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California Rail Museums: Your Ultimate Guide Awaits

Published: February 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

California, with its storied history as a nexus for the development of the railroad during the 19th and early 20th centuries, boasts several notable railroad museums. These museums collectively offer a comprehensive look into the profound impact that railroads had on the state’s economic growth, development, and social fabric.

The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is perhaps the crown jewel among these institutions. As one of North America’s largest and most well-curated railroad museums, it houses over 225,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with meticulously restored locomotives and rolling stock.

Visitors can explore exhibits that illustrate the railroads' crucial role in linking California to the rest of the United States and the pivotal role the transcontinental railroad played in the expansion and industrialization of the state.

The museum also offers various interactive and immersive exhibits, including a simulated train ride that highlights the challenges and triumphs of track-laying across the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Restored Southern Pacific E8A #6051, part of the California State Railroad Museum's collection, leads a short excursion through Miller Park in Sacramento during the fall of 2014. Ryan Clark photo.

In southern California, the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris stands out as another major attraction. This museum, known for its extensive collection of locomotives, passenger cars, and streetcars, focuses particularly on the electric and interurban railway systems that were once prevalent in the Los Angeles area.

The museum offers a truly interactive experience, allowing visitors to ride on numerous trains and trolleys, each providing a unique perspective on historical travel methods. Additionally, the museum hosts various annual events such as the “Day Out With Thomas” and “Railroad Days,” attracting families and railway enthusiasts alike.

Moving north, the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola offers a unique experience: the opportunity to actually drive a locomotive. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Western Pacific Railroad and provides extensive information on the “Feather River Route,” which was a key access point through the Sierra Nevada. The museum’s “Run A Locomotive” program is particularly distinctive, allowing visitors to feel the power and responsibility of piloting a train, an experience not commonly offered.

For a more localized perspective on the railroad’s impact, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum provides an extraordinary collection of model train layouts that represent California’s rail history. Located in Balboa Park, the museum is one of the largest indoor model railroad museums in the world, and it features detailed miniature representations of various California rail lines and geographic landscapes, emphasizing the immense scale and engineering prowess involved in constructing these routes.

Lastly, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad in Los Gatos, though small, reflects the community efforts and passion for preserving railroad history on a miniature scale. This operating narrow-gauge railroad offers rides that delight visitors young and old, showcasing vintage steam engines in a serene park setting.

Together, these museums offer a sensational dive into the legacy of rail transportation in California, each narrating part of the larger story of how railroads transformed the state's landscape, industry, and daily life. They collectively preserve, educate, and celebrate the history and technology of railroading—a testament to its enduring influence in shaping the region as we know it today.

Museum Guide

California State Railroad Museum

Not surprisingly, scenic train rides can be found at one of the state's biggest train attractions.  Perhaps few other museums, except the Illinois Railway Museum, rival the California State Railroad Museum in terms of size, scope, and collection. 

With a history dating as far back as 1937, it's based in Sacramento and remains one of the city’s top tourist destinations, seeing over a half-million visitors annually (a testament to just how interesting and engaging railroad museums can be).

Given the sheer size of CSRM's collection it would not be possible to cover it all here in a brief paragraph.  Thanks to the numerous resources available, of which few other museums are privy, CSRM is large enough to contain a number of various operating departments.

While it tends to spotlight and feature historic pieces related to California, or western railroads overall, it also highlights railroad history in general (including the Transcontinental Railroad). 

Finally, you can catch a train ride while there!  They offer excursion trips using an 0-6-0 steam locomotive, operating from the spring through late Summer, every hour on Saturday and Sunday. 

Carolwood Barn & Museum

This organization, located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles looks to preserve Walt Disney's vast collection of scale model trains, one of his longtime interests. 

The barn in which these displays are housed holds particularly historical significance.  It was built in 1950 by Disney, himself, at his home in Holmby Hills, California, replicating a similar structure at his family's farm in Marceline, Missouri. 

The building acted as a workshop, used to maintain his 1/8th scale live-steam railroad, the so-called "Carolwood Pacific Railroad." 

A few years later he went on to build the now world-renowned attraction, Disneyland, although the barn always remained on his property. 

