Trains have always been an important part of California’s history, from the early days of pioneers heading westward to the present day. They were a major factor in helping to build and connect the country together. Railroads were responsible for transporting people and goods from one coast to the other, and thousands rode the rails from East to West. The West and East used to be very different, but the building of railways brought the two halves together.
Looking for a unique and fun way to spend some time with your family? Why not visit the California State Railroad Museum? Here you can board restored railroad cars and learn all about the state’s rich railroad history. It’s a great way to spend a day together and create some lasting memories while celebrating history.
The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is one of the best railroad museums in the country and it features 21 locomotives that have been restored meticulously. In addition, there are also railway cars from the period that you can walk through to get a sense of what it was like to travel by train. The level of detail is incredible, and you can see this in the authentic China and silverware in the dining cars, the velvet and finery in the Pullman sleeping cars, and the charmingly stubby wooden caboose. This is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about trains and their history.
The railroads have played a big part in shaping California as we know it today and there are plenty of exhibits to show for it. Kids will have a blast exploring Pullman-style sleeping cars, dining cars complete with railroad China, and even a replica of a railway post office. There’s also a high-speed train simulator that visitors can use to get a feel for what it’s like to pilot a modern high-speed train – talk about living life in the fast lane!
The museum offers guided tours daily and special events at certain times of the year. For example, the “Spookomotive Train Ride” is offered on weekends in October, and the winter holiday train ride with a visit from a gift-bearing Santa is in November and December.
The California State Railroad Museum offers a variety of exhibits, including the 1862 Gov. Stanford locomotive and the Southern Pacific Cab-forward No. 4294. Children can climb onto the conductor’s seat or lie back in the sleeper car as the simulator mimics the sensation of rolling over the tracks. Upstairs, the Thomas the Tank Engine and toy train areas offer plenty of chances to push buttons and play at being a conductor.
- Excursion Train Rides
The Sacramento Southern Railroad has been in operation since 1984 and has had more than one million guests. The crews are all volunteers that are fully trained and certified under the Federal Railroad Administration. Every spring, they offer rides to visitors who want to enjoy the sights and sounds of an authentic locomotive. The railroad runs along the Sacramento River and is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Looking to take a step back in time? Our train rides offer guests the chance to experience train travel from an earlier era. With closed coach cars, open-air gondolas, and a first-class observation car pulled by either Granite Rock No. 10 steam locomotive or one of our vintage diesel locomotives from the Museum’s collection, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Step back in time at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park when you ride on a vintage steam train through stunning California Gold Country. Your roundtrip train ride will last approximately 45 minutes and cover 6 miles, during which you’ll see the water tower from Petticoat Junction and travel from Jamestown into the rugged hills of Mother Lode country. With a working roundhouse and Sierra Railway Shops on site – both of which are designated California Historical Landmarks – you’ll be able to explore the fascinating history of early California while enjoying a unique and fun experience. At the end of the line, your train will pause as the locomotive uncouples, runs around your car on a sidetrack, then re-couples to the trains opposite end for the return trip to Railtown.
Sacramento’s Southern Railroad offers a 40-minute scenic ride through the city from April to October. You’ll see sights like Old Sacramento and the Sacramento River during the excursion, which departs every hour on hour. If you want to learn more about what you’re seeing on the ride, take one of the regular guided tours or watch an informative film at the theater. The admissions desk will have more information about tour times.
The California State Railroad Museum is a great place to visit for anyone who loves trains or is interested in railroad history. The museum is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It is located on the corner of Second and I streets in Old Sacramento, and there is metered parking available on the street. There is also a large parking garage on I Street that charges a fee for all-day parking. The Amtrak train station is about two blocks away from the museum. If you’re planning on visiting multiple museums while you’re in the city, you can purchase a 3-Park Pass that will give you entry to this museum as well as two others out of the four total museums.
On your journey, take in the breathtaking views from a first-class observation car, or for a more intimate experience, choose a closed coach. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for an open-air gondola (we think kids will love this option best!).
