South Elgin, IL
At a Glance
- TypeRailroad museum
- LocationSouth Elgin, IL
- Rating4.6 ★333 Google reviews
About Fox River Trolley Museum
A vintage trolley traverses the former Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric Railway, gliding along the Fox River’s banks for 3.7 miles between South Elgin and the Castlemuir terminus. The ride threads through the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, offering river‑side vistas and historic flagstops such as Woodcliff. Operated by volunteers, the heritage line runs each weekend from May through October, delivering a fully restored electric‑car experience within Illinois’s scenic river corridor.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Fox River Trolley Museum. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree lot
- AccessibilityAccessible parking
- Good ForFamilies
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: ClosedSaturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s collection includes 30 historic electric trolleys, cars and locomotives built between 1887 and 1973, among them Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad interurban car #20 (1902), the Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric Co. car #304 (1923), and the former Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric diesel switcher #5, a 45‑ton General Electric unit acquired in 1946. Since 2003 the museum operates a heritage line that runs 1.9 miles (approximately 3.0 km) along the Fox River between the Castlemuir yard in South Elgin and the Blackhawk station inside the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, with a flagstop at Woodcliff.
History
See full history
The Fox River Trolley Museum originates in 1961 when the Railway Equipment Leasing and Investment Company (RELIC) is founded on a small parcel of land in South Elgin, Illinois. It opens to the public in 1966 under the name RELIC Trolley Museum, and in 1973 the museum purchases the remaining 3.5 mi of the Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric line from owner Bob DeYoung after freight service ends. The institution adopts its current name in 1984 and, in 2003, extends its heritage railroad into the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, creating one of the few railroads that operates within a forest preserve. A major vandalism incident occurs on July 8 2018, prompting extensive repairs funded by public donations. In early November 2024 the museum announces a 50‑foot expansion of its 1984 car barn, slated for completion on September 27 2025.
Around the Depot
Illinois's Fox River Trolley Museum is close to the Batavia Historical Society Depot Museum about 10 mi off and the Illinois Railway Museum roughly 20 mi away.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities near South Elgin
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fox River Trolley Museum located?
Fox River Trolley Museum is located in South Elgin, IL.
How do I get tickets to Fox River Trolley Museum?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://www.foxtrolley.org/.