California State Railroad Museum

Such a great day! We got there when it opened, best because way less people. The kids had so much fun with them whole place. Loved the chalk, loved the toy trains, loved the dining car. My ten year old son loved asking all the questions and the attendants were so helpful and sweet. Great place to take kids. There is something amazing about kids just wanting to learn about the mechanics without having to prompt them. Trains are awesome! I've been before so today I just followed so the kids around and let them explore. Magical day!

WOW! So much to see - definitely give yourself at least 2 hours (3+ if you want to read everything). Well worth the $12/adult we spent - I would have paid twice as much if not more. Incredible artistry and museum flow. One of the best museums I've ever seen. There are a few different floors (there is an elevator), one of which is all about toy trains. Gift shop had some really cool stuff as well. Afterward, give yourself plenty of time to explore the area - there's so much to do!

A great way to spend time with family and friends.

$12 for this huge selection of trains is one of the best deal museum.

Clean environment. Although you can smell the old years from the train.

This museum is amazing and very interesting and informative about both the good and the terrible in our history of the railroad tracks built across our country and the trains made that changed how people and goods could travel. The museum is very honest about everything that happened to the workers of all cultures, and gives credit to those who were unrecognized, dismissed, and who didn't survive in that era of such hard labor. I feel proud of all the women and those from other countries that showed their strength and grit and worked just as hard as the men leading them, and continued that work when American men went to war. You can listen to the stories and get on the trains in the museum and witness the beautiful and the tough that happened. Docents are throughout who add to the good and the bad stories. I highly recommend this museum. There are also kids' play areas and many small but elaborate train sets for kids and grownups to enjoy viewing, and some to purchase in the gift shop. I highly recommend spending hours at the museum, plus it's located in a great part of old downtown Sacramento with boardwalks, restaurants, music, and shops for taffy, candy, drinks, and much more.

"An enriching visit to the California State Railway Museum! The wealth of historical information and the fascinating array of trains made it both educational and enjoyable. Exploring the exhibits offered a captivating journey through time, providing valuable insights into the rich history of railways. A delightful experience for both history enthusiasts and those simply looking to have a great time surrounded by cool trains."

I went to the California State Railroad Museum to see a candlelight concert (symphony). The concert was amazing. I was definitely intrigued by the trains. I must go back during regular business hours. If you have kids who like trains, this place is a must-see. The trains are absolutely stunning!

First time I go to a railroad museum, but he exceeded all my expectations. If you like learning about stuff or like trains, this is definitely a must stop to do. They have great history from the first train that existed in the United States now to the electric ones. You also learn how the Cole miners used to transport the Cole back in the day.

A Journey Through Time at the California State Railroad Museum

The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is a captivating destination for families and history enthusiasts alike. This museum offers a fascinating adventure through the rich history of railroads, providing an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

During our visit, we spent several hours exploring the extensive exhibits. The museum does an outstanding job of bringing to life the era of rail travel, offering a glimpse into the past with its impressive collection of trains and coaches. One of the highlights was the opportunity to step inside most of these historical trains and coaches, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the travel experiences of yesteryears.

The staff at the museum are not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable. Their insights and stories about the various attractions, trains, and models added depth to our visit, making it both informative and engaging. They are clearly passionate about their work and eager to share their expertise with visitors.

For model train enthusiasts, the museum is a treasure trove. The model train section is vast and intricately detailed, showcasing the fascinating history and craftsmanship behind these miniatures. It was particularly intriguing to learn how these models played a role in the development of actual trains.

Located near the historic waterfront of Sacramento, the museum itself is a part of the rich tapestry of the area's history. Its proximity to other historical sites makes it an ideal starting point for a day of exploration in the city.

In summary, the California State Railroad Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in trains, history, or just looking for a unique family outing. Its blend of educational content, interactive exhibits, and knowledgeable staff makes it a standout attraction in Sacramento. I highly recommend dedicating a few hours to this wonderful museum – it's a journey through time that you won't want to miss.

Soo glad we stopped by. We were visitjng friends in Sacramento. Drove down from Reno before going back home to Santa Cruz. I wish we had a Railroad Museum back home.

This museum is great for all ages. Not only do they have full size trains, they also have toy trains on the second level. They have a gift shop as well.

Some of the trains are open to walk in and explore. They have staff members working tgere who have alot of information to give.

Stop by if your in Old Town Sacramento. We were here on Thursday around 10:15a and parked in the garage across the street. $1.50 per 30mins or $13 for all day parking. There was a group of kids on a fieldtrip ahead of us at entry but it didnt make a difference because there is plenty of space for everyone. Not crowded at all.

It's a great place to experience Sacramento's history. Next to the riverbank, you can comfortably admire the scenery and breathe fresh air next to the peaceful river. The impressive trains with ancient buildings are breathtaking to photograph.

Great museum, kid and accessible friendly. A lot of information and a ton of trains. It was fun to walk through old trains and learn how the railroad was built. The toy train and model train exhibits are extensive. Definitely worth a stop.

Nice to learn history and to enjoy with the kids. nice for all ages!
Google and Apple map directions were confusing though, So don't get lost. best to Navigate to the public parking nearby.

One of my all time favorite museums. Everytime I come back here, I am always surprised how amazing this museum is. This place is like 2-3 Costco warehouses rolled into one amazing train warehouse.

They even have a train that you can walk through that mimics the feel of a train back in the day.

This place is completely worth a visit and you will be blown away by the detail and loving care they have given this museum.

Lots of locomotives and cars, some of which you can enter, along with static exhibits devoted to the history of railroads and railroad people. It looked as though the kids in attendance were enjoying themselves, but there definitely are exhibits that older attendees will appreciate more.

The Museum not only celebrates trains as amazing machines, but also reminds us of the importance of railroads in our history and culture.

It is a member of ROAM, which means that you may be able to obtain free admission if you are a member of a museum that also is part of the ROAM network.

We visited here just to kill time before heading to the airport to go back home. We are glad that we visited this museum, lots of history and train toys on the display. There is also a play area for the kids to hang around. All adults and kids will enjoy this museum as a whole, you won't regret it and disappoint.

Everyone should take a railroad ride, it doesn't cost much. The trip is short but fun, especially when the train changes tracks on the turntable. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy-go-lucky. I would recommend this excursion to everyone. This was my first ride. It was exciting to discover how it works. Bring the kids. They will truly love it.

Excellent museum! I hadn’t been since a 4th grade field trip, and it was better than I remembered. There were more interactive experiences and activities. My toddler absolutely loved it there! He was so excited about looking at all the trains, especially ones we could climb into.

He also had a blast in the toy train area for kids. He probably could have stayed there for hours and hours more!

This was a great experience for everyone. The Railraod museum clearly exceeded our expectations and provided a comprehensive education into the history of the railroad industry. This place is a must-see for the entire family.

This is not only possibly the best railway museum in the world but also one of the best I've been to (maybe because I love old trains :). All possible trains, historical moments related to railways, especially in America, are represented. Everything is very nicely made and extremely interesting. It requires a lot of time to go around slowly, without rushing.

This place is an absolute gem! Don't let the unassuming entrance nor the vaguely disinterested ticket sales clerks fool you, this museum is absolutely amazing! Anyone would enjoy this place, regardless of their affinity for trains! I was truly impressed with every single exhibit. But, my favorite was the train we were able to walk through that had the sound, look, and feel of a train in actual motion. This place is astounding!