California State Railroad Museum

Category: Rail museum

Address: 125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA

Phone: +19163239280

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–5PM

Monday: 10AM–5PM

Tuesday: 10AM–5PM

Wednesday: 10AM–5PM

Thursday: 10AM–5PM

Friday: 10AM–5PM

Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Reviews

Mrugesh Desai

Jul 4, 2022

Museum is a fun place. Got to see different engines, Railroad post office is a must see.., lot to learn, and kids will have fun. The toy train section is where kids spent most of the time. Dogs not want to leave, only when museum closed is when managed to get the kids out. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Reasonably priced.

Bryan Monaco

Mar 29, 2022

I really like this museum and it's a big deal if you like railroad history. I first came here five years ago and have returned. I rode the train all the way from Detroit to visit it and it's worth the trip. They have equipment you won't see anywhere else. It's known around the world by railfans and it is easy to see why.

Kelsey Perez Lopez

Mar 16, 2022

We visited from Oregon and this museum is amazing! We brought our whole family and there’s so many things to do for adults and children. We were very impressed. The upstairs has a dedicated area for smaller children and has lots of model trains.

Victor Wang

Jan 17, 2022

Museum was absolutely awesome if you have any interest in history, locomotives or transportation. Absolute love scale model trains, transformational (although mostly automobiles) but still found this museum to be a perfect fit. Also caught a docent led tour which explained some of the important pieces. A particular highlight is they have a railroad stake made with pure gold in the display case. Also got to step inside of one of the steam powered trains another docent explained the controls and history. One more docent led exhibit was the mail sorting train cart and it was awesome to see how mail got efficiently transported throughout the country.

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Questions & Answers

What time does the box office open to pick up pre-paid tickets?

Chris Jacobs | Aug 23, 2018
Michel Kattan | Aug 23, 2018

10am

Is there a discount this weekend for Veterans/ or their family?

Celestine McClellan | Aug 23, 2018
Nancy Korwin | Aug 23, 2018

I'm not sure about this weekend but in February they usually have free museum day, for all of California's museums.

Do you need proof of vaccination to enter!?!

Tirin Smith | Feb 23, 2022
Carlos Castro | Feb 23, 2022

No

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Is that car still alive and seenable. Where is it. Lynn

Lynn Grimes | Aug 22, 2021
Robert Leinweber | Aug 22, 2021

Really? That's lame. Probably blaming it on Covid too.

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Where is the model train layout located?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Tom Drawdy | Aug 23, 2019

Upstairs, third floor.

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Do you offer luggage storage to visitors?

Caitee Cooper | Aug 23, 2019
D | Aug 23, 2019

Not officially, if I recall correctly. But I just asked them to store my bag and they held on to it behind the desk for me

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Is there a model train layout in the museum? If so what scale is it? In terms of excursions, do they offer a dinner train?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Nickolas Proimakis | Aug 23, 2019

There is a model train layout on the third floor with one O gage and three standard gage trains. No dinner train though but lots of restaurants in the area

Best place to park

Tina Maestretti | Aug 23, 2018
Supermom Flyaway | Aug 23, 2018

I find it less expensive and less hassle to take light rail. Keep your head on a swivel and you will be fine. You are more at risk being a victim of a dui than a violent homeless person. Lol

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How do I buy a membership

A Google User | Aug 22, 2020
Victoria Garcia | Aug 22, 2020

You can buy it on line or there

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How many wig-wag signals do they have?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Allan Greenberg | Aug 23, 2019

Ask the curator.

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How many model train layouts do they have?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Lynn R | Aug 23, 2019

I remember at least 4 running trains in the display with lots accessories with trees, and a few crossing arms.

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Are you open on Saturday

lyn heathcock | Aug 23, 2019
Steffen Nies | Aug 23, 2019

Yes, the museum is open on Saturday.

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Is there a model train layout in the museum? And do they have any wig wag railroad crossing signals?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Cristian C | Aug 23, 2019

There is a Tin Plate layout that is interactive and they have a wig wag but it hasn't moved in a long time

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Is it open daily?

Karen Robbel | Aug 23, 2019
Adam Wilson | Aug 23, 2019

Yes Wednesday10AM–5PM Thursday10AM–5PM Friday10AM–5PM Saturday10AM–5PM Sunday10AM–5PM Monday10AM–5PM Tuesday10AM–5P

Is there a model train layout in the museum? If so what scale is it?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Lyrpa014 | Aug 23, 2019

There's a bunch, all kinds. 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 is what I remember when I was there. Up on the 2nd floor

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Is NWP's Engine #112 still on display at the California State Railroad Museum? I need this information for an article I'm writing for Marin Magazine in Marin County, therefore a prompt answer would be most appreciated. Thank You. Cheers, Jim Wood

Jim Wood | Aug 23, 2019
Victor Brunko | Aug 23, 2019

Good question. I don't want to mislead you, but based on the photos I made it's there.

Is there a model train layout in the museum??

