California State Railroad Museum — Attraction in Sacramento

THE POLAR EXPRESS 2024

This experience is truly one of a kind. For anyone who's a fan of The Polar Express the book or the movie this truly brings it to life. You start off as if you are in a magical Christmas setting there's lights there's trees there's gifts to purchase it's phenomenal. There are a lot of employees doing a great job to accommodate and to take care of everyone. ( Except for Pictures) At the start of this event it's very well organized and is a well-oiled machine no pun intended. But I do have to point out we were the last train ride. So coming back we were very rushed and I mean very rushed. Gift shop closes early. As does all of Old Town Sacramento there's absolutely nothing open so you cannot grab a bite after the event. Train departed at 8:10 p.m. and was back at the station before 9:30 pm... The workers on the train do a phenomenal job to keep everyone entertained. Jim was our host and so was marshmallow. Right from the start they're going to give you hot chocolate that's not very hot nor very flavorful and a wrapped cookie. Next they will do some Singing and a little dancing. The train itself goes very slow at least going to the North Pole which is actually South LOL coming back you will get to see that magical Santa Claus come on to the train and give you a gift. The first gift of Christmas which is a beautiful sleigh bell with the year engraved on it. Very great quality. Going back the train goes faster maybe because we're the last train people want to go home I don't know but it was hauling you know what. When we got there we were advised go see Santa immediately I thought that was kind of funny at first but it was the truth as soon as we went to see him and got in line we took a picture we got out we went to take another picture because we were very happy with the way the pictures came out and it was already closed. I figured let's go take a picture in front of the train we went to do that there was a line of people my advice make friends with the people in front of you because nobody there from the staff is going to take your picture as it was the whole night there were no staff members willing to take pictures yet they were still a lot of them standing around I was a little bit disappointed about that. the gift shop as well is in a hurry to get out of there I assure you so get your stuff before you go on the train or get to the gift shop immediately because these nice ladies are tired and they want to go home and they will let you know that. For almost $350 price tag I was expecting a little bit more then an 8 oz Cup of Not Hot chocolate but warm and a basic cookie. But I also understand the amount of work and the dancing and singing and everything it still is a very special experience. This is definitely a one and done for my family and I. My advice they sell these tickets out completely by September. Unless you are a member of the Sacramento railroad association you do not get first dibs until these tickets go public. Typically 10 days after members get first dibs. There's no food being sold at the event please make sure to eat before you come and make sure to use the bathroom before you get on the train because there are no bathrooms on the train whatsoever.

As I said before it's a one-and-done experience for my family and for myself but I highly advise anyone that has kids who love the Polar Express to give it a chance and try to get an earlier train ride. My message for the staff and for the California railroad museum you should be selling food inside of the event because that would make it so much more convenient especially walking around Old Town Sacramento there's a lot of transients and homeless and they make it very unpleasant. Also there is nowhere to park so make sure to get there early so you can find a parking spot and you're going to have to download the parking app because the meters only run off of the app.

God Bless every single one of you a Merry Christmas &...

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...

During our stay on the Delta King, we stumbled upon the California State Railroad Museum and decided to give it a visit—it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip! The museum is incredible, with extensive information and exhibits that captivated us from start to finish. It’s easily one of the best museums we’ve ever been to, and we would thoroughly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

One of the absolute highlights of our visit was the guided tour we took with Don. He was simply fantastic! Even weeks later, we’re still talking about how immersive and engaging his tour was. Don’s depth of knowledge and passion for the museums exhibits truly brought the history of the railroad to life for us. We learned so much, and his enthusiasm was infectious.

The hall of trains was brilliant, we loved being able to actually board the trains. The immersive experience was enhanced by the staff on the trains, who really made you feel like you were stepping back in time. The Post Train was particularly fascinating, with the movement and sound on the trains allowing us to feel what it would have been like to travel back then.

On the second floor, we enjoyed an exhibition on model railways that was absolutely mind-blowing. The detail and craftsmanship were amazing.

Our visit to the California State Railroad Museum was one of the highlights of our three-week honeymoon road trip. We left with appreciation for the history and impact of the railroad, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. If you’re in the area, don’t miss...