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The California State Railroad Museum is in the historic Sacramento, California district. It is an intriguing museum that can easily occupy a whole day of exploration. The Museum boasts an impressive collection of locomotives and passenger cars of various sizes and types. The Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and part of the California State Parks system, with a focus on railroad history in California and the West. Here is what you need to know to plan your visit to the Museum.
What to Do and See
The railroad museum features numerous locomotives and railroad cars from the 1860s to the 1960s. The “Sierra Scene” shows a large-scale mockup of a construction scene high in the Sierra Nevada representing Donner Pass circa 1867, featuring the locomotive Gov. Stanford.
Exhibits on display demonstrate the significant impact of railroads on American society. They showcase how railroads have influenced travel, commerce, daily life, and the lives of railroaders. Additionally, the exhibits highlight the diverse people working on railroads. The Museum’s collection is enriched by changing exhibits that showcase photography, ephemera, and artifacts, providing a more comprehensive and informative account of the History of railroads.
Excursion Train Rides: A 45–50 minute, 6-mile roundtrip along the Sacramento River on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, pulled by historic steam or diesel locomotives (e.g., Granite Rock No. 10). Rides feature vintage coaches or open gondola cars, with a narrator onboard. First-class cars offer air-conditioned comfort, while coach cars (especially gondolas) provide better airflow but no AC. Accessibility Note: Due to historic coaches, passengers must climb narrow stairs to board, and wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility devices are not permitted onboard. Temporary storage is available at the station.
Guided Tours: 30-minute docent-led tours on the Transcontinental Railroad are available; check the front desk for daily schedules. Group tours can be reserved in advance, but school groups are self-guided due to high demand.
California State Railroad Museum Accessibility
The Museum is sensory-inclusive (KultureCity® certified) and fully accessible with wheelchair lifts, though some historic cars have limited access due to narrow stairways/doors. Service animals are allowed; other pets are restricted to exterior display areas.
Nearby Points of Interest
If trains aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll still find pleasure in visiting the California State Railroad Museum. A quick stroll will lead you to the charming and historic Old Town of Sacramento, where you can explore a variety of restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops.
The Sacramento History Museum, located at 101 I Street, Old Sacramento, CA 95814, is a key cultural institution in the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront district, situated along the Sacramento River. Housed in a reproduction of the 1854 City Hall and Waterworks building, the Museum celebrates Sacramento’s vibrant History, from its indigenous roots to the Gold Rush era and beyond
Old Sacramento Waterfront (0.1–0.5 miles, ~2–10-minute walk)
Stroll along the Sacramento River for scenic views, historic paddlewheel boats (e.g., Delta King or Riverboat Delta Queen), and photo ops. Activities: River cruises (e.g., Hornblower Cruises) offer dining or sightseeing (check hornblower.com for schedules)
The California State Capitol Museum, located at 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814, is housed within the historic California State Capitol building, a National Historic Landmark completed in 1874. It serves as both a working seat of government and a public museum, offering a glimpse into California’s political History, legislative process, and cultural heritage. California State Parks manages the Museum and has been a part of the system since 1982
Crocker Art Museum (0.7 miles, ~15-minute walk or 4-minute drive)
California’s oldest art museum with collections spanning European, Californian, and global art. Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Thursday until 9:00 PM). Tip: Family-friendly with interactive exhibits. Visit crockerart.org for current exhibitions.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, located at 2701 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816, is a California State Park and National Historic Landmark (designated in 1961) that offers a window into California’s pioneer era. Established in 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Sutter as part of his agricultural colony, New Helvetia (New Switzerland), the fort was the first non-Indigenous community in California’s Central Valley. It played a pivotal role in the California Gold Rush, the Donner Party rescue, and the founding of Sacramento.