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Konstantin Breucha | Aug 23, 2019

There are tables with Thomas the tank engine wooden trains for the kids to play with, and there are some exhibits of larger scale trains running behind glass

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Do they offer a dinner train?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Aug 23, 2019
Patricia Aguiluz | Aug 23, 2019

No there is not, however the museum is located in the old sacramento, and there are restaurants, even one inside a nice boat with a nice view of the river.

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Is the train handicapped accessible for wheelchairs?

Ted Blume | Aug 23, 2018
Bob Bickers | Aug 23, 2019

The Sac Southern cars are antiques and have no provisions for wheelchairs. They can accomadate those can climb 5 stair steps and take a few more steps with aid from the car attendants.

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How much is a yearly pass?

Patricia Brown | Aug 23, 2018
Steve | Aug 23, 2018

Basic membership starts at $30 a year for one person and then they have different packages rising up in price from there, i.e. $40 for one adult and a child, etc...

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Any senior discount?

Judy Savage | Aug 23, 2018
J L | Aug 23, 2018

Seeing that $12.00 is standard for one adult ticket, I am sure the senior is cheaper. There is also a military discount.

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They have resrooms inside the museum?

angel rey | Aug 15, 2022
Jessie Probst | Aug 16, 2022

Yes, lots of restrooms.

Is the children's play area open or still closed for COVID concerns?

Laura Hopp | Jun 23, 2022
Vanessa | Jun 23, 2022

It’s open. I went there last weekend

Does anybody have an idea how much a train rides are in downtown Sacramento

Katrina Gomez | May 24, 2022
Venu Javarappa | May 24, 2022

For adults it’s $15 and half of that for kids.

Do they have trains there?

Desmond Watson | May 24, 2022
Jed Griffith | May 24, 2022

Yep, including the largest steam locomotive I have ever seen. Very impressive million pounds of hardware.

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When will work on the museum end?

Blayze Lynn | Apr 24, 2022
Elizabeth Zima | May 24, 2022

We hope within the next 2 months.

Is the Sierra Scene finished yet?

Blayze Lynn | Apr 24, 2022
Elizabeth Zima | May 24, 2022

Not yet, but the Chinese railroad workers segment has been reopened.

Are you doing guided tours? How much time does it take to complete the whole tour?

Grishma Patel | Dec 25, 2021
Puppaccino | Dec 25, 2021

They are still doing tours! They are about 30-45 minutes long but well worth it

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Is the museum taking school tours again?

Mary Masulis | Oct 26, 2021
Elizabeth Zima | Oct 26, 2021

No, instead they are offering digital classes for school classes.

When I was at the museum this week, I read a large sign about women on the railroad. What were they called?? Railroadettes?? Racking my brain trying to remember the name ..... thanks

Vicki DeKay | Aug 22, 2021
Cary Brown | Aug 22, 2021

There's a woman telegraph operator at her key, on display in the museum.

Does this railroad museum have an interchange with another railroad? Yes or No?

Brian Falzon | Aug 22, 2021
Cary Brown | Aug 22, 2021

Yes, they talked about London's.

If is a raining day is still open?

Ruth Medina | Aug 22, 2020
Adam Braun | Aug 22, 2020

Yes. It's a great rainy day activity too. It's all indoors and with the parking structure across the street you can stay dry!

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Hello all! Does anybody out there know of any good events taking place tomorrow?

Ty Blev | Aug 22, 2020
Tabitha Schwarzenbach | Aug 22, 2020

Just go to the website and if there is something going on it will be there.. I'm not sure about tomorrow/ today

Are they with the museums for all program?

francesca ceritelli | Aug 22, 2020
Matthew Koehn | Aug 22, 2020

Please explain better

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Do you have a gift shop with railroad patches, pins, etc?

Briana Dee | Aug 22, 2020
Carlos Marí Ribas | Aug 22, 2020

There is one shop

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Will it be open from December 30 to January 04? And what about the Polar Express can you get tikets for those dates?

Paula Luna Rodriguez | Aug 22, 2020
Carlos Marí Ribas | Aug 22, 2020

31 and 1 I think they don't work. The tickets are sold out for polar express.

Are there train ride from December 28 to January 3?

Paula Luna Rodriguez | Aug 22, 2020
Wendy Nordstrom | Aug 22, 2020

No. The excursion train rides are from April to September.

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Can you have birthday parties there?

Carol Abrams | Aug 22, 2020
Melody Leclair | Aug 22, 2020

Don't know, we didn't ask.

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Is there RV PARKING NEAR THE MUSEUM?

Robin Greenlaw | Aug 22, 2020
Karren Ferron | Aug 22, 2020

Not sure can not remember seeing anything

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C

Anonymous | Aug 22, 2022
Anonymous | Aug 22, 2022

a

The parking is the pay-to-park lot under the overpass?? Or is there an actual parking area for the museum??

Jodi Rohweder | Aug 23, 2019
Kelly Stille | Aug 23, 2019

You can park in that lot under the overpass (that is where we usually park) or you can try for street parking. Otherwise there are other parking structures in old sac but you would have a bit of a walk.

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how long is a typical visit

David A. Burns | Aug 23, 2019
A K | Aug 23, 2019

Depending on if it's your first time visiting and if you have kids, it can be a 1-3 hour experience with things both inside and outside to see.

