates open at 9:30 AM for Scout Day
Admission Rates
Scouting families who pre-purchase tickets at the above link receive discounted admission:
Adults $17.00, Seniors and Youths $15.00, Children $13.00
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:
- Frisco 1630 and Steam Coach Train ♿
- Chicago Burlington & Quincy 504 and Diesel 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