Photo by pinguino https://www.flickr.com/people/pinguino/, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
About Poway-Midland Railroad
In Old Poway Park, Poway, California, the Poway–Midland Railroad offers weekend rides behind a 1907 Baldwin 0‑4‑0 steam locomotive, a 1956 Fairmont speeder and a historic San Francisco cable car on a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow‑gauge track. Operated by the non‑profit Poway‑Midland Railroad Volunteers, Inc., the line runs each first and third weekend of the month, delivering a hands‑on glimpse of early‑20th‑century rail travel amid the park’s open‑space setting.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- CA
- Rating
- 4.6 ★ 74 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Poway-Midland Railroad. 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
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good For
- Families
- Hours
- Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: ClosedSaturday: 10:00 AM – 1:45 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 1:45 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Poway–Midland Railroad runs a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow‑gauge line in Old Poway Park, owned by the City of Poway and maintained by the Poway‑Midland Railroad Volunteers, Inc. Its rolling stock includes steam locomotive #3, a 1907 Baldwin 0‑4‑0, a 1956 Fairmont speeder, and a 1906 San Francisco cable car, all operated on the weekend schedule.
History
See full history
The Poway–Midland Railroad Volunteers, Inc. forms in 1991, holding its initial meeting in May and incorporating in November of that year as a nonprofit dedicated to restoring and operating antique railroad equipment, while the City of Poway retains ownership of the line. Early development proceeds quickly: a boxcar arrives in September 1991, a trolley is added in April 1993, track work finishes in June 1993, and the park and line are dedicated on July 4 1993, the same day the first passenger rides behind a speeder. The railroad’s first locomotive‑hailed passenger service runs in September 1994, followed by a record haul of 2,500 passengers in July 1996 and the qualification of the first woman fireman in January 1997. Additional milestones include the arrival of a San Francisco cable car in October 1997, the dedication of a turntable on July 4 2002, a barn expansion in October 2004, and the opening of a new depot with ticket office, train shop and museum in October 2009.
Around the Depot
Around San Diego, the Poway-Midland Railroad reaches the La Mesa Depot Museum in 14 mi and the San Diego Railroad Museum in 18 mi.
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.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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