Today, it continues to feature his original works and is open the third Sunday of each month from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Admission and parking to the museum are both free of charge.

Colma Historical Association

This organization, which launched in 1993, is housed within the Southern Pacific's restored wooden depot in Colma, originally completed between 1863-1870. 

They are open throughout much of the week and there is no admission.  The entire grounds include three additional buildings; the main museum, freight depot (built between 1904-1905), and blacksmith’s shed. 

Please note this group is not primarily centered around railroad preservation. 

While they do have some displays relating to trains it also features historic embalming equipment, blacksmithing items, typewriters, and information concerning Colma's 14 different cemeteries. 

There are also quilts on display, vintage buttons, telegrapher items, period clothing, and numerous photos from year's past.  It is an interesting place with a little of everything to see!

Fort Humboldt State Historic Park

Based in Eureka, this state park (since 1977) carries the goal of preserving the region's logging history.  

Specifically their mission statement is "...to create awareness and appreciation for the impact of timber, logging, and railroads on the settlement and growth of Humboldt County." 

In addition, since the grounds are within a former Army fort, military history is presented here as well.  Of their many attractions the group offers scenic train rides, or speeder trips, during the summer months.  

They also have two small, standard-gauge (4 feet, 8 1/2 inches) steam locomotives on display:

• Elk River Mill & Lumber 0-4-0 #1, named the "Dolly Varden" (built by Marshutz & Cantrell [National Iron Works] in 1884)
• Bear Harbor Lumber Company 0-4-0RT #1 (manufactured by Marshutz & Cantrell [National Iron Works] in 1892)

The park's website states it is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Laws Railroad Museum

This museum (operated by the Bishop Museum & Historical Society) is based in Bishop and housed within the city's preserved Carson & Colorado Railway depot (built in 1883). 

The C&C was a very noteworthy narrow-gauge (3-foot) system that, according to Dr. George Hilton's book, "American Narrow Gauge Railroads," operated some 293 miles from Mound House, Nevada to Keeler, California. 

Construction on the project began from the Virginia & Truckee's (the C&C's parent company) main line at Mound House on May 31, 1880 and had reached Keeler three years later in July, 1883. 

Like the V&T, it was built primarily to handle the silver mining boom and then later served a quick flurry of gold mining activity. 

In March, 1900 the Southern Pacific acquired the property for $2.75 million, converted it to standard gauge, and reincorporated it as the Nevada & California Railroad (May 11, 1905). 

Afterwards, the line was extended to Mojave in 1910. The museum's most significant display piece is Southern Pacific 4-6-0 #9, a narrow-gauge steam locomotive manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1909.

Lomita Railroad Museum

This museum, housed in a beautiful replica (constructed in 1966) of Boston & Maine's depot that still stands in Wakefield, Massachusetts. 

They have also built a full-scale water tank on the property, a device commonly used by steam locomotives to gather water along the tracks. 

Finally, several pieces of rolling stock can be found on the grounds including a Southern Pacific tender, Union Pacific caboose (built in 1910), Santa Fe caboose, Union Pacific boxcar, and Union Oil tank car. 

Their featured attraction is preserved Southern Pacific 2-6-0 #1765 (M-6) which sits on display next to the building.  This little "Mogul" was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1902. 

In addition to these there are various displays on-hand to peruse.  The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, offering tours for groups and schools.  

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

This organization is based in Nevada City and its mission is to preserve the region's narrow-gauge history, which was predominantly centered around the logging industry.  

They have a rather substantial collection on the premises with many pieces restored.  Of particular note is their preserved 2-6-0 #5, built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming in 1875. 

They also feature another steamer, 2-6-2 #5, manufactured by the Lima Locomotive Works in 1911 for Williamson & Brown Land & Lumber Company (a few years later, in 1916, it was sold to the Argent Lumber Company Railroad of Hardeville, South Carolina). 

Other pieces of rolling stock include a pair of small Plymouth diesel switchers, a modern 0-4-0 steam locomotive, an operating "rail bus" car, and various other freight cars. 

