Railtown 1897 | Excursion Train Rides – Our Sierra Travel News

Railtown 1897 Excursion Train Rides

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown will present a new season of weekend excursion train rides starting in April. The historic 1265 diesel engine will be operating all weekend and excursion train ride departures weekends is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. The weekend train ride season has been extend through October to provide more opportunities for guest to enjoy the unique experience.

Weekend train ride guests will enjoy a memorable six-mile, 45-minute round trip ride on the Sierra Railway through the picturesque Mother Lode countryside. Plus, a limited number of tickets are available to ride inside Sierra Railway caboose No. 7 that was featured in several movies and television shows, including Little House on the Prairie. In addition to the train ride experiences, Park visitors are encouraged to observe train crew operate the turntable at the start and end of each day.

For opening weekend, vintage railroad equipment will be on display with several open to walk through, such as Sierra Railway coach cars No. 3, 5 and 6; these classic cars were featured in numerous movies and television programs including High Noon and Petticoat Junction.

The Park will also be open for self-guided tours and exhibits will include interpretive signage. Excursion trains, programs, and activities will continue throughout the year and visitors are encouraged to plan a historic train ride or a day at the Park to enjoy a tour, picnic, or leisurely stroll around the grounds. The Park will be open daily April through October for its summer season from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided or docent-led tours throughout the day and exhibits with interpretive signage.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase excursion train ride tickets online in advance. If still available on the day of the train ride, tickets can be purchased at the Depot Store on a first-come, first-served basis. All paid train ride tickets include Park admission and cost $23 for adults, $18 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under. And for those who want to ride in the Sierra Railway Caboose No. 7.

More information and advance excursion train ride tickets are available via this link. For more information about Railtown 1897's events and activities and the park in general, please visit www.railtown1897.org or call 209-983-3953. For more information about the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, please visit www.californiarailroad.museum.