Trolley museum sets schedule for year of fun

The Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Route 31) in South Elgin, has announced the schedule for this year. For information, call the Museum InfoLine at (847) 697-4676.

• Mother's Day, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mothers and grandmothers ride trolleys free with paid child's fare. Fare for other adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11 $2; kids under age 3 ride free.

• Spring Caboose Train Day, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride aboard a century-old, 1908-vintage electric freight locomotive or the museum's Illinois Central Railroad caboose, along with vintage trolleys. Fare for adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11, $2; kids under age 3 ride free.

• Father's Day, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fathers and grandfathers ride trolleys free with paid child's fare. Fare for other adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11, $2; kids under age 3 ride free.

• Red, White and Blue Dollar Day, July 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All rides, all riders $1 this day only, except kids under ages 3 ride free. Museum celebrates its 42nd birthday.

• Trolleyfest, Aug. 16-17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vintage trolleys and trains run in conjunction with South Elgin Riverfest Express. Fare for adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11, $2; kids under age 3 ride free; all-day passes available.

• Fall Caboose Train Days, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See the fall colors begin to change along the Fox River as you ride aboard a century-old electric freight locomotive or the museum's Illinois Central Railroad caboose, along with vintage trolleys. Fare for adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11, $2; kids under age 3 ride free.

• The Pumpkin Trolley, Oct. 11-12 and 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride an old-time electric trolley car to the Pumpkin Patch, and choose a pumpkin to take home. Fare for adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11, $2; kids under age 3 ride free. Pumpkins are $1 apiece, in addition to paid fare.

• The Haunted Trolley, Oct. 25-26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A spooky, spectacular ride on a "haunted" trolley along the Fox River; children in costume get a treat! Fare for adults, $3.50; seniors and children ages 3-11, $2; kids under 3 ride free.

• The Halloween Hiawatha Ghost Story Train, Oct. 25-26 at 4:30, 5:45 and 7 p.m. A spooky, spectacular ride on a "haunted" trolley along the Fox River to a campfire along the shore of the Fox complete with ghost stories, hot chocolate and s'mores. Advance reservations by mail (P.O. Box 315, South Elgin, IL 60177) or the Web site at www.foxtrolley.org/events.htm; tickets will not be sold over the phone, at the museum ticket window or day of event. Fare $10. Contact for information only (847) 697-4676.

• The Polar Express, Dec. 6, 7 and 13. Trains board from the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve picnic grove, off Route 31 at 4, 5:05, and 6:10 p.m. Chris Van Allberg's best-selling book comes alive aboard Fox River Trolley Museum trains, including a visit from Santa and a small present for all aboard. Advance reservations by mail (P.O. Box 315, South Elgin, IL 60177) or Web site at www.foxtrolley.org/events.htm; tickets will not be sold over the phone, at the museum ticket window or day of event. Fare $10. Copies of the book "The Polar Express" can be purchased on site for $18.