RailGiants Train Museum

This museum is located in Pomona at the Fairplex and operated by the Southern California Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (the oldest railroad preservation society in the United States, the R&LHS was founded in 1921).  

They have a large outdoor collection available to see and peruse.  The group's most famous piece, Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" #4014, was reacquired by UP in 2013 for restoration and operation as part of its heritage steam fleet. 

Their other noteworthy locomotives include:

• Outer Harbor Terminal Railway (Santa Fe) 0-6-0 #2 (Schenectady Locomotive Works, 1887)
• Fruit Growers Supply Company 3-truck Climax #3 (Climax Locomotive Works, 1909)
• United States Potash Company 2-8-0 #3 (Baldwin Locomotive Works, 1903)
• Santa Fe 4-6-4 #3450 (Baldwin, 1927)
• Southern Pacific 4-10-2 #5021 (American Locomotive, 1926)
• Union Pacific 4-12-2 #9000 (American Locomotive, 1926)
• Union Pacific SD40-2C #3501 (Electro-Motive, 1972; this unit, fully operational when it arrived, was traded to the museum for 4-8-8-4 #4014)
• Union Pacific DDA40X "Centennial" #6915 (Electro-Motive, 1986)

The museum is open on the second full weekend of each month; 10 AM - 5 PM.

San Francisco Cable Car Museum

As its name implies this museum tells the rich history of San Francisco's cable cars, which were first put into service in 1873.  

While these machines are not traditional railroads they have played an important role in the city's transportation needs for well over a century.  

Today, they function largely for nostalgia/tourism purposes. The museum contains two notable cars within its collection; a former Sutter Street Railway grip car and trailer manufactured in the 1870's and another grip car belonging to the Clay Street Hill Railroad. 

The latter company holds the distinction as the first to be successfully put into service when it began running on August 1, 1873 along Clay Street. 

Its construction was financed by Andrew Smith Hallidie while the line was engineered by William Eppelsheimer.  In 1888 it became part of the Ferries & Cliff House Railway.  The system remained in operation until February 15, 1942.  Admission is free with varying opening hours.

Santa Maria Valley Historical Railway Museum

This organization, established in 1999, is located in Santa Maria and has a small collection of equipment on hand, including a small miniature railroad offering rides to the public.  

According to their mission statement they are "...dedicated to the preservation of the railroad heritage of California, the Central Coast, and the Santa Maria Valley."  The museum is open every second and fourth Saturdays of each month from Noon to 4 PM.

Southern California Railway Museum

Another one of the most scenic train rides available is found at the Southern California Railway Museum, formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum. 

This organization has a substantial collection of preserved equipment and also offers excursions powered by steam locomotives, trolley cars, and diesel locomotives. 

Their noteworthy pieces include:

• Nevada Central Railroad 2-6-0 #2 (named the "Emma Nevada" it was manufactured by Baldwin in 1881)
• Waimanalo Sugar Plantation Company 0-4-2T #1 (manufactured by Baldwin in 1883 and then known as Pokaa, it later worked on the Grizzly Flats Railroad in San Gabriel, California, whereupon it was renamed Chloe)
• Belle Point & Reserve 0-4-4RT #1 (manufactured by Burnham, Williams [Baldwin] in 1894)
• Mojave Northern Railroad 0-6-0T #2 (built by Davenport Locomotive Works in 1917)
• Ventura County Railway 2-6-2 #2 (built by Baldwin in 1922 this locomotive is operational)
• Union Pacific 2-8-2 #2564 (Class MK-10 it was built by Alco's Brooks Works in 1921)
• Santa Fe FP45 #98 (built by Electro-Motive in 1967)
• Southern Pacific U25B #3100

There are also historic streetcars originally belonging to the Pacific Electric and Los Angeles Railway (LARy).  Finally, they offer excursions over 1.5 miles of right-of-way as well as a 0.5-mile dual-gauge "Loop Line."  

South Coast Railroad Museum

Based in Goleta this museum is situated inside the former Southern Pacific's beautifully restored two-story wooden depot built in 1901.

The structure is not at its original location and is currently on display at 300 North Los Carneros Road in the Los Carneros County Park).

