Lying in the heart of Old Sacramento, one of the country’s most intensively studied archaeological sites, this Smithsonian Affiliate is also one of the most celebrated railway museums in North America. It’s a must for train enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, home to the largest collection of its kind in the Western United States and some of the oldest restored locomotives in the country. The museum stands where the western half of the first transcontinental railroad began—pretty cool, right?
The train museum offers everything from tours to a well-stocked gift shop, and it’s also home to the renowned Candlelight concert series, with classical tributes to Coldplay, Drake, and more. Think excursions on steam trains, antique toy train displays, and a full dive into the rich heritage of American railroads. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know, from ticket prices and photos to parking options and its origins.
Address: 125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
A little bit of history on the California State Railroad Museum
The transcontinental railroad was built to link the East and West Coasts, dramatically speeding up travel and freight movement and giving a huge boost to the American economy. Sacramento served as the western starting point of this project, the epicentre of connecting the West to the East. The museum itself grew out of a 1937 initiative by the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society to preserve California’s rapidly disappearing railroad heritage. Today it stands right where the western half of the transcontinental railroad began, a place steeped in history and shaped by people passionate about creating experiences around that legacy.
What can you do at the California State Railroad Musuem?
A day at the museum can be as laid-back or as action-packed as you want it to be, with plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained. School trips vary depending on what you’re looking for—whether it’s in-person, digital, or a mix of both, the train museum is sure to expand some little minds. Different types of tours require reservations, and some even include train rides. But tours aren’t just for kids; there are options for adult private group visits too. The venue also hosts educational conventions, a kids’ story time every Monday at 11 a.m., and atmospheric Candlelight concerts, with everything from hip-hop tributes to full evenings dedicated to classical greats like Vivaldi.
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Where is the California State Railroad Museum and how to get there?
The California State Railroad Museum sits at 125 I Street in Old Sacramento State Historic Park, right on the Sacramento River in the city’s historic waterfront district. It’s tucked into Old Sacramento’s Gold Rush–era quarter, surrounded by brick warehouses, wooden boardwalks, and plenty of places to eat and drink, just a short stroll from downtown. You can drive in easily via Interstate 5 or Highway 80, or hop off at nearby Sacramento Valley Station if you’re arriving by Amtrak. Paid garages and surface lots signed for Old Sacramento and the waterfront make parking straightforward, and you can always check SacPark.org for up-to-date options.
FAQs
What is there to see at the museum?
You can see everything from massive steam locomotives to sleek early diesel engines, plus historic passenger coaches, Pullman sleeper cars, baggage and mail cars, working cabooses, and finely detailed freight cars that once hauled goods across the West.
How long does it take to go around the railroad museum?
Most people take around 2–3 hours to wander through the main exhibits at a relaxed pace, but train and history buffs often linger 4 hours or more, especially if they add a 45–60 minute excursion train ride.
How much does it cost to go to the railroad museum in Sacramento?
Ticket prices vary depending on age: adults – $12, youths – $6 (ages 6-17), children – free (ages 5 and under), and members go free.
Nearby venues in the city
Centrally located in the heart of Sacramento, The California State Railroad is close to the Old Sacramento Waterfront historic district, filled with Gold Rush-era buildings, shops, bars, and restaurants. For those looking for another type of history excursion, the Sacramento History Museum, and Old Sacramento Underground tours are close by, giving you the opportunity to dig into the city’s history. And for those looking to experience a different type of culture, the Guild Theater, and the Croatian American Cultural Center are hosts to some of the best theater in the city, and the stunning Candlelight concert series.
