Illinois Railway Museum

9 Best Train Museums to Visit in the U.S.

"Located just off Interstate 90 about 45 minutes west of O'Hare, this self-proclaimed largest railway museum in the country offers the chance to ride behind a steam locomotive, interurban cars, or the original Nebraska Zephyr; depending on the day, I would plan for one of those special rides. The collection spans steam, electric, and diesel locomotives as well as streetcars and interurbans, with highlights like the Electroliner, a Union Pacific turbine locomotive, and an operating Shay steam locomotive." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines