Western Railway Museum — Attraction in California

We've visited many railroad museums over the years, but this is the first one that specialized in electric railroads, focusing in particular on streetcars and interurbans (although not exclusively, they also have freight and passenger cars, a handful of small Diesel locomotives, and a steam engine or two). Their goal is not simply preserving their collection, but actually getting them back in operational condition. Indeed, they have 22 miles of overhead electrified track and daily run both streetcars and interurbans so visitors can experience, not just look at, their museum pieces.The first stop is the visitor center to pay the $10 admission fee (for adults). There also are some displays covering the history and technology of electric railroads, and a gift shop/bookstore. In the same building, but with separate entrances are a small snack bar and restrooms.Behind the visitor center are two large train sheds housing the bulk of the museum's collection of rolling stock. While there are some information placards for the equipment on display, the best way to learn about them is take a tour with one of the docents. They give a running commentary on each piece of equipment including its technical details, the history of the railroad that operated it, and even its individual history including the restoration work performed on it since joining the museum. Periodically during the day, 15 minute rides on one of the museum's streetcars and 50 minute rides on one of the interurbans are offered - these are included in the price of admission.We spent about an hour and half here (unfortunately, our limited time prevented us from riding either the streetcar or interurban, so this is just time looking at the displays and listening to the docents) and learned a lot about this relatively obscure aspect of railroad history. We even left with a couple books on interurbans and streetcars from the gift shop. We really enjoyed our time here and definitely thought it was worth the drive up from the Bay Area. The museum is open year round on Saturdays and Sundays with additional open days...

Western Railway Museum was recommended to me by a co-worker. It was a little bit of a drive from Penngrove, but it was definitely worth it.

We went there on a Saturday, and I think there were a grand total of 6 people there. This made the experience nice, and at our own pace. Western Railway Museum is great for kids, as it will feed into their curiosity! If your child (or older child!) loves trains, this a place not to miss.

I think the folks that work here are volunteers. The older staff members didn't share the same enthusiasm as the docent that led the tour after the train ride. My son approached the conductor, and it felt like a Gran Torino "get off my lawn" moment. No big deal, 3 year olds are portable nightmares at times. They are full of information, but if you are expecting a 30 minute Q&A section, you may be disappointed.

The restoration efforts are spectacular. They have informational signs next to almost each train car on display, giving one a litle bit of history associated with the car. Attention to detail is clear, as the train cars, although almost fully restored, use time-appropriate equipment and signage.

Be warned. if your child likes Thomas and Friends, and you bring them here, right behind the ticket counter are large tables with wooden train tracks set up, and walls of Thomas and Friends tracks, cars, and accessories.

Overall, this is a nice museum. It's tucked back on the Sacramento Northern Railway line, and makes use of the track for the train rides. The ticket prices are incredibly reasonable ($8-$9) and the staff are friendly enough. If I could do it again, I'd wait to bring my son here until...

3rd time there. This time was for the spring wildflowers. Each time we go we learn something new. The volunteers are amazing and you can see the love of trains in all the work they do. This time we saw three more restored trains in the museum. The before and after pictures show the real picture of the work that the volunteers put in to each one. Every little detail is done perfectly. I highly recommend going there. Especially if you have children!! The train ride is about a ½ hour long with a conductor on board to answer any questions you may have. There's a picnic area that's shaded making it a great way to spend the day. They also have a book store, where you can find just about anything to do with trains and a childrens book center with toys to play with. Also inside that main entrance building you'll find various exhibits and models of the electric trains. On our last visit we were able to catch the Travis air show from the parking lot and on the way home on hwy 12. It's right off hwy 12 on the right hand side coming from Fairfield. The buildings and trains are sort of tucked from view from hwy 12 but there's a sign telling you it's there. Careful not to blink or you could miss this incredible little museum. The also have ongoing events so check out their website for future events. Even if you just want to give it a quick look it's well...