Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park - Saturday 2026

Step aboard history—and experience the future—at Railroad Days (RRD), a family-friendly celebration of trains, technology, and transformation at Pullman National Historical Park.

In 1926, Chicago’s Illinois Central Railroad electrified its suburban rail service, launching a cleaner, quieter, and more modern way to move millions of people along the city’s shoreline. Pullman-built electric railcars replaced steam, reshaping daily life, industry, and the landscape of Chicago forever.

One hundred years later, Railroad Days brings this electrifying history to life—connecting the past, present, and future of rail, electricity, design, and infrastructure.

Railroad Days goes beyond the tracks to explore:

• The human stories behind industrial and technological change
• How electricity and innovation shaped cities and everyday life
• The role of design, engineering, and infrastructure in urban environments
• How historic rail corridors connect to today’s urban national parks

Whether you love railroads, history, or hands-on learning—or you’re just looking for a fun, meaningful family outing—there’s something here for everyone.

Railroad Days is perfect for families of all ages, train enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone curious about how transportation helped shape Chicago! Join us to learn more about

• The story of early electric railcars and the transition from steam to electricity
• How electric transit reshaped Chicago’s neighborhoods, industry, and infrastructure
• Hands-on activities that explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM)
• Opportunities to meet engineers, historians, artists, makers, and transit professionals

✅ FREE Activities Included

• 🔬 STEAM Fair Hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math for kids, teens, and adults
• 🚂 Miniature Train Rides & Exhibits See detailed layouts, moving trains, and creative designs up close
• 🏭 Modern Rail & Transit Exhibits Learn how today’s rail systems are designed, powered, and operated
• 🛠️ Interactive Demos & Pop-Ups Build, tinker, experiment, and ask questions with engineers, artists, historians, and makers
• 🎶 Live music performances sponsored in part by the Goodman Theater as part of its 100 Acts of Free Theater

🎟️ Ticketed Experiences

• 🚃 Historic Railcar Tours Step inside preserved railcars and hear the human stories behind rail travel
• 🚶 Guided Walking Tours that Explore Pullman’s role in industrial innovation, labor history, and urban planning within a national park setting

Your timed ticket is for the railcar tours only! Other events are free or untimed.

• Families with kids of all ages
• Rail and transit enthusiasts
• History lovers and preservation fans
• STEAM-curious students and educators
• National park and urban exploration fans
• Anyone who enjoys learning how things work

Come celebrate 100 years of electrified rail and discover how yesterday’s innovations continue to shape tomorrow.

Railroad Days is where history sparks curiosity—and curiosity drives our future.

👉 Reserve your tickets now and plan your day at Railroad Days!

Ticket prices increase as the event approaches—plan ahead and save!

• Early Bird | $15 Available May 1 – June 30
• Advance | $20 Available July 1 – July 24
• Day-Of | $25 Available July 25 & 26, during Railroad Days
  Early Bird and Advance tickets offer the best value and are strongly encouraged, as tour capacity is limited.

• Children under 12 are FREE, but must have a ticket to participate in the Historic Rail Car Tour.
• Free child tickets must be added during checkout alongside a ticketed adult.
• All visitors—adults and children—must have a ticket to access the rail cars.

Pullman Railroad Days happen rain or shine. All ticket sales are final—no refunds.

Info: Tour the historic cars and learn how electricity changed the way we travel. Tours take about 30 minutes, and a timed ticket is required.

Info: Join us at the STEAM fair featuring interactive, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and creative explorations in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math for all ages.

Info: Sample our regular tours in 20-minute teasers.

Info: Great sounds, great vibes, and a perfect soundtrack for Railroad Days.

Info: Delicious eats on wheels—perfect fuel for a day at Railroad Days.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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