Trick-or-treat transportation delights trolley museum
This fall, the Fox Valley Trolley Museum in South Elgin will bring not one, but three Halloween events to delight the ghoul in all of us.
Pumpkin Trolley
The trolley operates Saturday and Sunday and Oct. 20-21.
Visitors can take a ride through the hills along the Fox River and into Kane County's Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve aboard one of the museum's historic trolleys to the Pumpkin Patch at Coleman Yard.
Pumpkins are $1 each in addition to regular fares.
"We have parents each year who wait to get one of their pumpkins with their children at the Coleman Yard Pumpkin Patch," said Bob Bresse-Rodenkirk of the Fox Valley Trolley Museum.
Passengers can board at both ends of the line for all trips. Trains leave the northerly Castlemuir terminal on Route 31 in South Elgin, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Trains return from Blackhawk station in the Jon Duerr Forest Preserve on Route 31 in St. Charles Township from about 11:15 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.
Haunted Trolley: The Haunted Trolley has been a staple at the museum for years. On Oct. 27 and 28, Halloween revelers can take a spooky ride on a haunted trolley along the Fox River.
Kids who come in costume will get a candy treat.
"In fact, all visitors are encouraged to come in costume," said Bresse-Rodenkirk.
The Haunted Trolley is a family-friendly daytime event. No reservations are necessary and regular fares apply.
Ghost Train: The Halloween Hiawatha Ghost Story Train takes the rails after regular museum hours at 4:30, 5:45 and 7 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28.
The 1920s interurban streetcars that were decorated and inhabited by friendly ghouls for the daytime Haunted Trolley somehow become more sinister as the sun sets and darkness settles over the rails.
"We use the more unsightly cars for the rides, the ones we are renovating," said Bresse-Rodenkirk.
"It's like mounting the steps of a dilapidated house when you're trick-or-treating -- it just seems spookier at night."
The Ghost Story Train will entertain the entire family; those brave enough can sit by the light of a campfire along the Fox River and listen to ghoulish train-related ghost stories.
No tickets will be sold the nights of the Ghost Story Train, and no reservations will be taken over the phone.
Advance reservations are mandatory for the Ghost Train by e-mail through the museum's special events Web page, www.foxtrolley.org/ reservations.
Reserve your tickets now; they're going fast, and some trains have sold out. Ghost Story Train fares are $8 for adults and $7 for children ages 1 to 11.
The museum, at 361 S. LaFox St., on Route 31 in South Elgin, is open on operating days 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., except as noted.
Regular fares are $3.50 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and children ages 3-11. Children under 3 ride free.
For details or to rent a train, call (847) 697-4676.
If you go
Pumpkin Trolley
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 13-14, 20-21.
Admission: $3.50 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and children ages 3-11. Children under 3 ride free.
Haunted Trolley
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 27, 28.
Admission: $3.50 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and children ages 3-11. Children under 3 ride free.
Ghost Story Train
When: 4:30, 5:45 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 and 28.
Admission: $8 for adults and $7 for children ages 1 to 11.
Info: (847) 697-4676.
Tickets for the Ghost Story are by reservation only through the museum Web page, www.foxtrolley. org/reservations.
Where: All events are at Fox Valley Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St., South Elgin