Sonoma, CA
Sonoma TrainTown
4.5· 1,563 Google reviews
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-24- TypeQuarter-scale family railway through a landscaped 10-acre park with a miniature-town and petting-zoo stop
- LocationSonoma, CA
- Rating4.5 ★1,563 Google reviews
About Sonoma TrainTown
Sonoma TrainTown is a family amusement park built around a quarter-scale railway through 10 landscaped acres. The roughly 20-minute trip passes tunnels, bridges, lakes, waterfalls, and compressed scenery before stopping at Lakeview, a miniature town and petting zoo. General admission and parking are free; visitors pay separately for the train and six transportation-themed amusement rides. Tickets are sold on site, first come and first served, and rain can close the entire operation.
Plan a Sonoma TrainTown Day
Choose the visit that fits your groupFamilies, first-time visitors, and miniature-railway fans
Ride to Lakeview
Take the 20-minute railway through tunnels, bridges, lakes, and waterfalls to the miniature-town and petting-zoo stop.
Families matching rides to children's heights
Choose amusement rides separately
Compare the coaster, carousel, Ferris wheel, airplanes, scrambler, and tugboat by published height rules and separate tickets.
Railfans, model railroaders, and repeat visitors
Study the railroad collection
Look beyond the ride to the roundhouse, turntable, locomotive collection, and full-size antique cabooses.
Families building a full Sonoma day
Continue to Sonoma Plaza
Drive about one mile north for Mission San Francisco Solano, the Barracks, and a broader California-history walk.
Current Operating Status
Complete official operating-status check
Train and amusement park listed Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting
The operator publishes a recurring fall-winter-spring schedule from August 17, 2026 through June 12, 2027 rather than a date-by-date departure inventory. This complete operating-status decision preserves the official weekend window without inventing exact train departures; rain closures and first-come capacity remain same-day decisions. Check official operating status ↗
Plan Your Visit
- Current seasonAugust 17, 2026-June 12, 2027
- HoursSaturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting
- Train fare$9.75 per person per ride; ages 12 months and older require a ticket
- Amusement rides$4.25 each or five tickets for $18.75; every rider requires a ticket
- AdmissionPark admission and customer parking are free
- ReservationsNot required or offered for general visits; tickets are first come, first served
- TripAbout 20 minutes through the park with a stop at Lakeview miniature town and petting zoo
- AccessibilityThe operator describes the train as handicap accessible; call 707-938-3912 for vehicle, ramp, transfer, and companion details
- FoodSnack bar sells meals, snacks, and drinks; outside food is not permitted
- TicketsTrain and amusement-ride tickets are separate; no refunds or exchanges; unused intact tickets do not expire
- WeatherClosed during rain or when significant rain is forecast; call or check official social channels
Find the Depot
The Trains
TrainTown describes its main ride as a quarter-scale passenger railway and maintains a roundhouse with a diverse locomotive collection. Licensed historical photographs show diesel, steam, open passenger cars, a turntable, and full-size antique cabooses on display. The official site does not assign motive power by day, so visitors should not book around a specific locomotive without direct confirmation.
History
Stanley L. Frank began developing the outdoor, rideable TrainTown railroad and landscape.
TrainTown began carrying the public through the completed portions of the park.
Frank died at age 62; family members and dedicated collaborators continued his project.
See full history
Oakland printing executive and model builder Stanley L. Frank began developing TrainTown in 1958 as an outdoor, rideable model railroad. He combined scenery compression and Japanese landscaping techniques across the 10-acre site, building a world of tracks, structures, water, and gardens intended to reward both children and serious railway enthusiasts. Families began riding in 1968. After Frank's death in 1977, his family and followers continued evolving the park and reinvesting proceeds in its upkeep and development.
Around the Depot
Sonoma State Historic Park begins about one mile north around Sonoma Plaza. Its Mission, Barracks, museums, and exterior interpretation turn a TrainTown visit into a fuller day about both imagined railway landscapes and the real forces that shaped Sonoma.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Compare the attraction location with your airport or lodging before deciding whether a rental car fits the trip.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Sonoma
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
When is Sonoma TrainTown open?
The official fall-winter-spring schedule lists Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from August 17, 2026 through June 12, 2027, weather permitting.
Does rain close TrainTown?
Yes. The operator closes during rain or when significant rain is forecast. Call 707-938-3912 or check its official social channels before driving.
How much is the train ride?
The current listed fare is $9.75 per person per ride. Riders 12 months and older need a train ticket.
Is there an admission fee?
No. General admission and customer parking are free; the train and amusement rides use separate tickets.
Can I reserve train tickets?
General-visit reservations are not required. Tickets are sold on site on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive with flexibility.
What happens during the train ride?
The roughly 20-minute route passes landscaped lakes, bridges, waterfalls, and tunnels and stops at Lakeview miniature town and petting zoo.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The operator says the train is handicap accessible but does not publish a complete vehicle or transfer specification. Call before an access-dependent trip.
Can I bring outside food?
No. The park currently prohibits outside food and sells snacks, meals, and drinks at its snack bar.
How should I pair TrainTown with Sonoma State Historic Park?
Ride first because TrainTown is weather dependent and closes at 4 p.m., then drive about one mile north to the state park, which remains open until 5 p.m.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 24, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official homepage for current prices, admission, attractions, history, address, phone, and operating headline
- Official park-information page for the August 2026-June 2027 schedule, rain rule, parking, and food policy
- Official rides page for train duration and fare, Lakeview stop, accessibility statement, ride prices and heights, and ticket policies
- Official FAQ directory for current visitor-policy topics and contact path
- Current Google Maps place identity, coordinates, address, phone, and 4.5 rating
- Licensed Sonoma TrainTown image collection