There’s a certain fascination and interest we have on trains that is sparked at an early age. Whether it’s the sense of adventure they invoke or the engineering that draws our attention, there’s no better way to unleash your inner rail fan than at a 225,000-sq. ft. museum that boasts restored engines, locomotives and impressive rides. This is the highly regarded California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, welcoming over half a million visitors annually.
Located in Old Sacramento State Historic Park at 111 I Street, the museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With six historic buildings housing an extensive collection of artefacts and archives, it’s a full-throttle journey through America’s railroad heritage. But for those that want to slow down and disconnect, California State Railroad Museum also hosts intimate Candlelight concerts that pay tribute to music’s biggest artists.
California State Railroad Museum: All aboard history
After years and years of planning by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the nonprofit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the museum finally opened to the public in 1981 with a mission to preserve and interpret the rich railroad history of California and the American West. And preserve they did — the museum counts with 21 restored locomotives, as well as cars and artefacts dating as far back as the 1860s.
More notably, California State Railroad Museum highlights the city’s importance in the First Transcontinental Railroad, which stretched from Sacramento in the west to Omaha in the east, with the Union Pacific Railroad building westward from Omaha and the Central Pacific Railroad building eastward from Sacramento. Its story goes all the way back to the California Gold Rush.
5 curious facts about California State Railroad Museum
1. Visitors can ride a freshly-restored WWII steam locomotive
After a six-year restoration, the historic Granite Rock 10 has come back to Old Sacramento Waterfront under steam. It was built in 1942 for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, serving at the Army depot in Tracy, CA, before the Granite Rock Co. purchased it in 1947. The steam locomotive will run on the weekends of August 30-31, September 13-14, and September 27-28, 2025, and more dates will be announced soon. Keep an eye out on the museum’s socials for up-to-date info.
2. The largest train of the museum and more hidden gems
At 123 feet long and 16 feet high, the biggest train at the museum is the Southern Pacific articulated cab-forward No. 4294, waiting to be discovered. Besides these artifacts, there are always exhibits on display, such as The Chinese Railroad Workers’ Experience and Farm to Fork: A Public History.
3. Hop aboard the Polar Express these holidays!
This family-friendly train ride takes you to the North Pole to meet Santa, who will give children the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell. Passengers can also enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats for a truly festive journey. The departures from 930 Front Street on the Old Sacramento Waterfront begin November 14 through December 21 on Wednesdays through Mondays. Departure times will be 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
4. The museum sets the scene for candlelit tributes
As you’re surrounded by railroad history, you can now listen to the works of great composers like Vivaldi, or sway to ABBA’s pop beats reinterpreted in the classical form at the enchanting Candlelight concerts. Thousands of candles twinkle at the impressive museum filled with locomotives and iconic melodies that might just transport you to other worlds!
5. Learn more about the railroad’s storied legacy
Besides the countless interactive exhibits, researchers and train enthusiasts that want to find out more about the history and evolution of the railroad can head to the Library & Archives, open Monday through Friday. The archives have extensive collections that preserve and provide access to the history of the railroads, packed with books, photographs, blueprints, model train layouts, and personal collections.
Where is and how to get to California State Railroad Museum?
Situated right next to the Sacramento History Museum along Sacramento River at 111 I Street, the museum’s convenient location right off of downtown makes it easily reachable by everyone. To get there you can take the 102, 30, 38, 63 and 88 buses and the Blue and Gold Light Rail. If you’re coming from outside Sacramento, take the Capitol Corridor train to the Sacramento Valley Amtrak Station.