On August 4, 2024, the 33rd Annual Vintage Transport Extravaganza will be held at the Illinois Railway Museum. The event brings together the "other" popular modes of transportation - cars, trucks, buses and more - on the campus of the nation's largest operating railway museum. It is one of the largest antique vehicle shows in the entire state of Illinois and among the most popular events at the museum.
In addition to some 500 antique vehicles that will be on display, the museum will be operating a variety of special equipment the day of the event. Frisco 2-10-0 1630 will be in operation and historic electric trains from the Chicago Aurora & Elgin and Chicago Transit Authority. Streetcars including 1906 "Matchbox" 1374, "Green Hornet" 4391, and Chicago Transit Authority 3142 will carry passengers on the streetcar line.
Antique cars from Model T Fords all the way up to 1990s sports cars will be on display alongside historic motor buses, trucks, electric trolley buses, and military and other vehicles.
Participate in the Vintage Transport Extravaganza
The show is open to all vehicles from 2003 and older. For more information on attending or bringing a vehicle to the event, register your vehicle online or download the PDF of the registration form. Call the museum office at 815-923-4391 with any questions.
Hours / Admission / Operating Schedule Information:
Electric trains, diesel trains and steam trains will be operating. Trains depart from the East Union Depot every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Streetcar service is continuous between 11:00am and 4:00pm.
Museum Hours:
10:00AM to 6:00PM (Last admissions 4:00PM)
Admission Rates:
Adults $20.00, Seniors and Youths $18.00, Children $16.00
Equipment Scheduled to Operate:
- Frisco 1630 and the Steam Coach Train ♿
- Chicago & North Western 411 and the Bi-Level Train
- Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 714 and 749
- Chicago Aurora & Elgin 308, 309, and 319
- Chicago Transit Authority 4290 and 4412 ♿
- Chicago Surface Lines 1374
- Chicago Transit Authority 4391
All equipment, schedules and prices subject to change without notice.
Parking lot opens 30 minutes before museum and closes 30 minutes after.
♿ = this train is wheelchair-accessible
