Trains, Planes & Automobiles Returns to Geneseo

Transportation history will come alive in Geneseo, Illinois, when Trains, Planes & Automobiles returns for its 20th anniversary celebration from Thursday, September 10, through Saturday, September 12, 2026.

This three-day community festival brings together vintage aircraft, operating model trains, classic automobiles, Hennepin Canal history and family activities at several locations around Geneseo.

For travelers exploring Illinois along US Route 6, the festival offers an excellent reason to stop and experience one of the communities located directly along the historic highway.

Celebrating 20 Years in Geneseo

For two decades, Trains, Planes & Automobiles has brought aviation enthusiasts, railroad hobbyists, automobile collectors and families together in Geneseo.

Most festival activities are free and open to the public. The Cruise the Canal tours are the primary ticketed attraction and require advance reservations.

The anniversary weekend begins with aviation, continues with canal history and model railroads, and concludes with a large downtown celebration featuring classic cars, food trucks and activities for younger visitors.

Thursday, September 10: Stearman Fly-In

The weekend begins at Gen-Airpark with a Stearman Fly-In from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors will have an opportunity to see historic Stearman biplanes associated with the training of military aviators during World War II. The appearance of these distinctive aircraft makes the opening day particularly appealing to aviation and military-history enthusiasts.

Gen-Airpark is located east of Geneseo along US Route 6. Pets are not permitted at the fly-in.

Friday, September 11: Trains, Canal History and a Pre-Party

Friday’s activities begin with an operating model train display presented by the Geneseo Model Railroaders.

The display will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 154 East Exchange Street in downtown Geneseo. Visitors can watch detailed model trains travel through miniature landscapes while learning more about the continuing popularity of model railroading.

Cruise the Hennepin Canal

Guided golf-cart tours of the historic Hennepin Canal will depart at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and is led by local historian Steve Kastorff.

The tours provide an opportunity to explore the canal’s history, scenery and wildlife near Lock 24. Tickets are required and availability may be limited.

The day concludes with the Trains, Planes & Automobiles Pre-Party beginning at 5 p.m. at Erdman Construction, 101 South Chicago Street.

Saturday, September 12: Downtown Festival

Downtown Geneseo becomes the center of activity on Saturday with classic automobiles, model trains, food trucks and family-friendly attractions.

Maple City Cruisers Car Show

The Maple City Cruisers Car Show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout downtown Geneseo.

Classic cars, vintage vehicles and custom automobiles will line the streets for visitors to admire. Registration is scheduled from 7 to 11 a.m., with dash plaques and goody bags available for the first 300 entries. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted.

Operating Model Train Display

The Geneseo Model Railroaders return Saturday with their operating display from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 154 East Exchange Street.

Food Trucks

Food trucks will serve festival visitors in downtown Geneseo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Youth Pedal Car Parade

Young transportation enthusiasts can participate in the Youth Pedal Car Parade. Lineup begins at 10:45 a.m. near The Cellar, and the parade starts at 11 a.m.

Children are encouraged to bring decorated pedal cars and join the procession through downtown.

Salute to America

A Salute to America begins at noon with the VFW Color Guard and an airplane flyover.

The festival concludes with trophy presentations and the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce 50/50 raffle drawing at 2 p.m.

Make Geneseo Part of Your US Route 6 Journey

Geneseo’s location along US Route 6 makes Trains, Planes & Automobiles a natural addition to an Illinois road trip.

Visitors can enjoy the festival, explore Geneseo’s historic downtown, visit locally owned businesses and discover the community’s connection to transportation and agricultural history.

Because activities take place at multiple locations, visitors should review the official schedule before departing. Allow extra time for parking and travel between downtown Geneseo, Gen-Airpark and the Hennepin Canal.

Pets are not permitted at the Thursday fly-in or the main downtown events on Saturday.

Event at a Glance

Event: Trains, Planes & Automobiles
Community: Geneseo, Illinois
Dates: September 10 through 12, 2026
Event type: Transportation festival and community celebration
Admission: Most activities are free; canal tours require tickets
Official website: Geneseo Chamber of Commerce
Event information: 309-944-2686

Schedules and participation can change. Confirm current information with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce before traveling.

The original event announcement was reported by KWQC TV6.

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Visit the US Route 6 Tourist Association