Watch The Illinois Countryside Whirl By On This Unforgettable Christmas Train
By Benjamin Clancy|Published November 14, 2020
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Benjamin Clancy
Author
Benjamin Clancy is the Illinois and Indiana writer at Only In Your State, a doctoral candidate at UNC Chapel Hill in Communication, and an artistic type who has attended the Vermont Studio Center residency in poetry writing and makes something like music as "little other." They grew up in Austin, Texas and currently live in Chicago, IL with their partner, two dogs, and a cat. Get in touch by emailing bclancy@onlyinyourstate.com.
Christmastime is just around the corner and that means it’s time for frosty family fun. No engine powers the holiday spirit like a train ride through the Illinois countryside. Head to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union and climb aboard the Happy Holiday Railroad for an adventure that will light up your season.
The Illinois Railroad Museum is located at 7000 Olson Rd, Union, IL 60180.
The Illinois Railroad is dedicated to treating visitors to a cheery, antique train experience. The Happy Holiday Railroad takes you on a ride that will make you associate pistons with presents for years to come.
While there are plenty of locomotives to love at the Illinois Railways Museum, the Happy Holidays Railroad is actually a vintage streetcar that comfortably houses the whole family.
This train tour takes you through the railway's sprawling grounds in Union. When the trees and fields have made them into a winter wonderland, this becomes a must-visit holiday destination.
That doesn't mean you'll be denied the opportunity to see holly trains, though. After your ride, explore the museum to see old engines all dressed up for the holidays. You can't hang them by the chimney, but they are decorated with care.
It's not just the trains that dress up either; the grounds at the Illinois Railroad museum sparkle with seasonal lights, strung perfectly to give you and your family a real sense of winter wonder during your ride.
And, of course, no winter season can really be sensational without a visit from Santa. In addition to carols and cookies, your kids can have a merry meeting with old Saint Nick himself.
Train your eyes on a spectacular snowy season, and let the Illinois Railway Museum get on the right track for a snowy holiday. With fun for everyone, this is one family Christmas excursion that won’t go off the rails. You can book tickets and learn more at the Illinois Railway Museum’s website.
What are the engines you can’t pass up during the Christmas season? What train whistle makes you motor aboard for holiday mirth? We love hearing your tips and seeing your photos. Get in touch!
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