The California State Railroad Museum

Perhaps few other museums rival that of the California State Railroad Museum in terms of displays, visitors, and overall size. The museum, situated in Sacramento, is one of the city’s top tourist destinations, seeing over a half-million visitors annually and it is a testament to just how interesting and engaging railroad museums can be. Because of the resources available to it, like few other museums across the country, the museum is large enough to have various operating departments. While the museum tends to spotlight and feature historic pieces related to California or the western railroads its main focus is about teaching the public not only California’s railroading history but our country’s railroading history as well. A quick overview regarding the locomotives the museum has on site (courtesy of the California State Railroad Museum):

The locomotive collection of the California State Railroad Museum contains 19 steam locomotives dating from 1862 to 1944. The Museum's locomotives illustrate the development of steam technology from its early years in the mid-nineteenth century through its apogee and climax in the 1940s. The engines range in size from the diminutive Southern Pacific No. 1, "C.P. Huntington," (the Museum's logo locomotive) to the million-pound giant, Southern Pacific articulated cab-forward No. 4294. Fewer than 30 full-size steam locomotives built prior to 1880 exist in the United States. The Museum has five of these, including Central Pacific Railroad locomotive No. 1, "Gov. Stanford."

The California State Railroad Museum's collection also contains 19 first and second-generation internal combustion locomotives. Early gasoline-fueled motor cars, such as the Museum's Nevada Copper Belt No. 21, "Yerington," paved the way for the diesel locomotive in the mid-twentieth century. This technology revolutionized railroading. From Southern Pacific E-9 No. 6051, painted in vibrant "Daylight" colors, to Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway F7A and B Nos. 347C and B, painted in the "Warbonnet" attire they wore while pulling the Super Chief, to workaday switch engines and the unique Krauss-Maffei diesel-hydraulic locomotive, the Museum's diesels reflect the development of modern railroad motive power.

Along with the historical pieces on display the California State Railroad Museum has a multitude of other things to do and see. They have facilities available for rent if you are interested in having a gathering at the museum, there are numerous events ongoing throughout the year, train rides available, and you can even volunteer and help the museum not only stay maintained but also work to restore the many pieces of equipment under they have slated to be repaired! Below is a short summary of the train rides available at the museum (courtesy of the California State Railroad Museum):

Catch the Trains in Old Sacramento! Every weekend April through September, steam-powered excursion trains depart on-the-hour from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento (located just two blocks south of the California State Railroad Museum on Front Street, between "J" and "K" Streets).

Trains operate on a 40-minute, six-mile roundtrip route atop the levees of the Sacramento River. At the end of the line, the authentic steam locomotive "cuts off" the passenger cars and "runs around" the train, coupling onto the other end for the trip back to Old Sacramento. Friendly car attendants are always available for you to ask questions. It's a trip that families of all ages will enjoy!

The train offers your choice of comfortable, enclosed coaches with cushioned seats, or open-air gondolas with wood bench seating and an unobstructed view. Restrooms are not available on the train, so please plan your trip accordingly. Arrive at least 20 minutes early so you'll have time to purchase tickets before your train departs!

Throughout the year, special trains and other opportunities are available for your riding pleasure! For a complete listing of Special Events and Train Rides at the California State Railroad Museum (including special "theme trains" in October, November, and December).

So, if you are planning a visit to the Sacramento area a visit to the California State Railroad Museum. Likewise, if you are perhaps interested in helping the museum in some way please do not hesitate to get in touch with them to see what type of volunteer work is available.

For more reading about two of California’s most famous railroads consider one (or both) of the following books. The Southern Pacific was synonymous with the State of California and the book Southern Pacific Railroad from author Brian Solomon gives a superb general overview of the railroad and its extensive passenger operations, and is filled with excellent photographs (most in color) of the Espee. If you are a fan or have any interest whatsoever in the Southern Pacific you will very much enjoy both publications.

You might also be interested in Santa Fe Railway from author Steve Glischinski. Of course, being that the Santa Fe is our country's most legendary railroad hundreds of publications (many quite good) have been written about it over the years detailing various subjects. However, this book will at least give you a general overview and history of the Santa Fe (filled with many, excellent, historical and colorful photographs) at which point you can decide if you are interested in further books of study on the railroad. Even if you are a historian of the ATSF and have not seen this book I'm sure you will enjoy it! If you're interested in perhaps purchasing these books please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".

The tenth annual Sacramento Museum Day takes place in the Capital City, presented by the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and proudly supported by Umpqua Bank. Twenty-five participating museums (including the California State Railroad Museum) will be open free of charge this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (all participating museums close at 5 p.m.). For detailed information about participating sites, free shuttles and more, please click here.

The California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park begin Volunteer Training for spring 2008. Advance interviews, required for all participants, will be conducted starting in late January. Men and women interested in helping to communicate the West’s fascinating heritage of railroading and the California Gold Rush are invited to contact the Museum anytime to learn more. Since the Museum’s 1976 inception, volunteers have contributed some 2 million hours of service! For additional details or to sign up, call the Museum’s “All Aboard” volunteer scheduling desk at (916) 445-0269.

