Putting Monticello on the map: Get a behind-the-scenes look into the Railway Museum

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — For many, when they hear “Monticello” their brain goes directly to the Railway Museum . In fact, the museum’s president said one time during a conference in Atlanta, that’s the reason someone had heard of the town!

It brings thousands of people to Piatt County each year and is a pillar for Our Town Monticello. The historic spot is one of the largest railway museums in the area, but originally got it’s start in the 1960s.

“The Chicago Burlington and Quincy railway still had operating steam locomotives that they would use for excursions,” John Sciutto, the museum president, said.

Three Illinois Wesleyan University students were on those trips and it sparked an idea to start their own museum.

Now, it holds a special place in Sciutto’s heart too.

“I remember the pitch that the Wesleyan students made for this museum,” he reflected. “As I got a little older, my dad would bring my brother and me down.”

He is one of the many volunteers keeping it afloat.

“We focus on anything from the 1940s up through the 1960s. That’s pretty much the main pieces of the collection,” Sciutto explained.

He said everything was specifically built for the Railway Museum. The first operating train was in 1971. There were no buildings, tracks or yards on the property yet.

Volunteers built it up and it’s been a non-profit ever since. Now, there are more than 100 pieces of equipment in the collection.

But, perhaps they’re best known for a certain wintertime event .

“Polar Express is our number one event throughout the season,” he said. “Extremely popular is an understatement. We have thousands of folks ride Polar Express every season.”

The money raised then helps in the long run. It helps with restoration and building other structures at the museum.

Watching the grounds grow as a result is something Sciutto will always be proud of.

“It’s become its own destination,” he said. “The first thing when they mention Monticello, they think of the Railway Museum.”

You can find the museum in two locations. The Main Depot is on the north end of town near I-72. The other one is closer to downtown at the Wabash Depot.

For details, including hours and upcoming events, visit the museum’s website .

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