During the railroad's construction of its so-called "Coast Line" linking San Francisco with Los Angeles (a corridor that continues seeing considerable usage today).

This particular depot is based from SP's standard "Combination Station No. 22 plan," a design widely used by the company during the late 19th through early 20th centuries.

The museum contains a few pieces of rolling stock and states their primary goal is to "focus on the history, technology, and adventure of railroading" within the local region.

If interested in planning a visit they are open during Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 pm.

Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum

This organization is housed within a beautiful replica of a Southern Pacific, single-story wooden depot.  It was completed in 2009.  

The attractive facility features a very large collection of historic artifacts inside, all of which is presented to a very high quality. 

What's more, it's free to the public.  While there be sure to take a moment and watch the countless Union Pacific and BNSF Railway trains passing by on a regular basis. 

This very busy route has remained a vital rail corridor dating back to the SP and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Santa Fe) era, a setup which persists under UP (owner) and BNSF (leaser). 

The line's most striking feature is a grand loop whereupon trains pass over themselves (originally featuring 15 tunnels) to keep grades manageable.

Travel Town Museum

The Travel Town Museum is located at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

Just as they proclaim the organization truly does have the largest collection of preserved steam locomotives in the western United States with some fourteen pieces on display.  

The museum if free and open to the public.  The heritage of this organization dates back to the 1940's when Charley Atkins and a group of railfans wanted to display an authentic steam locomotive next to the miniature train ride at the park. 

They ultimately began with two pieces; Los Angeles Harbor Authority 0-4-0T #31 built by the Davenport Locomotive Works in 1921 and Consolidated Rock Products 0-6-0 #1 built by Alco's Cooke Works in 1925. 

On December 14, 1952 the Travel Town Museum opened and their collection slowly grew from that point forward.

Western America Railroad Museum

The Western America Railroad Museum (WARM) is based in Barstow with an aim to preserve rail history in the Pacific Southwest (Southern California) region.

The organization is housed within the preserved brick Harvey House (these facilities were spearheaded by the legendary Fred Harvey during the 1870's as a means of providing passengers meals during their trips in a time that pre-dated the modern dining car) and Santa Fe station, originally built in 1911. 

The building carries a wide range of functions including being an active Amtrak stop, home to the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, and location of the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. 

The WARM features a wide range of railroad artifacts such as timetables, uniforms, tools, and even artwork.  Also be sure to see their collection of preserved rolling stock outside!

Western Pacific Railroad Museum

In junction with static displays you can also find scenic train rides at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.  Located in Portola the WPRM is the premier organization preserving the memory of the Western Pacific.  

They have a very large collection of original WP equipment on hand, many of which are not only preserved but also in operable condition.

The history of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum begins in 1983 when the Feather River Rail Society was formed to preserve the history of the Western Pacific, which only a year earlier had disappeared into Union Pacific.

A year later the society created the Portola Railroad Museum as a means of having a permanent site to both display their growing collection of equipment as well a place where visitors could come to see and learn about the WP.

The original museum was named after the town of Portola, which was once a locomotive servicing and maintenance facility for the WP along the eastern edge of its "Feather River Canyon" route in northern California (east of the famous Keddie Wye and "Inside Gateway" route). 

Today, the organization features a collection of over 35 locomotives and 80 pieces of rolling stock. It is well worth the visit!

Western Pacific F7A #913 on display at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, circa 1984. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Western Railway Museum

The Western Railway Museum, led by the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association (BAERA), operates trolley service on a former segment of the Sacramento Northern Railway's main line near Suisun City. 

The history of BAERA began long ago when a local group of railfans from San Francisco loosely started the group in 1946 to preserve the region's interurban and streetcar history. 

In 1958 they obtained a collection of used traction equipment following the Key System's closure and subsequently acquired former SN property at Rio Vista Junction. 

With property secured, they formally launched the BAERA, a non-profit organization. 

The operating arm of the group was known as the California Railway Museum, which later became the Western Railway Museum to eliminate confusion with the California State Railroad Museum. 

Today, they have since acquired 22 miles of the former SN trackage and opened a visitor's center in 2001.