Opening weekend for the 25th consecutive year of excursion train operations on the Museum’s Sacramento Southern Railroad! Beginning this weekend, and continuing every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells, and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of the Sacramento River. Regular steam-powered excursion trains depart Saturdays and Sundays, on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., from the Central Pacific Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. New for 2008: The addition of beautifully refurbished observation-lounge car “El Dorado,” as a first-class riding opportunity (fares and first class service details to be announced shortly).

The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee takes place throughout Sacramento all four days! The Railroad Museum is open daily during the Jubilee, with jazz musicians performing inside the Museum and complimentary admission offered to Jazz Jubilee badge holders. Special Free Children’s Stage and activity area located just outside Museum (on adjacent “1849 Scene”) during Jubilee, and several event music venues located in close proximity to the Railroad Museum. Steam-powered Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion trains operate Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only, departing hourly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (regular ticket prices apply). Jazz musicians perform aboard the trains this weekend as well! For more details about the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, please click here.

“Gold Rush Days,” an annual commemoration of the California Gold Rush, takes place throughout Old Sacramento, with a lively, entertaining and activity-filled Embarcadero Tent City located on the Railroad Museum’s “1849 Scene!” Dirt covers the (usually paved) streets all weekend, and a variety of live entertainment, living history demonstrations, and costumed characters bring Old Sacramento alive with a period flair. Admission to the event is free! (Regular museum admission prices apply.) Tour authentic Gold Rush businesses, learn about the many people and cultures living here from the late 1840s through the 1860s, participate in hands-on demonstrations and period games, and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or wagon. Steam-powered excursion train rides available Saturday, Sunday, and Monday only, departing hourly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (regular ticket prices apply). For additional details about Gold Rush Days, please click here.

Final day of the 2008 operating season for the Museum’s Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion trains. Take a leisurely train ride along the Sacramento River’s levees, pulled by an authentic steam locomotive! For the balance of 2008, trains operate selected special event dates only (see listings below).

The California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park begin Volunteer Training for fall 2008. Advance interviews, required for all participants, will be conducted starting in September. Men and women interested in helping to communicate the West’s fascinating heritage of railroading and the California Gold Rush are invited to contact the Museum anytime to learn more. Since the Museum’s 1976 inception, volunteers have contributed some 2 million hours of service! For additional details or to sign up, call the Museum’s “All Aboard” volunteer scheduling desk at (916) 445-0269.

Halloween-themed “Spookomotive” trains decorated for the season depart on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Regular ticket prices apply. Join our “skeleton crew” for a fun and whimsical 40-minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride along the Sacramento River! Throughout Old Sacramento, special Fall Harvest Days activities will be in full swing these three weekends, with streets decorated for the occasion. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento please click here.

Train Time for Santa takes place at the California State Railroad Museum! Bring the whole family and enjoy a variety of operating model train and toy train layouts on display Friday through Sunday inside the Museum. It’s a great place to take friends and family over the holiday weekend! Regular Museum admission fees apply, OR take a train ride with Santa AND visit the Museum too—all for one special price! Throughout Old Sacramento starting Thanksgiving Weekend and continuing through Christmas Eve, special Heritage Holidays activities will be in full swing with streets and buildings decorated for the season. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento please click here.

Experience the magic of a train ride based on The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while your very special train rolls along, and listen as the magical story is narrated once again. Watch the joy and excitement on everyone’s face as the train arrives at the North Pole, where Santa Claus is waiting to greet the train. As the train begins its return trip from the North Pole, get ready because Santa Claus will be coming through, handing each child a very special gift! Space is limited to only those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas, and trains sold out well in advance last year—so don’t wait. Tickets go on sale in early October online this website. All Aboard for a magical visit to the North Pole! All during December, "Heritage Holidays" takes place throughout Old Sacramento. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento please click here. For more Polar Express information, click here.

Museum open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)

(Members--including Caboose Club--enjoy free General Admission year-round)

General Admission: $8 adults, $3 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under free*

Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station open daily for toursGuided Tours included with Railroad Museum General AdmissionMuseum Membership Information: (916) 445-5995

Steam-Powered Excursion Trains operate weekends April-September

(Museum Members enjoy free regular Excursion Train rides year-round)

Train Tickets: $8 adults, $3 youths ages 6-17, children ages 5 and under free*

Trains also operate selected Special Event weekends October-December

(Ticket prices for special trains and events may be higher)See listings above for dates and additional details

Museum Store (open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.): (916) 324-4950

Facility & Event Rentals: (916) 445-2560

Silver Palace Restaurant: (916) 448-0151

School Group Reservations (ReserveAmerica): Toll Free (866) 240-4655

Reservations are Required for School Group Tours of the Railroad Museum

A variety of Tour and Entry Programs are offered for school groups

Huntington & Hopkins Hardware (museum and store) open Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admissionHuntington & Hopkins Hardware: (916) 323-7234Eagle Theatre (interpretive programs and live performances): (916) 323-6343

24-hour events/info line: (916) 445-6645

*ticket prices, events, times, and equipment subject to change without notice