Tickets

ALL passengers (i.e. ALL infants, children, adults and seniors), regardless of age, size, or seating location (seat or lap) are required to purchase and display a valid ticket. Tickets are handed out at the time of check-in.

Seating Arrangements

Seating is provided for two adults or the equivalent per seat. Persons of size requiring additional space must purchase additional tickets as required at the time of initial ticket purchase.

By virtue of the historic equipment utilized, no specific seats/ locations can be reserved, and community-style seating is practiced. To try to facilitate keeping relations as close together as possible, we reserve the right to fill empty/ unused seating space, (including but not limited to half-occupied seats).

NO specific location, seating arrangements or contiguous seating for ANY group or individual can be guaranteed.

Please note that there is no on-board storage for strollers, wheelchairs or other large items.

Groups/ Group Seating

The museum will make reasonable attempts to accommodate groups of eight (8) or more when tickets are purchased under ONE name, and ONE transaction for the same train and ALL members of the group are present and available to board in the designated group boarding area at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Incomplete/ late groups and/ or late group members will be seated at the museum’s discretion.

NO specific location, seating arrangements or contiguous seating for ANY group or individual can be guaranteed.

Handicapped Accessibility

Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the equipment, the Polar Express is NOT handicapped accessible. A ramp is provided at the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve for those that are ambulatory.

Attire

Trains are heated and pajamas are encouraged. Please be sure to dress for inclement weather so that you are comfortable with the brief walk from the parking lot to the train and waiting to board the train.

Please note that there are no on-board restrooms. Camp-style lavatory facilities are provided in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve shelter, adjacent to the Blackhawk station.

Event Duration

The Polar Express event is approximately one hour in duration.

Boarding Location: Jon Duerr Forest Preserve

ALL Polar Express trains board at Blackhawk Station in the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, 35W003 Route 31, South Elgin, IL. NOT the museum. The Blackhawk Station  is located approximately two (2) miles south of the Fox River Trolley Museum on the east side of IL Route 31. See Google Maps for individualized directions.