South Elgin, IL
Fox River Trolley Museum
4.6· 333 Google reviews
Trip at a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-23- TypeHistoric electric railway museum operating a two-mile Fox River trolley ride
- LocationSouth Elgin, IL
- Rating4.6 ★333 Google reviews
- UpcomingSat, Sep 26
- Tickets & faresAdults $10; ages 3-11 $5; ages 0-2 free; ages 65+ $8
- AccessibilityPartially accessible; at least one ramped platform at each end, but historic-car access varies; call ahead
About Fox River Trolley Museum
Fox River Trolley Museum operates historic electric railway cars over about two miles of surviving Fox River Line right-of-way between Castlemuir in South Elgin and Blackhawk Station in Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve. A typical round trip takes 30–45 minutes, including a 5–10-minute Blackhawk stop, and trains usually run about every 45 minutes on regular operating days. The museum's 2026 season adds Saturday operation for the first time across the full season and includes regular weekends and holidays through October 25 plus separately reserved Ghost Story and Santa trains.
Plan a Fox River Trolley Museum Visit
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies, rail enthusiasts, and first-time visitors
Regular historic trolley ride
Ride about two miles from Castlemuir to Blackhawk and back, with river views and onboard interpretation.
Visitors building an outdoor rail day
Blackhawk stop
Use the all-day ticket to leave the trolley for a picnic or short preserve visit, then catch a later train.
Families planning an October evening
Ghost Story Train
Reserve a family-friendly evening departure on October 10, 17, or 24 from Castlemuir.
Holiday visitors with timed tickets
Santa's Trolley Express
Reserve one of the published November-December departures and board at Blackhawk, not the main museum.
Upcoming Events
Official schedule information
2026 special-event calendar
Schedule information was checked against the linked official source. Dates, availability, and operating conditions can change. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree gravel lot with one disabled space near the main walkway
- AccessibilityPartially accessible; at least one ramped platform at each end, but historic-car access varies; call ahead
- RestroomsPortable toilets at Castlemuir; camp-style restrooms at Blackhawk; no restroom onboard
- Regular SeasonSaturdays, Sundays, and listed holidays through October 25, 2026
- Regular Hours11 a.m.-5 p.m.; last train leaves or reaches Blackhawk around 4-4:15 p.m.
- RideAbout two miles and 30-45 minutes round trip with a 5-10 minute Blackhawk stop
- FrequencyTypically about every 45 minutes; the cars operating that day vary
- AdmissionAdults $10; ages 3-11 $5; ages 0-2 free; ages 65+ $8
- Service DiscountFirst responders, active military, and veterans $8
- Group Discount20% off regular admission for 20+ people in one transaction
- Ticket UseRegular admission is sold at Castlemuir and is good all day
- FoodWater, soda, and ice cream treats; no onsite cafe
- Special BoardingGhost Story boards at Castlemuir; Santa's Trolley Express boards at Blackhawk in the preserve
- TimezoneAll published times are local Central Time
Find the Depot
The Trains
The operating collection includes historic interurban, elevated, and trolley cars; a typical day uses two trains and the specific cars vary. The museum highlights Aurora, Elgin and Fox River Electric car 304 from 1924 and wooden car 20 from 1902, described as the oldest operating interurban car in North America. A few fall days can add a caboose hauled by a freight locomotive, but no particular vehicle or consist is promised for a regular ticket.
History
Passenger operation began on the Fox River Line.
The interurban passenger service between Aurora and Elgin ended.
The Railway Investment Club formed to preserve CA&E equipment.
The preservation group incorporated as RELIC.
The RELIC Trolley Museum opened public rides on July 4.
See full history
The Fox River Line began passenger operation in 1896 and eventually formed part of a roughly 40-mile interurban and streetcar system. Passenger service on the surviving corridor ended in 1935, while a 3.5-mile segment continued as a freight railroad serving the state hospital. Preservationists organized in 1959, incorporated RELIC in 1961, acquired cars and property, and opened public museum rides on July 4, 1966.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the regular trolley run?
The published 2026 season runs Saturdays, Sundays, and listed holidays through October 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with the last train around 4-4:15 p.m.
How long is the ride?
The roughly two-mile round trip normally takes 30-45 minutes and includes a 5-10-minute stop at Blackhawk.
How much is regular admission?
Adults are $10, ages 3-11 are $5, ages 0-2 are free, and seniors 65+ are $8. Regular tickets are good all day.
Is the trolley wheelchair accessible?
Access varies by historic car. At least one platform at each end has a ramp, but doors, steps, and gaps can limit some cars. Call 847-697-4676 ahead.
Where do regular rides board?
Buy tickets and board at Castlemuir, 365 S LaFox Street. Passengers starting at Blackhawk must still buy tickets at the depot before returning.
Can I get off at the forest preserve?
Yes on regular operating days. The museum encourages a hike or picnic and a later return, but keep the train cadence and last departure in view.
Where do special trains board?
Ghost Story Train boards at Castlemuir. Santa's Trolley Express boards at Blackhawk Station in Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve.
Are restrooms onboard?
No. The museum lists portable toilets at Castlemuir and camp-style restrooms near Blackhawk.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official museum home page for live current highlights and contact
- Official visit page for 2026 season, hours, fares, tickets, address, and directions
- Official museum experience page for route, duration, cadence, accessibility, facilities, and Blackhawk stop
- Official 2026 calendar page and downloadable calendar
- Official museum history for line and organization milestones
- Official Ghost Story Train page for dates, times, boarding, and ticket limits
- Official Santa's Trolley Express page for dates, times, prices, policies, and boarding
