Tucked away in one of Chicago’s western suburbs is the Fox River Trolley Museum. Incorporated in 1961 as R.E.L.I.C. it opened in 1966 and became the Fox River Trolley Museum in 1984. The museum maintains a collection of 30 antique electric trolleys, railroad cars and locomotives which range in construction dates from 1887 to 1959.
Choices
The museum operates 4 miles of track along the Fox River to the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve. It is the last remaining segment of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin electric line. Visitors can board at the Castlemuir depot on the museum grounds at the north end of the line in South Elgin, or at Blackhawk Station, at the south end of the line, adjacent to the picnic grove of the Duerr Forest Preserve. A variety of trolleys run, including Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Car No. 20, built in 1902, and car No. 304, one of the last cars to run on the Aurora, Elgin & Fox River electric line in 1935.
When to go
The museum is open Sundays, May through October, Saturdays, July through Labor Day, and summer holidays. Bunny trains run in April, caboose and cab rides are offered in September, Ghost Story trains in October, and Polar Express trips in late November and December.
Good to know
The Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve offers woodlands for hiking and bird watching, a shoreline for lounging and picnicking, and the Fox River itself for boating and fishing. A large wood-carved statue of Black Hawk, a Sauk leader and namesake for the Black Hawk War of 1832, is situated at the preserve’s entrance. Heading south on the Riverbend Bike Trail will lead you to an eight-foot-high natural waterfall.
Worth doing
For a unique look at the trolleys in action hike or bike along the Fox River Bike Trail, which parallels the line and crosses the river on a bridge built on old railway piers and abutments.
Don’t miss
If the carbarn doors are open, sneak a peek at the cars inside. Cars from the Chicago Transit Authority, North Shore Line, and San Francisco Municipal Railway are among those in the collection.
Getting there
Located 40 miles west of Chicago. Take Interstate 90 or U.S. Route 20 west to Elgin. Exit on Illinois 31 (State Street which becomes La Fox Street). Go south 2 miles to the museum.
Location: 365 South LaFox Street, South Elgin, IL
Phone: 847-697-4676
Website: foxtrolley.org
E-mail: info@foxtrolley.org
