Pullman National Historical Park’s premier event invites rail enthusiasts from around the country, families, and the community to celebrate the centennial of the Illinois Central Suburban service that transformed Chicago.
CHICAGO, IL — On Saturday, July 25th, and Sunday, July 26th, Friends of Pullman National Historical Park will host its 2026 Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park. The event will begin at the Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 South Cottage Grove Avenue. Railroad Days is the park’s premier celebration of rail history and innovation, returning historic Pullman-built railcars to their birthplace for the weekend.
Presented by Alstom, the heir of the Pullman Company, this year’s event marks 100 years since the Illinois Central Railroad electrified its suburban rail service—now the Metra Electric—transforming commuter life and transit along Chicago’s South Side lakefront.
“Alstom is a natural partner in the stewardship of Pullman National Historical Park. This partnership connects Pullman’s historic legacy with the future of rail innovation and helps us continue building a world-class destination that celebrates transportation history and community.“
– Peggy Parfenoff, Executive Director, Friends of Pullman National Historical Park
Historic Railcars Return to their Birthplace
On display will be the only existing pair of multiple-unit cars, the original 1926 Pullman-built electric commuter cars on loan from the Illinois Railway Museum—the same cars that set the national standard for lightweight commuter rail. Both cars will be open for tours accompanied by historical displays telling the story of an electrification project that changed Chicago forever.
Joining them is a newly refurbished South Shore Line passenger car featuring interactive historical displays, presented in partnership with Metra, Hesston Steam Museum, and Cedar Lake Historical Association. The 1926 electrification was a turning point for the South Shore Line as well: it ended a required transfer at 111th Street and made seamless, direct service into downtown Chicago possible for the first time.
Programming for All Ages
Railroad Days offers free and ticketed programming for all ages. Free activities include a STEAM Fair; miniature train rides and model train exhibits; modern rail and transit exhibits; interactive demos with engineers, historians, artists, and makers; and live music presented in part by the Goodman Theater.
On Sunday, July 26, at 3 p.m., WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer and former Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo will reflect on Chicago’s rail legacy in a special presentation, “Reflections on Riding the Rails,” at Pullman’s “Greenstone Church”.
Ticketed experiences – Historic Railcar Tours and guided walking tours of the Pullman Town – are priced as follows:
- Advance: $20 (July 1-24)
- Day-of: $25
- Children under 12: Free but must be accompanied by an adult and have a reserved ticket for access to the rail cars
- For tickets and more information about Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park please visit: friendsofpullman.com/special-events/
Hosted by the Friends of Pullman, Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park is presented by Alstom and made possible with support from our 2026 Sponsors:
Pullman Bank & Trust; Norfolk Southern; CPKC; Association of American Railroads; SC Johnson; Pritzker-Traubert Foundation; National Park Conservation Association; CSX; Culvers of Pullman; Arda Design
Tickets, Press Passes, and Information
Tickets are on sale now at Eventbrite. Press passes are available for credentialed media; reach us at Contact@FriendsOfPullman.com for details. Railroad Days takes place rain or shine.
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About Friends of Pullman National Historical Park
Friends of Pullman National Historical Park is the official philanthropic partner for Pullman National Historical Park. Its mission is to preserve and protect the cultural heritage at Pullman National Historical Park and to amplify its uniquely American stories for current and future generations. For more information visit: http://friendsofpullman.com
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