SACRAMENTO, CA
California State Railroad Museum
4.9· 8 Google reviews
At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationSACRAMENTO, CA
- Rating4.9 ★8 Google reviews
About California State Railroad Museum
The California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento offers a 40‑minute, 6‑mile (9.7 km) round‑trip excursion on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, traveling along the former Walnut Grove branch beside the Sacramento River. The ride showcases restored steam locomotives such as the 1862 Gov. Stanford and the 1942 Granite Rock Co. 10, while the surrounding museum displays 21 restored locomotives and cars, a large Sierra Nevada construction mockup, and an extensive library and archives.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for California State Railroad Museum. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible parking
- HoursMonday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The museum’s collection includes 21 restored locomotives and cars, among them the 1862 Norris 4‑4‑0 Gov. Stanford, the 1901 Baldwin 2‑6‑2 AT&SF 1010, the 1944 Baldwin 4‑8‑8‑2 SP 4294 “Cab‑Forward,” and the 1875 Baldwin narrow‑gauge 4‑4‑0 North Pacific Coast 12 Sonoma (3 ft gauge). Between April and October the museum operates the Sacramento Southern Railroad on a 6‑mile (9.7 km) round‑trip that runs from the museum’s depot along the eastern bank of the Sacramento River to the former Walnut Grove branch terminus and back.
History
See full history
The California State Railroad Museum’s origins trace to 1937, when Bay‑Area rail enthusiasts formed the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society and began donating thirty historic locomotives and cars to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The museum’s first public building, the Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station, opens in 1976, and the purpose‑built Railroad History Museum is completed in 1981. Steam‑powered passenger excursions on the Sacramento Southern Railroad commence in 1984, followed three years later by the opening of the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in 1987. In 1992 the museum adds Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown to its complex, and it becomes a Smithsonian affiliate in June 2017. The institution is described as North America’s railroad museum.
Around the Depot
From Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation is close to the Sacramento Valley Historical Railways about 16 mi off, the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad roughly 22 mi away, and the Western Railway Museum about 33 mi out.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Sacramento
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is California State Railroad Museum located?
SACRAMENTO, CA 93549
How do I get tickets to California State Railroad Museum?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://www.californiarailroad.museum/.