Railtown 1897

Railtown 1897 Park Photos

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Description

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to Steam Powered Train Rides and the Roundhouse—an intact and still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back to 1897. Railtown really is a one-of-a-kind attraction which combines our unique industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood’s film industry.

Railtown is known as "The Movie Railroad," and its survival has been aided by the film industry. The first known filming was in 1919, for a silent serial called "The Red Glove." Railtown 1897 and its historic locomotives and railroad cars have appeared in more than 200 films, television productions, and commercials. One of the most recent films was "Back To The Future III". There are also related historic structures and Hollywood "props," plus a large picnic area, Depot Store, and Interpretive Center.

In addition to the roundhouse, functioning blacksmith shop, and movie regalia there is the opportunity to take a steam-powered excursion train every weekend at Railtown from April to October. Trains operate every Saturday and Sunday, departing from the Railtown Depot on-the-hour 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip ride through the scenic Sierra foothills, in vintage passenger coaches pulled by an authentic steam locomotive. Regular excursion train tickets are $13 adults, $6 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under ride free.

We loved Railtown even though there was a misting rain when we visited. The kids loved being able to touch and tromp around many of the artifacts and working railroad machinery. It was a fabulous way to bring history alive.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is open Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday (April-October, from 9:30 to 4:30 p.m.; November-March, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.