If you stroll down to 106 K St., Suite 200, near the heart of Old Sacramento, you’ll discover a place where imagination sets off at full steam: the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. This isn’t just another museum—it’s a lively world of stories, inventions, and adventures powered by the big dreams and iron wheels that built California.
Museums Are for Dreamers, Too
Walk through the doors and you’re stepping into a realm where locomotives aren’t just artifacts—they’re time machines. From the golden era of railroading to the quirky culture of railroad life, every exhibit has a story ready to surprise you. Peek into the Transcontinental Railroad, let your mind puzzle over gleaming restored engines or the tiny world of toy trains, and catch sight of historic photographs showing how trains changed absolutely everything: how people moved, how they lived, and even what ended up on their kitchen tables.
Exhibits That Spark Curiosity
Wander through restored cars with velvet upholstery, marvel at the Sierra Scene—an epic mountain construction site high in the Donner Pass, dotted with figures and the legendary Gov. Stanford locomotive. It’s all immersive, interactive, and designed so anyone (even self-proclaimed “not-a-museum-people”) can enjoy history as a hands-on adventure. Hop into the simulated engineer’s seat and try piloting a high-speed train—finally, a place where “don’t touch” signs rarely apply.
Train Rides: The Heartbeat of the Museum
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, the museum lets you ride California’s living history. Excursion train rides roll along the scenic Sacramento River, pulled by historic steam or diesel locomotives. From closed coach cars to breezy open-air gondolas, each trip is a 50-minute journey filled with the sounds, smells, and excitement of real train travel. For a dash of luxury, first-class tickets unlock air-conditioned parlor cars (with snacks!) perfect for those summer scorchers.
Don’t miss the iconic Granite Rock 10 steam locomotive—it’s the star of select weekends and carries riders between Old California dreams and present-day Sacramento. If you listen closely, each whistle tells tales of adventure, innovation, and the people who built the American West.
Discover Hidden Stories at Every Turn
Love a good mystery? Digital exhibits spotlight the untold stories of women who blazed trails in railroading, as well as the Chinese workers who forged connections across America. Even the private “Gold Coast” railcar opens its doors in virtual form, letting guests imagine the glam life of railroad photographers Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg.
A Learning Lab Without Walls
Inventors, engineers, and daydreamers—unite! Education is playful here. The museum’s school programs give kids a passport from “Horses to Horsepower,” letting groups dig in, investigate, and imagine new ways to connect the world. Adventure Guides and hands-on materials turn field trips into discovery missions with real docents sharing facts, jokes, or a good railway riddle.
Special courses—like the “Rail Innovation in Action” program—invite high schoolers to invent, experiment, and shape the future of transportation. This isn’t a place stuck in the past. It’s a launch pad for new ideas.
The Library: A Treasure Trove of Rail Relics
Up for an expedition through railroad lore? The California State Railroad Museum Library is open to researchers, wanderers, and anyone with questions about railroads. Peer into hundreds of books, vintage maps, technical drawings, and photos that reveal train culture, drama, and the ingenious minds behind it all. The staff is legendary for its helpfulness—you might just leave with more answers (and more curiosity) than you arrived with.
Community, Creativity, and Chugging Along
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation isn’t only steered by rail fanatics—it’s run by people who believe museums should feel active, creative, and fun for all. Members can support exhibits, ride trains for free, and help keep stories rolling. Like trains themselves, the museum welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and levels of railway knowledge. Got a question, want to organize a group visit, or simply need directions? The folks at the Foundation are ready with a friendly hello (and probably a train pun).
Events Make History Hilarious
From spooky Halloween “Spookomotive” rides to the polar adventure (with treats and Santa) on the Polar Express in winter, there’s always something new on the calendar. Whether you’re five or ninety-five, expect laughter, tall tales, and maybe even a surprise guest in the dining car.
Visit, Explore, Imagine
So next time you’re in East Sacramento, let curiosity be your conductor. At the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, history isn’t quiet or dusty—it’s booming, bustling, and begging you to jump aboard. Your ticket to wonder is just a train whistle away.
Sources: californiarailroad.museum, California State Railroad Museum Foundation Facebook Page, California State Railroad Museum Foundation Instagram Page
Header Image Source: californiarailroad.museum
