California State Railroad Museum
4.8(5.8K)google
4.6(729)yelp
EducationalIndoor
Overview
Widely regarded as the absolute finest and most comprehensive railroad museum in North America, this massive 100,000 square foot historic complex in Old Sacramento beautifully brings the golden age of steam railroading back to life. The museum showcases over twenty meticulously restored historic locomotives and vintage rail cars, including an opulent 1920s dining car and a massive million-pound steam engine. Interactive exhibits, lifelike historical figures, and cinematic displays tell the harrowing stories of the diverse laborers who built the Transcontinental Railroad.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeAn indoor marvel perfect year-round, best visited on spring or early summer weekends. The massive vintage steam locomotives are awe-inspiring, and weekend visits offer the chance to ride a real historical excursion train.
Getting ThereLocated in the heart of Old Sacramento Waterfront at 111 I St. Drivers can use the nearby Old Sacramento Garage. Via train, it is just a 5-minute walk from the Sacramento Amtrak Valley Station.
Travel Tips
- Excursion train rides run seasonally from April to September and select holiday blocks; tickets are excluded from general museum admission and require separate booking.
- Prioritize multi-level paid parking garages within Old Sacramento; avoid street parking in isolated alleys or near active tracks due to high automotive burglary rates.
- Arriving via Capitol Corridor or Gold Runner trains places you within a 5-minute walk; present your active rail ticket stub for partner merchant discounts.
Reviews
Positive
- The scale of the steam locomotives and historic cars on display is incredible and perfectly restored, a true paradise for train enthusiasts.
- The interior is exceptionally well-maintained, with interactive exhibits and beautifully displayed uniforms that bring history to life.
- The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the volunteers are passionate about railway history, patiently answering all the kids' questions.
- Although located in the historic Old Sacramento district, the surrounding public transit and walking signs are very clear and easy to find.
Heads up
- It was extremely crowded when we visited on the weekend, making some narrow train car exhibits feel cramped and hard to take photos in.
- The surrounding Old Town parking lots are quite expensive and it is very difficult to find an empty space during peak tourist season.
- While the general admission is reasonable, the weekend excursion train requires an extra ticket, which quickly adds up for a family.
- There are not enough benches inside the museum, which makes a continuous two-hour walk quite tiring for families with elderly members.