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Do you guys have security checks for schools that come to visit?

Emily | Aug 23, 2019
Robert Birchman | Aug 23, 2019

If your asking if volunteers have live scans yes , metal detectors no

How long does the Tuesday train ride last?

Patti Transue Nordt | Aug 23, 2019
Catalina | Aug 23, 2019

All regular excursion train rides are 45 min

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Is it open on sunday? It's written but I want to be sure cause I'm always here two days. Thanks.

Fred Barroit | Aug 23, 2019
Sherree Mccune | Aug 23, 2019

Yes

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When will UP 4014, The Big Boy, be in Sacramento?

Peter Macfarlane | Aug 23, 2019
Jo Jo Aberch | Aug 23, 2019

Peter, Mauizio Scalmana gave a perfect answer for you. It is already on location. I put the translation below. 👍 The Big Boy: is the most prized piece in the Beautiful Sacramento collection, along with the restaurant car and its porcelain of the various sections throughout the USA.

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How much is admission

Mike Germeyer | Aug 23, 2019
Wendy Nordstrom | Aug 22, 2020

$12 for adults, youths 6 to 17 are $6 and children under 5 are free.

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Are school buses and greyhound buses allowed to park? Yes or No?

Brian Falzon | Aug 23, 2019
IM DL | Aug 23, 2019

Yes. There it is. Also RV's

Where do I find a list of museums that are reciprocal to California to the California Railroad museum?

Susan Winner | Aug 23, 2019
Arturo Sanchez | Aug 23, 2019

I'm sure if you call the California railroad museum that they have a list and or could point you in the right direction. You could so Google the question.

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What's the name of the railroas Museum Sacramento?

Juliette Samson | Aug 23, 2019
James Hamaker | Aug 23, 2019

Yes, you can.

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What are the prices on the tickets?

Linda Clark | Aug 23, 2019
Karlton cruz | Aug 23, 2019

15.00 for adults kuds 5 and under are free

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Best place to park?

Joanne Grant | Aug 23, 2019
jose roberto reyes guadron | Aug 23, 2019

It is spacious with security and comfort, the place is not very big but it has a lot of history. The best place to park is in front of the offices.

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Is there RV parking available

William Abbs | Aug 23, 2019
Kitty Rittenhouse | Aug 23, 2019

Yes but space is limited.

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Is there a model train collection?

Robert Brister | Aug 23, 2018
Mike Robinson | Aug 23, 2018

Yes there is and it is worth seeing!!

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How much is it to go into the museum? Thank you in advance

Anthony Vierra | Aug 23, 2018
Anupam Mishra | Aug 23, 2018

It's $12

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Are you open on the 4th of July?

Fran Lucas | Aug 23, 2018
Sonia Jovel | Aug 23, 2018

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day) but i would call just to make sure.

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will there be a railfair 2019? or 2020? just like back in Railfair 99?

BNSF Fan | Aug 23, 2018
Johnny Sankaradhas | Aug 23, 2018

The site has a calendar, maybe that can be useful

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When will 4294 runs again?

Central California rail Productions | Aug 23, 2018
Neil Raumann | Aug 23, 2018

I would call the museum and ask them directly, if the information is not posted on their website.

Is there a year pass?

John Molchan | Aug 23, 2018
Bob Bickers | Aug 23, 2019

Yes, but joining the museum foundation you can visit the museum anytime and ride the Sacramento Southern Railroad also.

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Do you have any handicapped chairs, scooters etc.

Patti Neet | Aug 23, 2018
Karyn Baron | Aug 23, 2018

The California State Railroad Museum is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Wherever possible, access to exhibits are facilitated by wheelchair lifts with the assistance of our friendly staff. Certain exhibits and programs have limited accessibility, due to factors such as narrow, historic stairways and door openings on railroad passenger cars. For additional details, please contact us.

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How long does the whole tour last? Have some spare time and near the area, so I was just curious.

Crystal Rivera | Aug 23, 2018
Chris Pucci | Aug 23, 2018

Tour lasts about an hour. The museum can take all day if you want.

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what are todays hours

Jim Morris | Aug 23, 2018
Marty Fried | Aug 23, 2018

This is the best railroad museum I have been to in the United States. Very comprehensive exhibits; something for all ages and very friendly and knowledgeable docents and staff. I also think it is well located in historic Sacramento.

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Are they open on Christmas eve?

M. Biglaen | Aug 23, 2018
Dennis Eoff | Aug 23, 2018

The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)

Is it a federal park

Arnold Martinez | Aug 23, 2018
Michel Kattan | Aug 23, 2018

Nope.

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How much does it cost to get in? I'm a senior 65 years old.

Karen Morelli | Aug 23, 2018
Katherine Kareck | Aug 23, 2018

Adults $12, Age 6-17. $6 Kids free I don't believe there's a special price for seniors.

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Is the railroad museum in Sacramento open on Sunday?

Keith Ellis | Aug 23, 2018
Michael Kinsella | Aug 23, 2018

Yes

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