1. Fox River Trolley Museum Polar Express
2. Fox River Trolley Museum Roster

I visited Illinois couple of weeks ago.

The Fox River Trolley Museum is an IRS 501(c)(3) Illinois Not for Profit Corporation. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software.

Come ride with us at the Fox River Trolley Museum, a nostalgic trip back to an era when the electric trolley car was a vital part of American life. Experience education through demonstration the sights and sounds of this unique part of American history aboard a genuine old-time trolley car. Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin, Illinois. 2,185 likes 6 talking about this 553 were here. A page for our members and guests to check in and find out the latest information on events. Fox Valley Trolley Museum is such a walk back in time. A low key experience. Great for young and old. We brought our grandma who is 100. She's lived in the fox valley her whole life and used to ride the trolley. The conductor's give a little history presentation as you ride the.

I had driven across Fox River during my previous visits, and found the Chicago Great Western Railway bridge in St. Charles. I did research, and found that trains no longer ran on that span, so I did map research, convinced that other railroads HAVE TO cross the Fox River somewhere else. Well, no duh! :-)
I stumbled across the Fox River Trolley Museum during that research, then found an active railroad bridge nearby, ex-Illinois Central, Canadian National Freeport Sub bridge. CN Dubuque Sub connects to the Freeport Sub further west, and I caught trains along the line last year, when I visited Galena, Dubuque, and the Tri-State area along the Mississippi River.
Once I secured a COVID-discounted redeye flight from SFO to ORD (Chicago O'Hare), I rented a car and headed west to the Fox River Trolley Museum. FYI, I decided not to do a tempting public transit trip this time, to reduce my exposure to the virus.
After a very informative tour of the museum by a dedicated staff member, I hopped on the first excursion at 11 am, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery along Fox River. On the return trip, I got dumb luck, as I stumbled upon an eastbound CN unit train of covered hoppers crossing the Fox River. While I can't prove that the train was led by a pair of KCS Southern Belles since I was too late to record it on photo or video, that's what I saw.
Here's a video of the museum equipment being operated on an October Sunday. I rode on the North Shore Line #715, then I walked along the Fox River Trail to document that and CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) #43 and #45.
First two clips capture #715, #45 and #43 as I walk north on the trail toward the CN bridge. Next two clips catch those trolleys on the return trip back to the museum, right where I was waiting for the next CN train.
Fifth clip shows the eastbound CN crossing the Fox River as I'm riding #715 back to the museum. After returning, I get a clip of #715 returning on its second trip, with some of museum equipment in the background, including an ex-SF MUNI PCC.
- Museum staff enforced social distancing and mask wearing inside #715.
- Tail end of the CN eastbound across Fox River.
- Video of museum trolleys running around.

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Where are we going?

Fox River Trolley Museum
365 S La Fox St
South Elgin
IL 60177
USA

What is there to do?

The Fox River Trolley Museum is a great place for the whole family - EDUCATION THROUGH DEMONSTRATION and FUN! There are now two destinations - The Jon Duerr (Blackhawk) Forest Preserve and Castlemuir in South Elgin. The Jon Duerr (Blackhawk) Forest Preserve line opened in June 2002 is a new way to observe and enjoy nature as well as offering a nostalgic trip back to an era when electric trolley cars were part of everyday life.

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