There's a North Pole train ride near Chicago that will take you on a magical journey you'll never forget. For just a few days, a fun and fantastic farm offers holiday-themed train rides that children of all ages love. This is a Christmas tradition for locals far and wide. You'll want to check out this attraction before it's too late! Keep scrolling for details about when and where to get aboard this holiday train.
Situated in the west suburb of Aurora, Blackberry Farm is a living history museum that features five different exhibits and collections from the mid-1800s through 1910.
In addition to Victorian artifacts, guests also enjoy an old-fashioned ride on a restored miniature train.
For just a few days (weekends between December 8 and December 17, 2017) though, this ancient ride transforms into the Holiday Express.
On Fridays the train runs from 5 to 8 pm, while rides for Saturdays and Sundays take place from 2 to 6 pm.
This is a holiday event that won't break the bank as tickets are only $5 per person. Children under the age of two may ride for free though.
All other rides and activities at the farm are included in the price of the ticket.
This North Pole train ride takes guests past Lake Gregory and around Blackberry Farm on an epic 3.5-mile journey of holiday lights and Christmas music.
There are lights throughout the entire grounds, and the farm's website suggests that you arrive after 4:30 pm. to see them. Other activities include storytelling, hay wagon rides, a reindeer food bar, visits with Santa, and Candy Cane Village, a holiday version of the farm's Adventure Playground.
Outside of the holidays, this incredible collection of history is also an arboretum with more than 200 varieties of trees. The old settlement contains a music shop, pharmacy, general store, photography shop, and toy store. The museum also features demonstrations for sewing, blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery as well as reenactments of day-to-day life in the 1800s. Young guests also enjoy the carousel, paddle boats, and ponies.
It is estimated to take about an hour and a half to fully engage with all the activities here.
Stay fueled up with concessions like hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and cupcakes as well as hot cocoa, coffee, and soda.
It is highly recommend that guests purchase tickets ahead of time, though they will be available at the door (if there is space).
At the time of this writing, December 9-10, 2017 are already sold out, so now is the time to buy if you want to enjoy Chicagoland's best north pole train ride.
Climb aboard this train at Blackberry Farm which is located at 100 S Barnes Road in Aurora, and you can purchase tickets and find more information on its website or Facebook page.
For more holiday fun in and around the city, check out these eight wonderful Christmas markets in Chicago.
Have you ever been on this North Pole train ride? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!
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