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Rail enthusiasts often lament the bygone golden years of rail travel in the United States; however, you can still hop aboard a train and spend the night in a Caboose in Illinois. If you love the idea of creating a completely train-themed day, a scenic train ride in Illinois is fun. But, adding in an overnight stay makes it even more special. This is undoubtedly one of the best train rides near me, but I’d certainly travel for this fun day, too. It takes some planning, along with a little creativity, but train enthusiasts will love it!

Start your adventure by boarding the Illinois Zephyr or Carl Sandburg Train - both operated by Amtrak - in the charming Mississippi River city of Quincy.
Amtrak Quincy Station, Wismann Lane, Quincy, IL, USA
Raúl Morales/Google
From there, you’ll climb the majestic, forested river bluffs and roll out onto the prairies and valleys of western Illinois.
Brian Lee/Google
You’ll pass through the quaint city of Macomb, home to Western Illinois University.
Dr Mohammad Shamsuddoha/Google
Enjoy views of Chandler Park and the town’s handsome Courthouse Square as you roll in.
From there, the historic town of Galesburg will greet you as you roll north and east across the fields and forests. You can choose to disembark here before making your way to your overnight accommodation in Hanna City. Or you can keep going for one more stop.
James Zaworski/Google
Kewanee is beautiful and worth using as your last stop if you want as much time as possible on the train. Both this station and Galesburg are about the same distance from your next stop.
Seth Arnold/Google

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If you were to continue on, you'd also stop at Plano’s historic depot and then on to Chicago’s Union Station.
Plano, 101 W Main St, Plano, IL 60545, USA
Plano, IL Station, West Main Street, Plano, IL, USA
Jacob Roberts/Google
Once in Plano, you’ll need to arrange transportation to your next destination, which is a mile or so from the depot.
But, to make this a truly train-themed adventure you'll be letting the train go while you get off and arrange for transportation to Wildlife Prairie Park!
Wildlife Prairie Park / Facebook
There's a sightseeing train to ride here, which kids love. But the train fun doesn't end here!
Wildlife Prairie Park / Facebook
There are a few accommodation options here at the park including tent sites, a cabin, converted grain bins, and converted cabooses!
Wildlife Prairie Park / Facebook
The Santa Fe Train Cabooses are perfect for those who love trains. Each one was in actual service and has been updated to feature train decor. And, best of all, you'll find modern comforts such as a mini TV, coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, and even a full bathroom.
Wildlife Prairie Park / Facebook
After you've enjoyed your time at the park, make your way back to the station. You'll come away with tons of train-themed memories from a fun trip.

Spend some time exploring this region of Illinois before continuing on to Chicago or returning to Quincy on the next day’s train. To learn more and start planning your trip, be sure to visit Amtrak’s Illinois Zephyr website. There you’ll find timetables and route information. You can also purchase your tickets this way. Remember, you don’t have to depart from Quincy. You could start from the other direction in Chicago, or begin your journey from any of the other stops along the line. As one of the closest scenic train rides near me, this is a personal favorite and you won’t be disappointed!

The Wildlife Prairie Park Caboose’s can typically be reserved from May through August, but be sure to visit the Wildlife Prairie Park website for rates, availability, and more information. You can also follow Wildlife Prairie Park on Facebook.

Prairie State rail enthusiasts should also be sure to plan a visit to the Illinois Railway Museum – the country’s largest – in Union, which is located between Chicago and Rockford. For more fun exploration ideas, check out Viator.

Have you ridden the Illinois Zephyr or Carl Sandburg Train? What are some other scenic railway trips in the Land of Lincoln? Let us know in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Scenic Train Ride In Illinois

Michelle S. | August 28, 2023

What are the best road trips through Illinois?

The best road trips through Illinois can be found throughout the state. Here are a few you'll certainly want to experience!

  • The Ultimate Illinois Pie Shop Road Trip: Perfect for anyone who loves dessert, this road trip takes travelers from Monticello to Chatham, stopping at nine delicious spots along the way.
  • The Illinois Natural Beauty Road Trip: Over the course of more than six hours, travelers on this beautiful road trip will have the chance to experience seven of the most impressive nature spots in the state.
  • The Illinois Scenic Waterfall Loop: You'll see six of the most gorgeous waterfalls on this 114-mile trip. Each one is lovely so be sure to have your camera ready.

 

Which hidden gems in Illinois should I visit?

You should visit as many hidden gems in Illinois as you possibly can. From restaurants to cultural spots, the state is filled with them!

  • The Sock Monkey Museum, Long Grove: One of the most unique museums in Illinois is also one of the most fun to visit! The doors here opened in 2019, but the sock monkey that inspired it was found in 2006 at a Cracker Barrel restaurant.
  • Dave's Down To Earth Rock Shop, Evanston: This fossil and mineral store has been a mainstay in Evanston dating back to 1970.
  • The Fish House, Peoria: This restaurant has some of the best seafood in the state, but many people are surprised to find that it's not in Chicago.

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