The Monon Connection Museum has been in the making since 1993. It began when Dale and Anne Ward acquired a railroad hopper car for the sign at the entrance to the stone quarry they owned in Francesville, Indiana. It has grown to what is now seen on the premises today, which totals over 6,000 items of railroad artifacts and memorabilia. On display are hundreds of handheld lanterns, over 40 brass steam locomotive bells, brass steam whistles, a full size and authentically furnished Illinois Central Railroad depot, dining car china and silver and other artifacts that were a part of everyday life on the railroad.
As the collection grew, Dale and Anne began to realize that the items being collected had been seen by very few people. They knew the importance of preserving the history of the railroad collectibles they had acquired and the Monon Connection began along with the Whistle Stop Restaurant. The Roundhouse Gift Shop was added in 2013 and is located on the museum grounds in an 1847 Pennsylvania Railroad Whistlestop Depot.
The Whistle Stop is adjacent to the museum and offers a full service menu along with a fully stocked salad bar. They offer homemade soups, a variety of sandwiches and dinner entrees, bakery fresh pies, top quality hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream, all served in a railroad themed dining room.
We invite you to explore our website, then join us, so we can help you explore our unique, one-of-a-kind establishment. We offer an opportunity for all ages to return to a bygone era. We know you will want to visit us again and again, if not for the history, then for the food and hospitality that is offered by a family-owned, small town business.
